Hiking In Summer - How To Brace Yourself For The Heat

Hiking In Summer - How To Brace Yourself For The Heat

Australia is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. With endless acres of national parks and hiking trails to be explored it’s time to lace up your walking boots and experience what mother nature has to offer. Australia is also infamous for it’s glorious weather which further enhances these views and beautiful backdrops but with extreme heat comes potential danger. Continue reading to find out how to prepare for your outdoor pursuits whilst the sun is shining.

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Start Early

It’s true what they say - the early bird catches the worm. The early bird is also more likely to have a safer and more enjoyable trip by staying out of the excruciating afternoon heat and avoiding the large crowds. It’s no secret that dragging yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn is far from desirable, especially on the weekend, but it can make the difference between a successful day or a disaster. 

The heat in the afternoon becomes oppressive and overwhelming so making ground in the morning and resting in the afternoon will help you stay safe. You’re also more likely to bypass the hoards of people who will distort your view and ruin your hike.

Get The Gear

Planning your trip carefully and ensuring you have the right equipment will help you take on the brutal summer weather. The ruthless sun changes the environment that you’ll be scaling so considering your equipment is necessary for a protected trip. 

Sturdy hiking shoes for men and women are essential to prevent injury and keep you comfortable- the last thing you want is a twisted ankle preventing you from reaching the peak. Hiking poles may also be necessary due to the dry and cracked earth. Planning your trip and exploring the terrain before you set off will help you determine what equipment you need.

Keep Hydrated

In the summer it’s hard enough staying hydrated whilst your relaxing and reading your book on the beach so imagine how easy it is to forget to top up your water intake whilst hiking. Don’t be distracted by the breathtaking views enough to let your mind wander away from hydration. 

The easiest way to prevent this is to regularly drink water before, during and after your hike. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can creep up really quickly so it’s also good practice to familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms so you can stop this from happening to you. Freezing your water the night before your trip is a great way to keep your drink cool and refreshing so you’ll be more likely to get the fluid intake that you need.

Signs and Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration will help prevent them from taking hold. When your body has been exposed to heat it may become unable to regulate its own temperature and you’ll experience some of the following symptoms; headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue are all indicators that dehydration is creeping in and is your body’s way of letting you know that you need to take action immediately. Being aware of these warning signs will also help you spot issues as they arise for friends and fellow hikers.

Rest

Hiking is not a race so allow your body well deserved recovery time by taking regular rest breaks. Resting in shaded spots and taking in some fluids is the more effective way to help you stay on top form. Speaking up and letting everyone know that you need a break is not a sign of weakness and may save your life. It’s also a great way to fully take in the scenery that you’ve worked so hard to be able to observe.

Taking the heat seriously is the best way to stay safe whilst hiking. Preparing for your trip and following the above advice will enable you to get out and about during extreme weather whilst staying free from danger.