Tent Camping in 60-Degree Weather – 3 Things You Need

Last Updated on 16/11/2021

Guide to Camping in 60-Degree Heat

Camping in 60-degree weather makes for just about the most idyllic conditions possible. It’s easy to make yourself comfortable, both in the evenings around a campfire and in your tent as you sleep. It is still important to find the right sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent to avoid overheating or condensation.

60-degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 degrees celsius, is widely considered the perfect temperature to go camping. Whether it’s cool summer evenings around the lake or the end of long days exploring remote wilderness, you want to know you can sleep comfortably.

The equipment you carry with you for camping in 30-degree weather is going to be very different from your winter setup. Remember, though, that you are still able to get cold, even in warmer conditions. You will need an appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and clothing, as well as food and drink, to make sure you stay safe.

Your equipment is also going to need to breathe. It can be all too easy to overheat and get sweaty and uncomfortable. We’ll take a look at all the options so you can decide on what kit to take with you.

How to Stay Comfortable When Camping in 60-Degree Weather

Firstly, we should mention that this is going to depend from person to person. Some people will find that even in mild temperatures, they can struggle to stay warm without layers of blankets and warm sleeping bags. We have tried to make this list all-encompassing, but you should make variances for personal preference.

Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean you can go without important equipment. Overnight, as your body relaxes, you are still likely to cool down and need to have a sleeping bag and sleeping mat. We’ll get into the technicalities of these in the next section, but a two-season sleeping bag should be enough.

Ventilation is really important in warmer weather, especially if you live in a humid area. Gathering moisture can leave you feeling clammy and cooling down in the early hours of the morning. Tents which don’t vent properly are likely to drip condensation, giving you a damp night.

Essentials to Have When Camping in 60 Degree Weather

Sleeping Pad

You can get away with almost any sleeping pad in 60-degree weather. The idea of a sleeping pad is to insulate you from the floor up. They also add an element of comfort, but this varies depending on the thickness of your pad.

Even in warm weather, the ground cools overnight. You lose a large portion of the heat to the ground, where your sleeping bag insulation can’t loft and trap heat as efficiently. A pad will keep you at a reasonable temperature. Consider a Thermarest sleeping pad that promotes airflow. These can stop you from overheating and stop moisture gathering.

Temperature Rated Sleeping Bag or Quilt

Sleeping bags come with three major temperature ratings. These are comfort, limit, and extreme ratings. The comfort limit is our most important for summer camping and will give us an idea of the temperatures we can expect to be comfortable in our sleeping bags.

If your sleeping bag is rated too low temperatures, there’s a good chance that you will overheat and get uncomfortable. A sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 60-degrees will keep us warm without overheating. A two-season sleeping bag will be fine in most cases.

Alternatively, camping quilts are a popular summer option. These have similar ratings to sleeping bags but often get better airflow to stop you from sleeping too hot. Remember, if you are using a quilt, that you might want something underneath you, as sleeping pads can often feel sticky against your skin.

Whether you’re using a sleeping bag or a quilt, it’s worth considering a sleeping bag liner. A lightweight liner, either silk or Coolmax, can help to wick away moisture and keep you cool. In warmer temperatures, these are often a viable standalone option, though it’s worth having your sleeping bag with you as a backup.

Sleeping bag liners are also much easier to wash after you have been camping. If you have a warm night, you’ll probably be sweating into your sleeping bag, and it will need a wash. Your liner can just be removed and thrown into the laundry with your other equipment.

2+ Season Tent

Camping in warm weather still requires a quality tent. Remember, just because it’s 60-degrees doesn’t mean it can’t rain. A good quality, 2+ season tent will help to keep the elements outside and you at a comfortable temperature. Tent color can make a difference too.

2 season tents usually have more ventilation than a 3 season alternative. Any moisture you produce is more likely to get wicked away and cool air can blow through to keep you comfortable. Desert camping tents work well in 60-degree weather so that might be a good place to start looking.

It’s important that your tent is two-layer. Single skin tents are known for trapping moisture and condensation dripping on you in your sleep. A two-layer tent helps to prevent this and is more suited to keeping critters out, too.

FAQ’s About Camping in 60-Degree Weather

Is 60-Degrees Fahrenheit Cold for Camping?

No. 60-degrees is broadly considered to be perfect camping conditions. It’s cool enough that you can get comfortable, but not so cold that you can’t enjoy an evening around a campfire without being layered up.

What Should I Wear for 60-Degree Weather Camping?

In the evenings, you may need a jumper or a warm jacket to take the chill off, especially if it’s windy. Once you’re in your sleeping bag, thin pajamas, or just underwear, is usually adequate for most people. Any thermal clothing is going to make you too warm.

Can I Go Camping With a 30-Degree Sleeping Bag in 60-Degree Weather?

You can, and for some people who sleep cold this might work out perfectly. For most people though, this will be far too warm. You can always unzip your sleeping bag and use it as a blanket instead.

Can You Go Hammock Camping in 60-Degree Weather?

60-Degree weather is perfect for hammock camping. It’s warm enough to be comfortably warm, but the cool breeze will help to carry excess warmth away. Waking up on warm mornings and looking out from underneath your tarp is also a great way to enjoy a sunrise.