Nothing beats being out in the wilderness, immersing yourself into the wilderness as you explore a completely unknown location. Whether you are hiking while on vacation this summer or simply taking a weekend micro adventure to help refresh your spirit before Monday rolls around again, it’s important to keep yourself safe. Summer hiking brings with it some extra challenges, so keep the following tips in mind as you prepare for your next wilderness walk.
Stay Hydrated
Trekking under high summer heat will make you lose a lot of water as you sweat, so it’s important that you take the necessary measure to keep you from dehydrating. It’s crucial that you take enough water both before and during your hike, so make sure you’re carrying water bottles or preferably a water bladder with you on your outdoor adventure. The more you sweat, the more electrolytes you lose as well, so drinking water may not be enough on the really sweltering days. This is where trail mix comes in handy. The salts in your trail mix, along with drinking plenty of water, will help replenish your lost electrolytes and keep you powered up on your hike.
Sun Safety
The summer sun can be brutal, especially the higher up a mountain you go. That’s why you should always bring sun protection gear with you on your hikes: a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. These items will keep your eyes and skin safe from the sun’s rays. The potency of UV rays increases with altitude, so make sure you’re stopping to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, even in cloudy weather. You often won’t feel the damaging effects of the sun until it’s too late.
Wear the Right Clothes
Another important thing to consider when hiking in the summer is making sure you pick the right clothes before you go out. During days of intense heat, it’s better to wear a thin shirt and hiking pants that are quick-drying, since you’ll most likely be drenched in sweat. You should pick clothes that will offer a level of UV protection as well, to keep your skin from getting sunburns. Hiking shorts are only recommended in areas with pruned paths where you won’t be injured by thorny plants, cliffs, ticks, and other insects.