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Extreme Heat Camping
Make friends with the shade. When I was in New Mexico I used to carry a Tyvek tarp that I put grommets in to make a porta-shade. Tyvek worked like a charm because it is super tough, super light, and white, which helps it radiate heat. This extra weight was worth the full 13 oz. In addition to some 3mm cord, it can be your best friend. Keep in mind that in dry climates the shade can make a 20 degree or more difference. Stay hydrated. Seems simple, but it isn't always, when you sweat, you lose water, and if it is really hot, the sweat will evaporate so fast that you may not even feel it. So you need to keep drinking constantly, even if you don't think it is necessary. In fact, You should know that once you feel thirsty you are starting to get dehydrated. Also when you sweat, you lose electrolytes. If you don't replace them, your body can no longer retain the water you drink. To replace them there are many options, one of my favorites is Camelback Elixir. Move at night. Moving makes heat, so to keep cool, staying still helps immensely. You should attempt to stay still and in the shade during the hottest time of the day usually 2-5pm. Begin your days early. If you can't finish by noon, chill out until the evening hours and finish your hike as it cools off. Your pack will make you hotter, and so will hiking. If you get stuck be prepared with a book, a deck of cards or something to keep yourself occupied with. Dress Light. Keeping cool with high quality performance clothing from a company like The North Face can help keep you from getting overheated. Something that gives a high UPF rating to help block the sun, and something that is lightweight, breathable, and not too absorbent. Patagonia Clothing also makes Capiline, a great product for this purpose. Put all your fluids inside your pack. Storing your fluids inside your pack instead of on the outside mesh pockets may seem inconvenient, but it will keep it out of the sun's rays, so it stays cool throughout the day. There is almost nothing harder than trying to force yourself to drink steamy hot water in 120 degree weather. Find a Breeze. The cooling sensation from a nice cross breeze is actually incredible. Thus, you should try to pick a rest spot where you will be exposed to some quality cross wind, it will keep you cool and comfortable, if you've got your porta-shade, it should be easy to find a spot almost anywhere with both shade and a breeze. Eat cold food. Eating warm food will increase your core temperature, making you feel hotter than ever. Eating food that does not require heating will help keep your body temperature low. Fruits have a high water ratio also, so they help to cool you off and stay hydrated. Cover your head. Wearing a hat is a great idea, it protects your head from the sun's rays which is a major influence in how hot you feel, but it also helps your head stay cool. A good hat with moisture management will help keep your head cool and comfortable. For super hot situations where you have lots of available water, you can drench the hat and cool off your head. Use that bandanna. A bandanna to cover your neck can be very beneficial. take a white or lightly colored one to cast off the sun, and get it wet if you have lots of water, keeping your head and neck cool will help the most. Expeditions in the desert can be great if you know how to handle the harsh weather. The desert offers its own style of beauty and serenity. As Edward Abbey said, “Strolling on, it seems to me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life as in other places but scattered abroad in spareness and simplicity, with a generous gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stands out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individuation of desert life-forms.” Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com This article was written by Brian Tecklenburg, lover of the outdoors and many outdoor sports. He has much experience in camping and is always looking for ways to push his limits. Brian loves to get his top quality gear from www.moosejaw.com/ |
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