Summertime is the season of outdoor concerts, picnics in the park, long walks with the dogs, and days spent lounging at the beach. It’s spending the morning working in the garden, then unwinding in the evening with a refreshing drink while admiring the results of your hard work.
But, as I was reminded this weekend when I attended the first (of many, I hope) outdoor concerts of the season, none of these activities are even remotely fun when we’re uncomfortable. To enjoy the great outdoors in the summer, we need to be proactive about staying cool, comfortable, and protected from the elements. (And mosquitoes. Darn those vicious bloodsuckers.)
Cooling Wearables
As a sports mom who has had to survive countless afternoons sweltering on shadeless ballfields in July’s scorching heat, cooling wearables are a must. You can employ this concept as simply or as elaborately as you like; any of these options will go a long way towards keeping you from overheating.
Cooling Towels: Draping a damp towel over the back of your neck is a surprisingly effective way to stay cool. You can use any old towel, technically, but some fabrics work far better than others — especially those that have been engineered to be lightweight and conducive to the evaporative process. (CNN Underscored has rated their favorite cooling towels and found that some were noticeably better at providing cooling comfort.)
The one downside is that you inevitably end up with a wet shirt, especially along the back of your collar and across the tops of your shoulders and chest. Some people couldn’t care less (the evaporative process will work here, too!) but those with sensory issues might be bothered by the perpetual dampness.
Personal Fans: You’ve likely seen neck fans at sporting events, poolside, and anywhere else people aren’t afraid to look ridiculous in order to stay cool. These devices are usually rechargeable (don’t bother with the ones that aren’t; you’ll spend a fortune on batteries), relatively cheap and surprisingly effective.
The neck area is rich in blood vessels and sweat glands, which makes it an effective area to target for cooling the body. While neck fans won’t be able to drastically change your core temperature, they can make you feel significantly more comfortable. The same goes for those hats with built-in fans, as well.
Ice Packs: TikTok is awash right now with ads for these U-shaped ice packs that are designed to be tucked against the body for instant heat relief. (They seem particularly popular among women with an ample bosom, as they can be tucked into your bra without anyone being the wiser.)
The most recent iterations of these ice rings use a special Phase-Change Material (PCM) refrigerant that freezes below 64℉, which means they freeze faster than water, and will stay cooler, longer. Just be careful; applying an ice pack directly to sensitive skin can be damaging, so be sure to read any accompanying safety instructions.
Comfortable Outdoor Seating
Second to staying cool, having somewhere to comfortably relax is another must-have for summertime activities. Sure, a towel will work when you’re at the beach, but have you tried those chairs that make it possible to read while lying on your stomach? I have, and I’m never going back.
Zero-Gravity Chairs: One of the most popular outdoor comfort products among older adults, zero-gravity chairs elevate the legs and distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure on the back and joints. They’re ideal for reading, camping, or simply relaxing in the shade. The Spruce has its list of favorites to get you started.
Rocking Camp Chairs: Straight backs and the one-size-fits-all shape can make traditional folding chairs difficult to sit in for long periods. Portable rocking chairs come in many iterations, now, allowing you to choose between several different models. The original version offers gentle motion and the same essential footprint of a camp chair, but some people complain that the hinges get squeaky/sticky over time. There is also a hammock-esque version, with adjustable recline and the option to add cupholders and footrest slings.
Garden Kneelers and Seats: For gardening enthusiasts, combination kneeler-and-seat benches provide cushioning while kneeling and sturdy handles for assistance when standing up. They don’t have back support, but they’re great for the up-down, up-down movement of weeding and planting.
Shade Solutions
Portable Canopies: A pop-up canopy can lower the temperature by several degrees while protecting against harmful UV exposure. Many modern versions can be set up by one or two people in just a few minutes.
And for the ultimate portable canopy, you might consider personal “pods,” that provide shade and bug protection (although you perpetually look as if you’ve been put in time-out.)
Clamp-On Umbrellas: These attach to lawn chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, benches, and rails, creating portable shade that moves with the user. The cheaper ones suffer from some issues in high winds, but they’re better than nothing by a long shot.
Wide-Brim Sun Hats: A quality sun hat remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent heat-related discomfort and sunburn. Look for:
- UPF 50+ protection
- Moisture-wicking sweatbands
- Adjustable chin straps
- Light-weight fabric (that won’t trap heat) and/or ventilated crowns
Bug Protection Without Hassle
Wearable Mosquito Repellers: Instead of constantly applying sprays, some wearable repellers can create a protective zone around the user.
One 2017 study wasn’t sold on the methods available at the time -– like any of the bracelets and patches — but clothing pre-treated with Permethrin has been shown to be effective, as have devices that disperse airborne repellents into the surrounding air.
Portable Fans: A Small rechargeable fan not only helps with cooling but also discourages mosquitoes, which are weak fliers.
*Featured Image by Urilux via Canva.com
