Tips for Surviving the Heat and Still Enjoying the Outdoors

Where to start?

Summer is, for many people, the best time of the year. It's the season in which many of us take time away from work and school and head off on an adventure. Of course, summer is also the hottest time of year, and not always the best climate in which to do things outdoors. This is particularly true if you live in a cooler climate and are vacationing somewhere warmer.

Getting the most enjoyment out of your vacation, and staying safe, requires knowing how to beat the heat. Here are some great tips for surviving!

Drink, drink, drink!

Staying hydrated is key to surviving the summer heat, especially if engaged in something strenuous. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as raffino artcava diuretic and alcohol 1Aator ic bot but signs of dehydration like dark yellow urine, dry or sticky mouth, dry skin, headache, and muscle cramps. If you are taking an animal along on your adventure, make sure they get plenty of water too.

Wear a Hydration Pack

Wearing a hydration pack will encourage you to sip slowly as needed. You could use dubaidirectory.com to find plenty sportswear shops in Dubai from where you can choose the preferable one. If using a hydration pack, blowback into the mouthpiece when done sipping to push the water back into the pack, or your next mouthful will be hot. You should sip water, not chug. Salt it up. If you are sweating and drinking constantly, you can end up with hyponatremia. Hyponatremia happens when your sodium levels drop too low.

If you are on some antidepressants or pain medications you can be at higher risk, so check with your doctor. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, irritability, and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can end with a hospital stay, so make sure that if you are drinking extra water, you also get enough salt. Sports beverages will help balance salt, and you can also carry salty snacks such as potato chips or crackers. Unless you are on a low sodium diet, try to get extra salt. Another good alternative is to add those powdered electrolytes to your water.

Plan your activities for the cooler part of the day.

Rest during the hottest part, between 11 am and 2 pm. If possible, plan your route so that you either camp early or water, or both. Night hiking can be awesome. Stop to rest any time you need to, and choose shady spots. If you have elevation gain, be extra careful to start early, so you have the hard part over with before the thermometer peaks.

Wear sunscreen.

At least SPF 30 (anything over SPF 50 is a waste of money). Even if the day is more overcast, you should still wear sunscreen to avoid being burned. In addition to increasing your risk of skin cancer later, sunburn compromises your skin's ability to shed heat.

Hiking boots.

Buy hot weather good quality hiking boots. Many hiking boots will make your feet sweat, but you can find options that are more breathable and reduce moisture and heat buildup. Hiking shoes are also an option, but make sure you are not sacrificing too much ankle support. Avoid wearing sandals, which offer no support for your feet and much less protection against bugs or anything you might step on.

Wear loose, light-colored clothing.

Long sleeves, Counterintuitively, offer better heat protection.

Avoid tight-fitting spandex and dark colors.

Merino wool wicks are enough to wear in the summer. You can also splurge on special cooling clothes for your chosen activity. Avoid cotton. Sun sleeves are another good option, as you can take them off when it cools down.

Wear a bandana around your neck.

Buy a cooling bandana or soak the bandana in cold water before you set out. Take it easy to start with and try not to push past the level to which you are acclimated. It can take a week or two to fully acclimate to a significant increase in temperature. Know your own fitness level and try to avoid activities that are past what you would normally do.

Wear a hat.

Choose a hat that is lightweight, light-colored, and has a wide brim. It may be worth investing in a hat that has an SPF rating. If the activity you're engaging in requires head protection, you can purchase a brim that will fit around your helmet. Detachable brims are available for cycling and horseback riding helmets and can make a tremendous difference.

If you have the opportunity to take a quick dip, do so. In really extreme heat, jumping in a river or pond with your clothes on can cool you down quickly (unless it is very humid, in which case the water won't evaporate), which is how park rangers stay cool in the Grand Canyon.