Simply because the temperatures are climbing does not imply you have to keep inside. Keep safer within the warmth with these easy ideas.
Revealed July 20, 2026 02:01PM
Summer time mountaineering is likely one of the nice joys of the season, however sweltering temperatures could make it depressing, even harmful. Extreme warmth is the deadliest pure catastrophe worldwide, with the World Well being Group estimating that it kills practically a half-million individuals worldwide yearly. As a result of we spend a lot time exterior, hikers are particularly hazard.
Plan on hitting the path through the summer season’s hottest days? Go outfitted with the information to maintain your self secure, beginning with these 5 expert-approved ideas.
Transcript
It’s the center of July and issues are getting toasty. Right here in Colorado, our temperatures have been hovering within the 90s. In elements of the Southwest, it’s considerably hotter, and the East Coast is simply coming off a record-setting warmth wave. If you happen to’re a hiker, sizzling temperatures will be lethal. Between 2007 and 2023, some 76 individuals died in US nationwide parks of warmth sickness.
Does that imply you have to hand over mountaineering in the summertime? No, by no means. But it surely does assist to have a bit of bit of data. Listed below are 5 issues you must know earlier than you go mountaineering within the warmth.
First off, drink sufficient water. You could drink about one liter of water per hour in sizzling temperatures. Go by your thirst. If it’s actually sizzling, chances are you’ll want greater than that. And water is just not sufficient. You could be taking in electrolytes as nicely, otherwise you’ll danger growing the life-threatening situation hyponatremia. Now, the way you get these electrolytes is absolutely as much as you. Lots of people prefer to eat salty snacks. It’s also possible to add mixes to your water so long as you get them. If half your water has run out, and also you don’t have entry to a dependable supply, that could be a good signal it’s time to show round.
Second, know your route. The topography of the place you’re mountaineering issues, particularly on actually sizzling days. Within the desert, temperatures in sunny areas can really feel about 10 to twenty levels hotter due to radiant warmth. When it’s sizzling out, search for shaded spots. Assume deep canyons, forests, locations like that. It additionally helps to mark locations for potential relaxation breaks in your map. You’re going to wish to take lots of these when it’s sizzling out.
Third, get acclimated. Opposite to well-liked perception, being in good condition is not going to make it easier to stave off warmth sickness. One factor that may, getting used to the warmth. Once you spend time within the warmth, your sweat glands and blood vessels start to work extra effectively to chill you down. Start your coaching about two weeks earlier than your journey. Begin by occurring reasonable hikes in considerably sizzling temperatures, assume mid-70s into the 80s. As you get extra used to it, up the exercise degree and up the warmth. Assume occurring a strenuous hike or perhaps a run in 90-degree climate. These results ought to final for one to 2 weeks after you cease.
Fourth, think about cotton. Hikers prefer to say cotton kills as a result of it stays moist and so it leaches off your physique warmth, which will be actually harmful in chilly temperatures. However when it’s sizzling out, that’s truly actually helpful. As a result of it helps you quiet down so successfully, cotton is an effective selection on the most popular days. Contemplate pre-soaking your shirt when it’s actually sizzling out. You’ll be able to pour a liter bottle of water in your shirt or soak it in a creek or one thing like that. That can make it easier to hold cool, form of like a misting fan may because it evaporates. Simply take into account that in some desert areas, it will probably truly get fairly chilly at night time, even when it’s sizzling out, so that you may wish to carry one other layer if there’s any probability your hike will final previous sundown.
Lastly, time your hike proper. The center of the day is a superb time to hike within the shoulder season, however a fairly poor time to hike in the summertime. As an alternative, take your cue from the animals that reside within the desert, which principally come out within the evenings and early mornings. Begin your hikes actually early and plan on being executed by about 10:00 a.m. If you happen to’re out for the entire day or a number of days, think about planning a protracted siesta across the hottest hours of the day. That’s a good time to take a protracted lunch, or a nap, or simply type by means of your gear. A very good headlamp is essential right here. You’re going to be beginning at midnight and possibly ending at midnight, so be sure you carry a mannequin with good battery life that provides you adequate visibility to hike by.
Now, clearly, this isn’t every thing there may be to find out about staying secure within the warmth. On the subject of outside security, there’s at all times extra we may be taught, however the following tips are an ideal place to begin. Till subsequent time, I’m Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief of Backpacker. Keep cool, you sizzling individuals.
