If you go hiking in the heat, caution is advised, otherwise the relaxed day outdoors can quickly end. Here you can find out what risks there are and how you protect yourself.
Hiking is a popular leisure activity. Especially in summer there are many wandering out into the countryside. But hiking in the heat is not entirely harmless and, in the worst case, can go bad. We explain to you which precautions require hiking in heat and what you have to consider so that your summer day in nature becomes an unforgettable experience – in a positive sense.
Hiking in the heat: That’s why you should be careful
Hiking in the heat has a lot of risks, not only in summer. You have to expect the first heat waves in May and should plan your tours accordingly, the German Alpine Club (DAV) warns. The combination of physical exertion and extreme warmth can be dangerous, especially for older people and children, but also for healthy and fit people.
Risks associated with hiking in the heat can be above all:
-
Sunstitch and heat stroke
-
Dehydration if you drink too little
- Danger from suddenly rising thunderstorms
According to the DAV, the so -called heat creation must be taken very seriously. It is favored by lack of fluid, i.e. if you drink less than your body consumes through the heat and movement. Heat creation also includes sunstroke and heat stroke. Symptoms can include:
- Headache
- dizziness
- nausea
-
Shortness of breath
-
Consciousness disorders
You should be careful with such signs, otherwise in the worst case it can be life -threatening.
So that it doesn’t get that far, there are some things that you should consider so that you can enjoy a nice hike even on hot days.
1. Start early in the morning
Very important in summer: start your hiking tour as early as possible. Because in particular the midday heat is best to avoid. Starting a hike on a fresh, still cool summer morning is ideal. So you can get a large part of the tour on particularly hot days before lunch and, if necessary, take a break during the midday heat or have ended the route until then. The DAV recommends that you have completed the most difficult sections of your hike before 2 p.m.
Tip: For mountaineers: Inside, the German Alpine Club has a special indication – it is best to take a tour of western climbs in high heat. Most of you stay in the shade there, it is cooler and therefore more pleasant to hike over heat.
2. Pay attention to suitable clothing
You can make a lot wrong with clothing for summer hike. If you are too warm, you risk overheating, while you get the risk of getting sick if you wear too little or the wrong clothes.
So here are some recommendations for optimal clothing for hiking in the heat:
- It is best to wear synthetic fibers or clothing from natural materials such as linen. Mainly the clothing should be breathable and moisturize.
- Take changing clothes with you so that you can change fully sweated clothing if it is windy or you can stay in the shade longer.
- Wind protection can also make sense in summer.
3. Don’t forget sun protection!
Especially on hot summer days, sun protection is mandatory in all variants. If you go hiking in the heat, you should never do without these protective measures:
-
Sunscreen, even if you will mostly be in the shade
- Headgear
- optionally sunny glasses in lots of sun
When towering the sunscreen, it is important to be going thoroughly and regularly refresh the sun protection during the hike – especially if you sweat a lot. More on how to apply sunscreen correctly, you read here: Apply sunscreen correctly: Avoid these 6 errors.
Many people like to do without the headgear, especially in the heat because you sweat a little more on your head underneath. A light cloth can already help protect yourself from overheating through plump sun. A little more sweat is a low price if you can prevent a sunstore.
4. Keep an eye on the weather
On hot days, a weather phenomenon can go to be doomed: thermal theaters can occur very quickly and unexpectedly and unprepared hiking lovers: give a nasty surprise inside. So that this does not happen: Check the weather forecast in front of a hike in the heat.
But even with the best preparation, you can be surprised by thunderstorms when hiking. In such cases, it is advisable to plan a tour with refreshments so that you can search for protection if necessary in a hut or building. If you start your hike as early as possible, you minimize the risk of being surprised by the thunderstorm. Because according to the DAV, the highlights of most summer storms appear around 6 p.m.
If, despite all caution on your hike, you can read about what to do here: surprised when hiking the thunderstorm? With these expert tips you get yourself to safety.
5. Drink enough water
Indispensable on hikes in heat: pack up enough to drink, preferably water or isotonic drinks.
It is important to drink regularly – before, during and after the tour. So you shouldn’t wait until you get big thirst, but always drink small sips, about every 15 minutes. Because if your body feels thirsty, it is actually too late, according to the DAV. Children and the elderly in particular should make sure that they are in high heat when hiking in strong heat.
6. Pause or end your tour if necessary
In high heat, it is sometimes the best, strenuous hikes to simply move and instead cool you down on a lake. You should definitely end the hiking in the latest when you notice the first signs of weakness and overheating. But even before that happens, the following applies: Better take a break again at high temperatures.
Read more on utopia.de:
- Hiking sustainably: 5 tips for the harmony of people and nature
- Hiking with children: You have to consider this when planning and meals
- What if I suddenly come across bears, wolf or wild boar when hiking?
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