Keeping a Cool Head on Hot Trails: Survival Tips for Off-Roading in the Heat

You already know you need to drink water. But when you're off-roading in extreme heat, you need to be ahead of your thirst.

• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. At least a gallon per person, per day—more if you’re doing anything physically demanding.
• Use insulated jugs or coolers to keep water cold. Lukewarm water just hits different (in a bad way).
• Add electrolyte tabs or powder to replace what you’re sweating out.
• Keep water handy. Store bottles or a hydration pack within arm’s reach—because digging through a packed rig while sweating buckets isn’t fun.

Pro Tip: Toss a few frozen water bottles in the cooler—they keep everything chilled and give you ice-cold water once they thaw.

You’ve got the rig dialed in—lift kit, winch, maybe even a snorkel. But do you have trail gear designed to beat the heat?

Here’s a few MVPs that make a big difference:

• Roof-mounted awnings or sunshades – Instant shade when you stop for lunch or need to wrench on something.
• Portable fans with battery packs – Lightweight, compact, and can make a blazing hot tent or cab more bearable.
• Cooling towels or neck wraps – Soak, wring, and drape. These are gold in the heat.
• Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts – Trust us, ditch the cotton. Performance gear keeps you cooler and dries fast.

When it’s hot out, your rig is working just as hard as you are. The last thing you want is a boiling radiator halfway up a rocky climb.

• Check your coolant levels and inspect hoses for wear before every trip.
• Add a transmission cooler if you’re towing or running heavy loads in tough terrain.
• Keep an eye on temps. Know your engine’s limits, and pull over before it overheats.

Also, park smart—shade isn’t just for people. Giving your vehicle a break from direct sun helps everything inside (and under the hood) stay cooler.

No trip is worth heatstroke. If you're starting to feel off—headache, dizzy, lightheaded—it’s time to cool down.

• Plan your route with shady stops or water access if possible.
• Set up camp early while there’s still light and cooler temps.
• Limit heavy physical tasks to early morning or late evening.
• Use window shades or reflective windshield covers when parked.

And if you’re rolling with your dog or your kids, make sure they’re getting breaks, water, and shade too.

Off-roading in summer brings a different kind of challenge—but if you come prepared, you’ll enjoy every dusty, sun-soaked minute of it.

Just remember: Hydrate, stay in the shade, take the right gear, and watch the temp gauge.

Have a go-to way to stay cool we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear how you tackle the heat.