[at-l] Hikin in the Heat

[bluetrail at aol.com (bluetrail@aol.com)]

 About heat I certainly am a wuss.  Nice list, Shane.  
 
Afraid I'm just NOT comfortable in a hammock.  I don't even like 'em for relaxing.  Make me slightly sea sick sometimes.  I toss and turn a lot, which sets up all that motion thing.  Think I'll just hold out for cooler temps and the tent.  
 
Joan
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Shane Steinkamp <shane@theplacewithnoname.com>
To: bluetrail@aol.com; at-L@backcountry.net
Sent: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 14:29:53 -0500
Subject: Re: [at-l] Hikin in the Heat


> Here in Florida where it hits the 90's most days between mid-May and
mid-October, I
> have my own heat rules.  No backpacking when the temperature is going to
be in the 90's

Wuss.  ;)

> My other personal rule is not to camp in a tent unless the night temp is
going to 65.
> Nothing makes me crabbier than a sleepless night spent lying in an
ever-expanding pool of
> my own sweat in a stuffy tent.

Get a hammock.

http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking/sections/gear/shelter/whyhammock.htm

> Any other heat tips?

I prefer to hike in the heat - in conditions that are probably worse than
yours in Florida.  You just gotta love the swamp....  I have some simple
rules:

1.  Drink plenty of water.
2.  Wear as little as possible.
3.  Take frequent cooling dips in whatever water I can find.
4.  Drink plenty of water.
5.  If you aren't in the sun, a hat will make you hotter than no hat.
6.  Take frequent breaks.  If you feel miserable, find a nice place to
stop - and stop.
7.  While you're stopped, you may as well drink some water and eat a salty
snack.
8.  Eat small snacks regularly, even if not hungry.
9.  A small microfiber towel used to wipe your face every so often is very
refreshing for some reason.
10.  No alcohol.
11.  Hike in the rain.
12.  Hike at night.  (Not always an option.)
13.  Drink plenty of water.
14.  Go naked.
15  An umbrella makes a pretty good sun shade when there isn't any other
shade.
16. Sunglasses and sunscreen are lifesavers.
17. Ditto for bug repellant.
18. Stop during the hottest part of the day.  Usually 1-3.
19. A shower is refreshing at the end of the day.  I use the Platypus
shower.  Is good.
20. Before I leave the house, I like to freeze a Platypus bladder full of
water and wrap it in a shirt.  Cold water for the first day...

Shane