When the weather gets hot, many people head for the hills—literally. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it can be dangerous if you’re not prepared for the heat. In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips on how to hike in hot weather, including how to stay hydrated and how to find the best trails.
Tips for hiking in hot weather
When hiking in hot weather, it is important to take precautions to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you survive and enjoy your hike:
- Dress for the weather. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and bring a water bottle and snacks.
- Avoid strenuous hikes in the hottest part of the day. Hiking in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler can be more comfortable.
- Take breaks when necessary. If you start to feel overheated, take a break and drink water or electrolyte drinks. Take this time to enjoy the views around you for a bit!
- Stay hydrated. Hiking in hot weather can lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during your hike.
- Avoid getting lost. If you get lost, stay calm and try to find a landmark or other person to ask for help.
How to stay hydrated in hot weather
Many people think that hiking in hot weather is an easy and fun activity. However, the heat can be punishing and hikers can quickly become dehydrated if they are not careful.
The most important thing to remember when hiking in hot weather is to drink plenty of fluids both before, during and after your hike. Hiking in a desert climate, for example, means you will need more water than if you were hiking in cooler conditions. And you might not be hiking literally in the dessert, the heat waves here in Europe are quite intense. Carry enough water with you to last throughout your hike and make sure to drink frequently during the hottest part of the day. Drink sports drinks, energy drinks or even cold water if it feels too hot or uncomfortable to take a break from drinking regularly.
It can also be worth it to look ahead when planning your hike. Maybe you will find some water points along your route or some establishments where you can take a sit, rest a bit and take this time to drink or eat something.
If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy while hiking, stop and rest until your feeling better. Try taking small breaks every few hours rather than trying to continue on as normal. If dehydration becomes an issue, seek medical attention immediately. Hot weather can quickly lead to serious health complications such as heat stroke or even death if not treated promptly
Tips for staying cool in hot weather
When hiking in hot weather, it’s important to be prepared for the heat and make sure you stay hydrated. Here are some tips for staying cool in hot weather:
- Drink plenty of water – especially if you’re working up a sweat. A good rule of thumb is to drink ½ your body weight in ounces each hour .
- Stay covered – when it’s hot out, wear sunscreen and insect repellent , and keep yourself shade from the sun. Consider wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella .
- Take breaks – even if you feel like you can’t stop shaking, take a break every two hours or so to drink some water, snack on something light and refreshing, and cool off. Sitting down will also help keep dehydration at bay.
Tips for staying safe in hot weather
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day to stay safe in hot weather. When temperatures rise, your body begins to produce more sweat and heat. This makes exercise especially dangerous because you are likely to become overheated and even dehydrated in such conditions. Instead of embarking on a long hike or bike ride when it’s hot out, try taking shorter walks or riding in the morning or evening hours when the temperature is cooler. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid heavy meals during this time frame if possible, as they will also make you hotter and thirstier. If you absolutely must engage in vigorous activity, do so early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are lower.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing
When hiking in hot weather, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with exposure to the sun and heat. To stay safe, wear loose, light-colored clothing that will provide some shade and minimize your chances of becoming overheated or dehydrated.
Use sunscreen and a hat
Hiking in hot weather can be quite enjoyable if you take the necessary precautions to stay safe. One of the most important things you can do is prevent sunburn, which is easy to do with proper sunscreen and a hat.
Tips for packing for hot weather hiking
When hiking in hot weather, it is important to make sure you pack the right gear. Clothing should be lightweight and moisture-wicking so that you stay comfortable and cool during your hike. Hats are a must, as are sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is also essential for protecting your skin from the intense heat.
Most importantly, always take precautions against becoming lost or stranded in hot weather conditions. Make sure you know where all of your supplies are located, keep a map and compass with you at all times, avoid hiking alone if possible, and never leave children unattended outdoors in hot weather climates.
Tips for enjoying hot weather hiking
When hiking in hot weather, it is important to remember the tips above. First and foremost, drink plenty of water while hiking. It’s also important to take breaks during your hike to help stay hydrated and cool down. When hiking in hot weather, dress appropriately for the conditions. Try to keep cooler items close at hand such as drinks or snacks, and wear light fabric that can evaporate quickly. Finally, make sure you know the safety precautions for hot weather hikes before heading out into the woods.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to enjoy the hike more than without. And if you are really uncertain, try to reschedule the trip. It will not be fun when you are out there and with these tips still hating it.
FAQs about hiking in hot weather
Is it safe to hike in hot weather?
Hiking in hot weather can be safe if you take some precautions. Make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. If you’re going on a longer hike, bring along snacks and a cold drink to keep yourself hydrated.
What are the best hiking shoes for hot weather?
Hiking shoes for hot weather should be light and breathable. They should also have good traction to help you stay safe on the trails. Some of the best hiking shoes for hot weather are Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Shoes or Columbia’s Drainmaker IV Shoes.
What are some easy hikes to do in hot weather?
Some easy hikes to do in hot weather include the following:
The hike to Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park is an easy hike that is perfect for hot weather. It is a short hike that only takes about 45 minutes to complete, and offers great views of the city.
The trail to Eaton Canyon Falls is another easy hike that is perfect for hot weather. This hike is a bit longer than the Mt. Hollywood hike, but it is still a relatively short hike that takes about 2 hours to complete. The Eaton Canyon Falls hike also offers great views of the city, as well as a waterfall at the end of the hike.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a great option for an easy hike in hot weather. This hike can be done either by walking or biking, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete depending on how leisurely you walk/ride it. The Venice Beach Boardwalk offers beautiful views of the ocean and Santa Monica Pier, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants along the way.