We all love heading out to the trails when the weather gets warmer. After hibernating all winter and avoiding a rainy, muddy spring, the summer heat feels good on our skin!
But the summer heat can be dangerous.
I always see people say things like, “I’m an expert; I can go out at 2 pm in 120 degrees and hike for hours because I take my 16.9 oz bottle of water!”. Yes, I’m an expert hiker, too, but I’m not dumb. The desert doesn’t care if you’re an expert. You need to respect mother nature and know that even though you’re an “expert,” shit can still happen.
And it does.
How can you stay safe and still get outside this summer heat?
- Plan your route and let someone know your plan. Use a program like Strava Safety Beacon to let them know your location. Some will even alert if you haven’t moved in a certain amount of time.
- Go out early (or late). The earlier, the better. Plan to be done before 9 a.m. If you can’t get out early, start after 7 p.m.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, breathable clothing. Sweat-wicking is best. Cover as much as you can with long sleeves and pants. Put on a hat. And don’t forget sunscreen for any exposed skin.
- Be sure to stay hydrated. Start before you go out with a glass of water. During your activity, sip water every 15-20 minutes. I keep it simple when running/hiking and sip every mile. Supplement with electrolytes if you plan to be out for 60 minutes or more. And don’t forget to drink water after you get done.
- Before you get halfway through your water, turn around (if on out and back). You don’t want to run out of water and still be miles from your house/car!
- Go slower than your usual pace.
- Take rests as needed in shaded areas.
- And if you get too warm, cutting it short is okay. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
You can still spend time outdoors; take the dangers of summer seriously. Heat illness can come on quickly and surprise even the most experienced hikers. Know how to stay safe.
