What to Wear Camping When It’s Hot During the Day and Cold at Night

If you’ve ever gone camping in the summer, you probably know this familiar struggle: sweating through your shirt at 2 PM, then shivering in your sleeping bag by 10. Big temperature swings are common outdoors, especially in deserts, forests, and at higher elevations. The trick to staying comfortable is all in how you layer.

The good news is you don’t need a massive wardrobe. You just need the right gear in the right materials, worn in the right order. Here’s what to wear when you’re camping somewhere hot during the day and cold at night.

During the Day: Light, Breathable, and Sun-Smart

Start with a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

Avoid cotton. It traps sweat and holds onto odor. Instead, go for synthetic or merino wool tees and tanks that wick away moisture and dry fast. Look for lightweight shirts with flat seams to reduce chafing.

• Short-sleeve or sleeveless base layer
• Lightweight sports bra or bralette
• Breathable underwear

Tip: If you're doing any hiking or physical activity, moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cooler and less sticky.

Protect Your Skin Without Overheating

The sun might feel great in the moment, but sunburns make nights miserable. Try a long-sleeve UPF shirt that offers built-in sun protection without making you feel like you’re roasting. Pair it with a wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses to give your face and eyes a break from the glare.

• UPF-rated long sleeve
• Lightweight hiking pants or shorts
• Hat with a brim
• Sunglasses

If you prefer shorts during the day, make sure to pack bug spray and sunscreen. Nothing ruins dinner by the campfire like a swarm of mosquitoes.

Keep Your Feet Cool and Comfortable

Stick with wool-blend or synthetic socks, even in the heat. They wick moisture and prevent blisters. Pair them with hiking sandals or trail runners, depending on your activity.

• Wool-blend hiking socks
• Breathable shoes or sandals
• Camp shoes or flip flops for relaxing

Tip: Bring an extra pair of socks and swap them out mid-day if your feet get sweaty. Dry feet equal happy campers.

At Night: Insulating, Layered, and Wind-Ready

When the sun dips, temps can drop fast. As soon as you feel a chill, start layering before your body gets too cold.

Add a Mid-Layer for Warmth

A fleece pullover or light insulated jacket is perfect for early evening when the air starts cooling down. Zip-ups are great because you can adjust them as needed.

• Lightweight fleece or synthetic puffy
• Cozy joggers or insulated leggings
• Long sleeve shirt or base layer

Top it Off with an Outer Layer

If it’s windy or damp, throw on a shell to block the breeze and hold in your body heat. Water-resistant jackets are also great if there's any chance of light rain or dew.

• Windbreaker or shell jacket
• Knit hat or beanie
• Lightweight gloves if temps drop really low

Tip: Keep your nighttime layers in a dry stuff sack so they’re easy to grab as the sun sets. Changing into warm gear early helps your body retain heat.

Overnight Comfort: What to Sleep In

Your sleeping setup matters too. Wear clean, dry layers to bed. This helps regulate your body temp and feels a lot more comfortable after a dusty day.

Recommended sleepwear:

• Thermal or merino wool long sleeve
• Soft leggings or sleep tights
• Clean socks
• Optional: Buff or beanie to trap heat

Pro move: Slip tomorrow’s outfit into your sleeping bag so it’s warm when you wake up.

Outfit Strategy: Smart Swaps, Not Overpacking

Don’t bring an outfit for every hour. Instead, focus on versatile pieces you can mix and match across conditions.

Here’s a sample packing list for 2 nights of camping in hot/cold swing weather:

• 2 short-sleeve or tank base layers
• 1 long-sleeve UPF shirt
• 1 fleece or insulated jacket
• 1 windbreaker or shell
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of long pants
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 set of sleep clothes
• Hat, sunglasses, gloves, and clean underwear

This lineup keeps your pack light but your temperature under control.

Final Thought: Comfort Is in the Layers

When you're camping in wide temperature swings, layers are your best friend. Stay cool by day, stay warm by night, and pack intentionally so you can enjoy the experience instead of worrying about the weather.

And if you're looking for gear that performs across the full temperature spectrum, HDO Sport has your back. From sun-smart base layers to wind-ready outerwear, everything is built to move, breathe, and keep you comfortable no matter what the forecast throws your way.