Stay Cool This Summer!

• Posted on 24 March 2025
• 0

Your how-to guide on keeping cool this Summer!

We think it's safe to say that the heat has been wicked this summer. While warm weather means summertime fun, sometimes it can feel as though it is too hot to go out adventuring. Well, lucky for you, we here at Bushwhacker can let you in on places to go, cooling wear, tips, and tricks for staying cool this summer!  

Cooling Wear

Wearing appropriate clothing is equally important as staying hydrated while facing the heat. Luckily, we have plenty of cooling wear here at Bushwhacker, such as merino wool, tensile, and Capilene. Here is a short breakdown of each one of these cooling fabrics, in addition to the brands we carry in store: 

• Merino Wool: Grown by Merino sheep, this wool is thinner, softer, and wickedly good at keeping you cool. Merino wool aids in keeping you cool by wicking sweat away from the skin due to being a porous material, letting it evaporate which keeps you nice and dry while engaging in sweat-inducing activities. At Bushwhacker, we carry Smartwool, a brand known for its incredible Merino Wool wear. 
• Capilene: This fabric made using moisture-wicking polyester dries quickly when wet, keeps you cool/dry, and is lightweight. Patagonia has worked endlessly in perfecting Capilene cooling technology. If you are interested in Capilene, we have you covered on Patagonia brand products like Capilene cool! 
• Tensile: Probably the most unique cooling fabric on the list. Originally used for tent structures, this mesh fabric is dipped in a protective coating, making it intended for external use. This fabric is durable, waterproof, and protects you from harsh UV rays. Tensile is also used in Smartwools' products for extra cooling.

Places to Adventure/Activities

Trying to figure out places to go and things to do on your own or with the family this summer? Here are a couple of local spots plus various activities you can do without the worry of getting too exhausted from the heat. 

• Go for a paddle: Banner Marsh, Wildlife Prairie Park, and Sankoty Lakes are a few places you can go in the area to do so, and Bushwhacker has all the PFDs, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and paddles you need!
• Hit the sails and go windsurfing: Devil's Lake, Illinois River, and Lake Evergreen allow this outdoor water activity. 
• Take walks near the river or many lakes in our area: Mackinaw River, Kickapoo Creek, and Spoon River are just a few places.   

Tips & Tricks

There are a lot of neat tips & tricks that aid in helping you beat the heat! Some sound crazy or counterintuitive, but trust us, they work! 

Here are just a few:

• Avoid fabrics like cotton that doesn't wick, dry, or cool. Refer to the suggestions above under "Cooling Wear."  
• Wear a wet neck gaiter 
• Freeze a water bottle 
• Wear sunscreen
• Rest in shade
• Wear sunglasses
• Get started early 
• Wear light colors! Black is cool n' all, but dark clothing draws more heat, making you feel even warmer.

As always, gear up... make tracks!