This Summer's Hottest
Overlanding Question
Overlanding Question
As July temperatures hit record highs across the American Southwest, one topic dominates campfire conversations and forum discussions: How are serious overlanders adapting to extreme heat conditions?
Whether you clicked here because you're curious about the gear debate, concerned about safety, or want to share your own experiences—you're in the right place.
"Real overlanding is about self-reliance and embracing the elements. If you need AC, maybe you should stay home."
"Smart overlanding means managing risk. Heat stroke doesn't care about your principles."
- According to EPA data, more than 1,300 deaths in the U.S. each year are linked to extreme heat.
- CDC reports show a sharp increase in heat-related emergency room visits across several U.S. regions in 2023.
- Data from the National Park Service shows that the Grand Canyon sees 300 to 350 search-and-rescue missions each year, with around 70 of them occurring during the high heat season following Memorial Day.
What the Overlanders Are Saying:
"Be prepared to be very uncomfortable during the day. Short of spending the entire day submerged in a stream, or draping yourself in wet towels, it’s going to be and feel hot AF. I speak from experience, and I just don’t go camping if it’s going to be over 90 degrees for any length of time."
When temperatures stay above 100°F for days, many overlanders face a familiar pattern: poor sleep leads to fatigue, fatigue leads to poor decision-making, and poor decisions can lead to dangerous situations.
For those who pride themselves on traveling light, extreme heat presents a difficult equation: Does adding cooling gear compromise the authentic experience, or does heat exhaustion compromise safety?
Teams often face the "weakest link" scenario - when one member struggles with heat, the entire group's safety and enjoyment is affected.
When overlanders do choose portable cooling, they're not grabbing consumer units from big box stores. They're looking for:
The overlanders who came before us weren't opposed to innovation—they were the first to adopt GPS, satellite communication, and advanced 4WD systems. They adapted their gear to meet the challenges of their time. Climate change is one of ours. Maybe the question isn't whether portable AC belongs in overlanding. Maybe it's: How do we integrate new tools while preserving the spirit of adventure?
The overlanding community thrives on respectful debate and shared experiences. Whether you're running AC or roughing it old-school, we're all out there for the same reason: the freedom of the trail. Ready to find your own balance?
Learn practical strategies in our [How to Stay Cool When Overlanding] guide, or [Join the ZERO BREEZE Community] where overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts share real solutions for beating the heat—from installation tips to proven cooling strategies.