12 Ways to Beat the Heat During the Dog Days of Summer
Stay cool and enjoy every minute on the water with these 12 practical tips for beating the heat during the dog days of summer. From breathable fishing apparel and polarized sunglasses to hydration hacks, cooling gear, and smart boating essentials, this guide is packed with ideas to help you stay comfortable while fishing, boating, kayaking, or spending a day at the lake. Whether you're planning your next adventure or shopping for summer must-haves, you'll find plenty of inspiration and helpful product recommendations to make hot days on the water more enjoyable.
Wear Light Weight UPF Clothing
A long-sleeve UPF fishing shirt may seem warmer than a T-shirt, but it actually blocks the sun while allowing sweat to evaporate. Many anglers find they stay cooler with their skin protected instead of exposed to direct sunlight.
Recommended Gear: Women's UPF Fishing Shirts
2. Choose Light Weight Fishing Pants
Modern fishing pants are breathable, quick drying, and help prevent sunburn while keeping insects away during early mornings and evenings.
Recommended Gear: Women's Light Weight Fishing Pants
3. Wear a Wide Brimmed Fishing Hat - Or One of these Cooling Hats
A hat with a wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck while reducing glare coming off the water.
Recommended Gear: Ventilated fishing hat or Cooling Sun Defender Sun Hat
4.Never Leave Home Without Polarized Fishing Glasses
Polarized lenses reduce eye strain, cut surface glare, and even help you see fish and underwater structure more clearly. I cannot say enough about the glasses below. They are my go-to favorites because they are inexpensive, light weight, have many different styles, and honestly look as good as or better when you are wearing them. The polarization really allows you to see through the water which helps spot fish.
Recommended Gear: Polarized fishing sunglasses
5.Keep a Cooling Towel Nearby
Simply wet a cooling towel, wring it out, and drape it around your neck. The cooling effect can last for hours and provides instant relief.
6.TIP - Freeze more water than you think you'll need
Bring several frozen water bottles instead of just cold drinks. They'll keep your cooler colder and become ice-cold drinking water as they thaw.
7. Portable Waist Fan
A portable waist fan can lower your temperature several degrees. The fan's power is impressive, especially for its size. Moreover, it works amazingly well as a portable waist fan. It will keep you cool even outdoors in the heat and is perfect for work and hot days fishing.
8.Battery Operated Misting Fan
This fan has a 48 hour battery life and can emit a constant mist or intermittent. You can hook it on your boat dash or your chair and fill it quickly and easily with water from your cooler. Instant relief!
9.Cooling Evaporative Headband
This headband comes in multiple colors and UPF 50 + advanced evaporative comfort. Great for any sport especially fishing during those dog days of summer. It has a non-slip grip and is quick drying. Click below for one with super reviews.
10.Cooling Gel Ice Packs for your Hat
These are my favorite! They cool you INSTANTLY and can prevent heat stroke. They are placed inside your hat or cap and contour easily into the shape of your head. Just freeze, insert, and wear!
11.Cooling Cushion Chair Pad
This cushion is great to carry on the boat or add to your fishing chair. It's battery powered and cools 45 degrees for 10 hours. It's portable and give your seat soft cushion comfort. It weighs under five pounds and can be used on any chair. This is the ultimate in cooling down on a hot day!
12. Cooling Safety Vest
Stay comfortable in hot conditions with innovative NASA-developed PCM (Phase Change Material) technology that provides effective cooling relief. Quick and Easy to Freeze: Simply place the vest in any environment under 64 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes and the special material will freeze solid and be ready to use. It is long-lasting up to two hours, and reusable for multiple wears.
Summer doesn't have to keep you indoors. With a little planning and the right gear, the dog days of summer can still be some of the best days of the year to enjoy the lake. Whether you're chasing bass at sunrise, spending the afternoon cruising with family, or relaxing at your favorite fishing spot, staying cool means you'll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time trying to escape the heat.
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