The IntroThe warmer seasons are as much amazing as they can be hazardous. The elements can add unexpected challenges and compromise your performance and experience. Whether your outdoor adventure be paddling, trail running, camping, hiking, climbing or biking it should be understood that your body is fair game to the elements. Foe example, the sun can drum up high UV levels, soaring temperatures, humidity, storms while reducing access to water and vegetation. The results can be dehydration , sunburn, fatigue, heat stroke and other serious or deadly outcomes. With all this seriousness, lets share a list of 11 things to not forget when in the outdoors .
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1.WATER
Its so simple but often underestimated or miscalculated. To combat the elements on a daily basis, the human body needs to consume upwards of eight glasses a day. Lets talk outdoors, where you are putting your body in extreme situations and conditions. The American Red Cross recommends a water break every mile of activity and to always keep water readily available. All of our Yonder hike experiences and reviews come with water recommendations for this very reason.
TIPS:
Its so simple but often underestimated or miscalculated. To combat the elements on a daily basis, the human body needs to consume upwards of eight glasses a day. Lets talk outdoors, where you are putting your body in extreme situations and conditions. The American Red Cross recommends a water break every mile of activity and to always keep water readily available. All of our Yonder hike experiences and reviews come with water recommendations for this very reason.
TIPS:
- Go 80/20 : While drinks that contain electrolytes are good, be sure to go lean on the sugar consumption. go the 80/20 route for your water consumption. This means fill your bottle up with 20% electrolytes (Gatorade, etc) and the rest (80%) with water, then shake and enjoy.
- Avoid Caffeinated Drinks if possible, the salt and sugar content can act as a diuretic and quickly bring about dehydration.
- Replenish: Store extra water in a cooler in your car. This is a great way to ensure your able to replenish on the way home.
- Furry Friends :Bring Water for your furry friend who can also succumb to the elements.
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2.BUFF / BANDANA
What a super handy item to have on you or in your pack. The buff/ bandana has so many uses and benefits.
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3.TELL SOMEONE
Whether soloing or travelling with others be sure to tell someone your plans. It again seems simple, simple enough to save a life. If this is a new trail or area for you, be sure to check the weather in advance, if available check in with the park ranger, and verify your route and understand any trail conditions or important trail information.
TIP:
Here's what to share with loved ones:
Whether soloing or travelling with others be sure to tell someone your plans. It again seems simple, simple enough to save a life. If this is a new trail or area for you, be sure to check the weather in advance, if available check in with the park ranger, and verify your route and understand any trail conditions or important trail information.
TIP:
Here's what to share with loved ones:
- Destination (trail name) and location.
- Driving route.
- Itinerary from start to finish.
- Your hiking companions.
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4. FOOD = ENERGY
Powering through your adventure requires energy and endurance. Your body is craving potassium, sodium and carbs to save off hunger and keep your energy levels high. Packing the right foods and being aware of pack weight is a challenge for any outdoor adventurer. A heavier pack has a trickle down effect as more weight on your back means more work for you, your feet and more water to consume. Visit our Trail Foods article for suggestions. GROCERY LIST:
TIP: Leftovers: Leave extra snacks in a cooler in your car. Your post adventure meal is just as important as you replenish and feed those muscles. |
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5.DEODORANT
This is not a comedic point but rather to keep those feet happy. Use a gel deodorant before putting on your trail shoes or boots, lathering up your heels and feet. The deodorant will so the same thing for your feet as it does daily for your under arms. Keep them dry, Why is this a big deal? Reduce opportunities for blisters, inflammation and moisture on your feet. TIP: Go Light: There are plenty of options for footwear, however there are two things to look for in the summer: breathability and lightweight. Want more information on shoes? Check out our Trail Shoe Guide article. |
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6. SUNGLASSES
Protection from glare, eye burn and debris? yes please. Buy a good pair and look for terms like polarized and VLT
(visible light transmission) range of 20%-40%.
7. WICK IT
Wick technology is found in shirts, pants , socks and even underwear. Its ability to wick sweat from the body, provide breathability and help regulate body temperature makes it a necessity for hot conditions. One rule of thumb when trying to look fashionable on the trail, avoid cotton. Cotton will absorb heat, sweat and make your adventure miserable.
8. HAT
The first place for the sun to touch you is your dome. Why not protect it with a good hat?
Hats provide up to SPF 50 protection from the elements, help conserve body water and prevent sunburn.
9. TRAIL MAP
Print out your adventure from start to finish. Be aware of the trail elevation gain, availability of water sources and its rated difficulties.
10. SUNSCREEN
Look for protection from UVA AND UVB rays, look also for waterproof and remember SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is really the amount of minutes you plan to be in the sun.
11. DEET & PERMETHRIN
The topic of insecticides are never fun or friendly to the environment (or your body). However the chances of encounters with ticks to black flies to mosquitos is high in the outdoors and they all are out there looking to get a nibble of you. The quick answer is deet. It now comes in spray, lotion or wipe. Remember that sweat will remove the repellant so apply routinely. (want more on tick prevention go here) . Aside from deet, there is permethrin which comes in a fabric form to help prevent insect meet ups. This chemical is embedded into products such as shirts and pants and can last for 70 washings.
Protection from glare, eye burn and debris? yes please. Buy a good pair and look for terms like polarized and VLT
(visible light transmission) range of 20%-40%.
7. WICK IT
Wick technology is found in shirts, pants , socks and even underwear. Its ability to wick sweat from the body, provide breathability and help regulate body temperature makes it a necessity for hot conditions. One rule of thumb when trying to look fashionable on the trail, avoid cotton. Cotton will absorb heat, sweat and make your adventure miserable.
8. HAT
The first place for the sun to touch you is your dome. Why not protect it with a good hat?
Hats provide up to SPF 50 protection from the elements, help conserve body water and prevent sunburn.
9. TRAIL MAP
Print out your adventure from start to finish. Be aware of the trail elevation gain, availability of water sources and its rated difficulties.
10. SUNSCREEN
Look for protection from UVA AND UVB rays, look also for waterproof and remember SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is really the amount of minutes you plan to be in the sun.
11. DEET & PERMETHRIN
The topic of insecticides are never fun or friendly to the environment (or your body). However the chances of encounters with ticks to black flies to mosquitos is high in the outdoors and they all are out there looking to get a nibble of you. The quick answer is deet. It now comes in spray, lotion or wipe. Remember that sweat will remove the repellant so apply routinely. (want more on tick prevention go here) . Aside from deet, there is permethrin which comes in a fabric form to help prevent insect meet ups. This chemical is embedded into products such as shirts and pants and can last for 70 washings.
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