Smart Ways to Stay Cool on the Farm
Summer on the farm is one of my favorite times of year. Even when the temperatures soar, we’re outside every day—picking berries, harvesting cucumbers for pickles, or weeding the garden. There’s just something about working with your hands in the dirt that is so rewarding, heat or not.
Of course, we’ve learned to be smart about it. Staying cool and hydrated isn’t optional when you’re outside in the sun for hours—it’s essential. And while drinking water and wearing a hat are obvious tips, I’ve found a few things that make hot summer days on the farm a lot more manageable.
A Better Way to Hydrate: PATH Water
I’ve recently started keeping PATH Water bottles on hand, and I love them. PATH offers purified still water with added electrolytes in a refillable aluminum bottle—which means it’s cold longer, easy to reuse, and doesn’t have the waste of single-use plastic.
Honestly, there’s just something about drinking out of a cold metal bottle when it’s pushing 90 degrees outside. It’s crisp, clean, and refreshing—without all the extras you don’t want in your water.
Cooling Gear That Makes a Difference
A few years ago, I discovered Mission cooling gear, and now I don’t go a summer without it. Their cooling ball cap is one of my favorite finds. It’s lightweight, breathable, and when you wet it, wring it out, and give it a snap—it instantly activates cooling that lasts for hours.
I also love the cooling neck gaiter. It blocks up to 98% of UV rays and keeps the sun off my neck while offering the same “wet it and snap it” cooling effect. Perfect for berry-picking, garden weeding, and even just walking around the farm on those scorching afternoons.
Bonus: Mission gear is chemical-free and machine washable, so it holds up to daily use without wearing out.
The Neck Fan Experiment
This year, I decided to test out a wearable neck fan. I’ve seen more and more people using them and figured it was worth a try.
Here’s my take: the concept is great, and it does help a bit when I’m standing still—but the one I picked is a little bulky and louder than I expected. It’s not a total miss, but not quite the home run I was hoping for either. I’m still open to trying a better model, though, so if you’ve found one you love, let me know!
Being out in the heat is part of farm life in the summer, but with the right tools and a little common sense, it doesn’t have to wear you down. Staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and using smart upgrades like cooling gear can make a big difference.
What about you? Do you have a go-to summer hack that keeps you cool when you’re working outdoors? I’d love to hear it—and if you’ve found a neck fan that actually works while moving around, send me the link!
