Excellent Tips for Hiking in the Heat
Summer is the ideal time for hiking. Unfortunately, it may also become the worst time to spend time outdoors. Clear skies attract many hikers. However, these long days and clear skies can become unbearable because of heat. Whenever the temperature rises, it becomes difficult to keep you calm and motivated.
However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy great outdoors in hot weather. You should take some measures before going out. You should never allow the weather to stop your beautiful memories. The following are tips to follow:
Check weather
Do not assume that you are fine while on the move. In fact, hot weather has a lot of risks. It is necessary to check the weather forecast before you start your trip. For instance, humidity is a sign of rainfall. Therefore, you should be prepared for that. When it is hot, thunderstorms are likely to occur. You should keep yourself cool in any given situation. Thus, ensure you check the weather first before going out.
Finish late or start early
You can easily avoid the heat by starting your trip in the morning or late evening. In this way, you can avoid the midday heat. Avoid hiking between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instead, enjoy your hiking during coolest times of the day.
Choose your trail
Remember that hiking in the uncovered mountain is quite different from that in a shady forest. Therefore, you should select your trail wisely. The trail ought to include various shady sections. This will give you an opportunity to rest for some few minutes. It is advisable to choose a trail that is near a river or running water for the following reasons:
- Get free drinking water
- Cool down and refresh yourself
- Low trails offer high amount of oxygen and weal UV rays
Light apparel
When hiking during hot weather, it is recommended to put on synthetic clothes. This is because you will sweat a lot. Also, moisture-wicking clothes are recommended as they prevent irritation. Ensure you wear hiking pants, fine quality boots, and long sleeve shirts. Your main aim is to shield your body from the hot sun.
Keep yourself hydrated
As you probably know, staying hydrated is quite important for any particular outdoor adventure. This is the case when hiking in hot weather. Remember that the body loses a lot of water on a routine hike. Ensure you replenish and avoid being hydrated.
