Tips for Hiking in the Summer
You may be tempted to spend this part of the year in a cool, dark room with a fan aimed at you. But with just a little bit of planning and a lot of water, summer can be an excellent time of year to hit the trails.
Here are our tips for hiking in the summer heat:
Start early. The earlier you start your hike, the longer you’ll have to finish before the hottest time of day, which is usually noon to 3pm.
Stay hydrated. One of the biggest risks with any outdoor activity in the summer is dehydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water before, during, and after a hike. For most people, 16-32 ounces per hour of exercise is what you should aim to drink. Consider adding in electrolyte drinks or supplements to replenish what you sweat out.
Dress appropriately. Wear light colored, lightweight, sweat-wicking clothing. You may also want to invest in clothing with a UPF rating for added protection. Cotton clothing is not helpful for hikers at any point in the year. During the summer, cotton will retain moisture and cause chafing; and during the winter, or even when temperatures go down on summer nights, sweaty cotton will cause you to quickly feel cold. It is also important to wear a hat to protect your head, face, and neck from the sun.
Familiarize yourself with signs of heat stroke. Signs include, but are not limited to, muscle pain or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs, heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, exhaustion, headache, nausea and vomiting, oral body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin with no sweat, rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Be prepared for everything. At Fenix Prep, we always recommend being prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. This means carrying supplies like water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, non-perishable food, light and communication tools, shelter, and sanitary supplies.
As you can see, with a little planning and preparation, summer can be an excellent time to go outside and enjoy the trails!
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