Summer is the best time to hike and camping: the snow has melted, the flowers are blooming and the skies are blue. But unfortunately, that also means generally often get ridiculously incredibly hot. I really heat-sensitive (I wilt in hot temperatures) however I always want to go hiking even if it’s way too warm absent. After years of experience (and some not-so-awesome trips where the temperature really beat me), below are my 5 essential tips for hiking in hot weather.
In this article, I help you deal with hiking in hot weather conditions and share with you 5 unique tips to stay cool and safe while backpacking in the warmth.
1. Carry Plenty Of Water
Just because you’re not hiking across a desert doesn’t mean water will be going to readily available. In the jungles of the world, water is plentiful that is certainly before the monsoon season begins. But be wary, especially in places where water can be tapped almost on-demand sources can be riddled with parasites and other pretty unpleasant organisms.
When you start fascinated by access to water require only a few to consider the purification process. Boiling water each night in readiness for your next day is the highest priority you have. But specialists. only carry so much water (consider this: 1 liter of water weighs approximately the kilogram. 5 liters of water is an extra 5 kg of weight).
To reduce the weight, you carry you’re going to want a way of purifying water moving around.
On pretty much all my expeditions and treks I always carry purification tablets several of the most beneficial drinking straws available order at the time. I recommend making use of a straw as water purified with tablets can taste like crap.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink enough before you leave on the trail
- Drink regularly while hiking
- Carry enough water plus little more
- More often smaller sips are better than less regular gulping
2. Wear Lightweight Clothes
When the temperature starts to rise you immediately feel warmer, which is a little no-brainer. When you incorporate hard physical activity, you are going to notice build. The type of clothing you significance of warm weather conditions really should be lightweight and have excellent wicking qualities.
Anything that is lightweight, breathable and loose will perform. As an added bonus, clothing with good wicking qualities draws sweat away from the entire body and reduces stickiness.
On my legs, I wear a pair of walking trousers with removable lower legs that could be unzipped and removed when temperatures start to warm up.
3. Rest Regularly
Resting regularly is a general important thing every hiker should remember when you’re going hot weather hiking. In normal or cooler weather conditions it is advisable to calm down every 2h for around 30 min. In summer conditions I would encourage you to use the above rule or to rest even more often. Hiking in the heat RRS extremely strenuous and it’s in order to keep your body who is fit.
Find yourself a shaded spot, sit down, cool down, drink water, take off your shoes and rest feet. By doing so you’re certain to stay fit and can continue your hike any kind of health issue.
- General rule – 15-30 min break every 2h
- In very hot conditions take brakes more often
- Choose the shaded place, sit down, cool down, take off your shoes and drink
- Drink a little more
4. Know Your Body Condition
When hiking in hot weather it is very in order to observe yourself and your companions. Everyone has their limits and sometimes you can misjudge your capabilities so you need to know how to recognize and respond to any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Recognizing the signs and counteracting them might avoid wasting lives. Pay attention to yourself and your companions
Know your limits. Summer between the best times to go hiking we all should all count at a couple of cool summer adventures enjoying. I hope that with the hiking guide observing stay as well as prepared for any days of hellish heat and you’ll successfully finish your hikes.
5. Know The Danger Signs
Of your own safety and the safety of those with whom you’re hiking, know what heat exhaustion and heatstroke look like and know what to do:
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is your body’s inability to cope with no stress of heat. It can occur after lengthy expertise of high temperatures and frequently accompanied by dehydration.
Some signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke:
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, headache, pale face, cool and moist skin, cramps. (Remember: Don’t ignore a headache when hiking in hot weather! Which serious stuff. Summary using. Drink. Rest.)
Treatment: the drinking water with electrolytes, eat high-energy foods (with fats and sugars), rest in the shade for 30-45 minutes, and cool the body by wetting it with cool water to drink. If nausea or vomiting prevents drinking fluids, get the target to a hospital as fluids may wish to be administered intravenously.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when your own literally overheats. It is a serious medical condition that simply takes strike fast and requires immediate medical attention. When you notice a hiking partner displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion combined with enhancements made on mental status, he or she may have heat stroke. Pay particular focus on these signs:
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Anxiety
Symptoms: dry skin, flushed face, high core body temperature, weak and rapid pulse, confusion, poor judgment or inability to cope, unconsciousness, hallucinations, convulsions. Sometimes symptoms of heatstroke can mimic those connected having a heart attack or other concerns.
Treatment: the heatstroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on the victim’s head and torso, fan construct evaporative cooling outcomes. Immerse the victim in cold water if possible. Move the victim to shade and remove excess substances. The victim should be evacuated to a hospital. Someone should choose from help while attempts to cooling the victim continue.
Hyponatremia (water intoxication)
A health problem that mimics the early symptoms of heat weariness. It іs the rеsult of lоw sоdіum іn the blоod the end result оf drinkіng toо much wаter and losing tоo much ѕalt through ѕweаtіng.
Symptoms: vomiting, nausea, altered mental states, confusion, frequent urination. The victim may look intoxicated. In extreme cases, seizures may occur.
Treatment: have the victim eat salty foods, slowly drink sports drinks with electrolytes, and rest previously shade. If mental alertness decreases, seek immediate help!
Hypothermia
A life-threatening emergency where the body cannot keep itself warm, simply exhaustion and exposure to cold, wet, windy weather.
Symptoms:
uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control, careless attitude. Look for signs of the “umbles” – grumbling, mumbling, fumbling, stumbling.
Treatment:
remove wet clothing and add dry clothing, drink warm sugary liquids, warm victim by body contact with another person, protect from wind, rain, and cold.
Avoid hypothermia by checking at Canyon. View Backcountry Information Center for the latest weather and trail conditions. Taking layered clothing for protection against cold and wet weather, eating frequently, replacing fluids and electrolytes by drinking before feeling thirsty, and avoiding expertise of wet weather.
10 Hot Weather Hiking Essentials
- Water – plain and some with electrolyte replacement.
- Food – especially salty foods. Eat twice the same as normal.
- First Aid Kit – antiseptic, bandaids, moleskin, ace wrap, etc.
- Map – Maps are helpful tools. It’s an essential tool for trails.
- Pack – to carry the essentials.
- Flashlight/Spare Batteries – allows you to hike out within the cool of the nighttime.
- Spray Bottle – fill with water for your private air conditioning system.
- Hat/Sunscreen – Keeping the sun away and protecting your skin.
- Whistle and/or Signal Mirror – for an emergency benefit from.
- Waterproof Clothing – poncho or jacket; especially useful during monsoon season.
Conclusion:
Presently you should have what needed for your next hot weather hiking opportunity. There are many steps you can take to remain cool on a hike, so try some of these tips during your next adventure.
And remember to continually hike smart. Pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, take associated with rest, and don’t push yourself too hard.
Happy Hiking!
