New Normal on the trail.

[Pattree]

It’s been a while since I’ve been out on the trail - day or overnighting but even I am finding changes to my kit in response to the current weather.

We used to be all about keeping cool or warm in waterproofed gear. Is our climate becoming any more (usefully) predictable?

I’d be interested in how those of you who are hiking in air temperatures of 30+ are handling it. How are you adapting?

Members outside the UK may be more used to it than I am. Your ideas would be informative.

How much water are you setting out with these days?

The description 3 season or 4 Season has become a misnomer. You can’t use either sleeping bag when it’s 25 at night (I used mine as a mattress).

Are we revising our rucksacks?

 

[Broch]

I've done fair bit of arid country trekking - only mad dogs and Englishmen actually go hiking in the peak heat of the day. A lot of my time, as a kid and on our treks, the temperature has been above 40C not 30.

Move slowly if at all, wear long sleeves and long trousers but in lightweight loose fitting natural fabrics. Rest in shade whenever available. Be careful not to over-drink without taking in the salts. Once the excess water has sucked the salts out of your organs you start to feel tired and feint.

There's something very pleasurable about trekking in the very early morning and late at night and just resting up during the day. At least we don't have hyena or big cats roaming around at that time!

However, in arid countries, the temperature often drops to just a few degrees in the early hours; it's surprizing how often a jacket is needed.

 

[Aristotle]

As above.

A collared shirt with long sleeves that can be rolled up.

I like wearing shorts in the UK, but when out in intense sun all day, lightweight long trousers make sense. Less need for sun cream.

A brimmed hat. Always wear a hat.

Sunglasses with UV protection. Polarised is good.

A warm jacket for when the sun goes down if you are in desert and/or high up.

Eat and drink regularly.

(My grandad was one of those WW2 mad dogs, in Malta and Eastern India)

 

[HorseGuy]

I wear a long sleeve shirt with a Dorfman Outback hat or Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat. I also have well ventilated shoes which can easily be slipped off to help cool my feet whenever I sit down.

 

[HorseGuy]

Move slowly if at all, wear long sleeves and long trousers but in lightweight loose fitting natural fabrics. Rest in shade whenever available. Be careful not to over-drink without taking in the salts. Once the excess water has sucked the salts out of your organs you start to feel tired and feint.

In the summer we give our horses big 1kg blocks of Himalayan salt to lick which naturally contains all of the electrolytes and minerals they need in this hot weather. Whenever I find myself drinking an excessive amount of water I have a few licks of it too.

 

[Aristotle]

In the summer we give our horses big 1kg blocks of Himalayan salt to lick which naturally contains all of the electrolytes and minerals they need in this hot weather. Whenever I find myself drinking an excessive amount of water I have a few licks of it too.

Do people also feed you sugar lumps?

 

[HorseGuy]

Do people also feed you sugar lumps?

I wish!

 

[Herman30]

In Finland some walk during the night and sleep daytime when it is a very hot summer. Up here in the nordics sun practically do not set in middle of summer.