Things to Remember When Hiking in Summer

CEBU, Philippines — Most people love being out and about in the sun. They welcome the summer months because it means they can now fully enjoy some good time out on the trails. But it requires proper preparation. Even when the weather is good, it is still important to prepare as there could be unforeseen dangers when out on the trails in warm conditions.

Following are some top tips for hiking in summer in order to be able to get the most out of a day on the trails and not fall victim to the heat:

Bring plenty of water. When you are out on the trails in warm weather, it is important to remember to bring plenty of water. Hiking in the heat makes one more vulnerable to dehydration as he’ll not only sweat more due to the activity but also because of the heat. Common symptoms of dehydration include tiredness, headache, dizziness or light-headedness, dry mouth or lips or mouth, and passing small amounts of urine.Making sure one has plenty of water and taking small regular sips will help hydrate his body as well as give him much needed energy to continue on with the hike. Hydration packs are a great choice for short, day hikes; while water bottles are easy enough to fit into or attach onto the rucksack if one is planning longer excursions on the trail.

Wear the right clothing.  Before setting off for a hike in warmer weather, it is important to bear in mind the type of clothing one is wearing. Hiking in the heat will make him perspiring more, meaning sweat will come into contact with what he is wearing. Fabrics that feature Quick Dry or Duo Skin fibers are preferable as these are able to quickly wick away sweat and leave clothes feeling dry and fresh. Some fabrics even feature UV protection as well as mosquito repellent finishes, which will both prove more than useful when out in hot conditions.

Also to be considered is what accessories one is wearing. Hats and sunglasses are must-haves for when out in the sun, as these will provide proper protection against potentially harmful UV rays as well as allow for a much clearer view of the surroundings. Plus – if conditions do change, these are easy to store away without taking up too much space in one’s bag.

Bring extra clothing. Although the weather forecast may declare a sunny and dry day, conditions can change unexpectedly when you are out on the trails. It is advisable to bring extra clothing just in case.

A fleece is good to bring, since the higher up the trail, the cooler it becomes. It might also prove useful to bring a packaway waterproof jacket for sudden rain showers. Of course, an extra pair of socks comes in handy for when crossing a stream or stepping in a puddle, when wet socks will otherwise slow the hiker down.

Start out early. If looking to escape the heat, getting an early start on the hike means the hiker won’t have to worry about bearing the most brunt of warm temperatures and sweltering sunlight. It’s cooler in the mornings and, therefore, a more comfortable temperature to hike in. Mornings are also usually quieter out on the trails so one will be able to enjoy the experience more and really take the surroundings in.

Rest. Finally, when out hiking in the heat, taking regular rest breaks will help to ensure one doesn’t get dehydrated. It is important to give the body time to recover as hiking itself is already a tough activity even without throwing heat into the mix. It is good to find a shaded area here and there along the way to get out of the sun and take small regular sips of water. Experts recommend having a salty snack to help replace electrolytes in order not to run out of energy. Stopping and taking breaks allows the hiker to enjoy the experience of being out on the trails much more.

The most important thing about being out on the trails is to have fun and perhaps there’s no better way of spending a summer’s day than basking in the nice weather while soaking up some tremendous views. Even if it’s a warm day, it’s important to prepare for what may lie ahead. www.trespass.com