Hangin in the heat

[Foxpoop]

These things run on butane, right? I've heard they get pretty hot, so don't they warm you up as much as a budget would?

Yes, little butane canisters. They do get hot to the touch, but they don't increase the ambient temperature at all.

[sargevining]

Site selection (ie: near water, etc...) Small fan on the ridgeline helps. Sleep in less. Give yourself a good wipedown with a baby wipe before bed so the evaporation from the alcohol can help jump start the cooling process. Tarp kept high. Personally I don't need any insulation under me around 65F and up.

This.

The ridgeline fans are a big help. God gave you a natural air conditioning system through the evaporation of sweat, and anything you can do to speed that up or help it along will help. Using a 1.1 nylon hammock also works well. There is always some air movement under the hammock, and having the lightweight fabric beneath you aids in evaporation of sweat. With a bit of evaporation going on from the fan above you and the air movement below you and you can be comfortable even on nights in the 90s---its how I've been doing it in Coastal Texas, where 90 degree nights with high humidity are common, for the past couple of years since I discovered hammocks. Using a silk sleeping bag liner can also help. Silk wicks sweat and spreads it over a wider area speeding evaporation. Using a HUG bug net rather than a full length one also helps a bit.

Hike in the early part of the day and rest in your hammock in the shade after 1400. If you're distance hiking, get out of your hammock around 17-1800, eat a meal, and hike on until dusk.

[Esteban]

Wow. There were more good ideas than I thought possible. I'm taking my boy camping this weekend, it will be his first time hanging overnight. Right now it's supposed to get into the 50s at night, but we'll be ready with some cooling options in case the forecast changes.

[dfscott]

Yes, little butane canisters. They do get hot to the touch, but they don't increase the ambient temperature at all.

That's good to know. I'm planning on a camping trip next month, and the temps are supposed to be 90s during the day and 70s at night so any extra heat would be an issue.

I don't have much choice regarding camping site, so I may go sans bug net w/ thermacell and add some ridgeline fans (may try inverting one of those "around the neck" fans)

[sargevining]

The problem with Thermacells is that they only last for 4 hours. We generally sleep at least 6, and more likely 8.

[dfscott]

The problem with Thermacells is that they only last for 4 hours. We generally sleep at least 6, and more likely 8.

Here's hoping I can get to sleep within 4 hours. Honestly, the biting isn't what bothers me -- it's the buzzing keeping me awake.

[vgmohag]

Have you tried a Thermacell instead of using a bugnet?

I love the thermacell! it is amazing, as long as it's not really windy.

[Nodust]

I love the thermacell! it is amazing, as long as it's not really windy.

Thermacell is the best. I thought they made one that lasted 12 hours, maybe not. I just have the small lanterns.

[dfscott]

Thermacell is the best. I thought they made one that lasted 12 hours, maybe not. I just have the small lanterns.

I think they say "12 hours" because the butane cartridge lasts 12 hours. But as I understand it, the repellent pads are only good for 4.

[Foxpoop]

I think they say "12 hours" because the butane cartridge lasts 12 hours. But as I understand it, the repellent pads are only good for 4.

This is fairly accurate, the repellant pads last about 4 hours. My experience is that the butane lasts about 8 hours, so I have to change pads about once/canister. Not a big deal, though because I usually get up during the night to pee. I might eventually try a non-integrated bug net. I wish I had invented Thermacell because they sure have got a ton of my money over the years. I can't turkey hunt without one.