1. CHECK THE WEATHER

Don’t be naïve and just assume that you’ll be fine on the trail. There are inherent risks involved with hot weather. Before even considering going for a hike, it’s important to check the weather forecast. Even if the sky is blue and cloudless where you are now, the mountains often create their very own weather.

Particularly if it’s extremely humid, surprise downpours are known to happen in mountainous areas. These blitz storms have the potential to cause serious problems to unaware hikers. Thunderstorms are also much more likely to occur when it’s hot. So, check the weather before heading out and, after arriving at the park, ask a park ranger for an update.

2. CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL WISELY

One of the most important tips for hiking in hot weather is choosing your trail wisely. It’s obvious that a hike on an exposed mountain ridge or a hike in a shady forest will be entirely different. The following tips will be pretty much useless if you pick the wrong trail.

Pick a trail that includes at least a few shaded sections. Also, try to find one that runs along or crosses running water. This is good for two reasons: providing drinking water (after purifying it) and offering the chance to refresh yourself and cool down.

Last, a trail at a lower elevation is the better option if it’s hot outside. The higher the elevation, the lower the amount of oxygen in the air and the stronger the effect of UV rays.

3. START EARLY AND/OR FINISH LATE

Hot weather hiking should always be done in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening. Skipping the midday heat is strongly recommended. Section Hiker says that, on relentlessly hot days, you want to take a break from hiking between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

4. WEAR LAYERS AND COVER UP

While you might be inclined to strip down, it’s actual advised to wear more clothes when hiking in hot weather. Long sleeve shirts and hiking pants, for example, are your best friend when it’s hot. It’s essential, though, that your clothes are loose-fitting. That will allow for better airflow, which will keep you cool.

Wearing a few (light) layers results in multiple air layers as well, which is the core principle of insulation. You might have seen pictures before of people living in deserts, riding camels and wearing scarfs and lots of clothes. Follow their example, they know what they’re doing.

Backpacker.com offers useful advice on how to layer up for hot weather hiking. It’s also a good idea to wear synthetic clothes that wick moisture. You’ll undoubtedly sweat a lot and moisture-wicking clothes can prevent chafing.

Also, absolutely make sure to wear a large hiking hat, plenty of sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses.

5. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Staying hydrated is the key to every successful outdoor adventure. This particularly applies to hiking in hot weather. Your body loses about one liter of water per hour on a regular hike. A challenging outing in hot weather can double that amount. Make sure you replenish it.

Pack more water than you expect you’ll need and drink on a regular basis. It’s useful to know that your body can only take in half a liter per hour effectively. So, no matter what you do, you’ll get dehydrated during a hike in hot weather.

Sipping regularly can limit the damage, though, as it allows your body to actually absorb everything you drink. It’s much better than chugging a bunch of water at once, says Modern Hiker.

6. EAT SALTY SNACKS

Sweating profusely is a given on a hot weather hike. Drinking plenty of water is essential to restore your body fluid levels. It’s equally as important to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat. The most important ones are potassium and sodium. They play a major role in managing your energy levels.

Make sure to bring plenty of snacks that have complex carbs. Stay away from simple carbs such as sugary drinks and candy. Trail mix, energy bars and fruit are great sources of complex carbs. You can also bring electrolyte drink mixes or tablets.

7. REMEMBER TO BRING THE NECESSARY EXTRAS

Sweat is a major cause of chafing but also of blisters. For your own comfort, you’re advised to bring an extra pair of hiking socks. There’s nothing as relieving as being able to change sweat-soaked socks with a clean, dry pair during your midday break. If you’re on a longer hike, you may want to rinse your dirty socks in a river. Tie them to the outside of your backpack afterward to dry.

Another great thing to bring is bug spray. The combination of hot weather, a shady forest and a sweaty hiker often results in a swarm of irritating bugs. Do not forget it!

8. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

Drinking water regularly and eating salty snacks are two critical tips for hiking in hot weather. So, why not make it a break? Put your backpack down, take a seat or lay down, and give your challenged body some much-needed rest. You might also want to take off your hiking boots, airing your feet and sweaty socks. Regular breaks also allow your body to cool down and sweat to evaporate.

9. BE AWARE OF HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS

Although the tips for hiking in hot weather listed above should make your summer outing a success, there’s always the chance that they won’t. Definitely make sure to implement all of the above, but also be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke. Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry, rest when you’re feeling tired.

Common symptoms of heat stroke are nausea, muscle cramps, bad headache, dizziness, confusion, disorientation and lack of sweating, even when temperatures are high. If you or your hiking partner (never hike alone in hot weather) feels ill, immediately find shade and try to cool down as soon as possible.

Get off the trail and seek medical assistance. Calling 911 is not overreacting when it comes to heat stroke. “Better safe than sorry” is always a good motto to live by.

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1. DRESS WARMLY

Wearing layers is key to staying warm when you’re hiking in the snow. You’ll be cold when you first start hiking, but you’ll warm up once you get moving. Keeping this in mind, don’t bundle up too much or you’ll start to sweat.

As far as what to wear, you’ll want the layer closest to your body to be a wool or synthetic base layer. Next, you’ll put on fleece pants and a shirt or down vest to insulate you. The last layer will be your waterproof rain jacket and rain pants to keep you dry.

For your extremities, put on a pair of thick wool socks, waterproof gloves, and a warm, windproof hat or beanie. You can lose a large portion of your body’s heat through your head, so you’ll always want to keep your hat on. The socks and gloves will prevent any snow from getting on your skin.

Many hikers bring hand warmers to keep their fingers from freezing.

2. DON’T HIKE ALONE

Even if you’re the most experienced hiker, it’s always better to bring a buddy along on your trip. Winter hiking brings new dangers that aren’t normally an issue during the warmer seasons. If you fall and get injured, you don’t want to risk freezing in the event that you can’t get a hold of someone.

Hiking in the snow can be tricky since you can’t see what it’s covering below. If you don’t know the route already, you won’t know if a river or ditch are hiding below the snow. Avalanches can also occur at random, so you’ll want someone else to know where you are at all times should something happen.

3. STAY HYDRATED

Drinking water may be the last thing you want to do when it’s freezing outside, but it’s vital to drink fluids throughout the day. According to Popular Mechanic, it’s just as important to stay hydrated in the winter as it is during the summer. Bring a thermos and camping stove so you can boil water for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and stay warm all day.

4. SCOUT OUT YOUR CAMPSITE

When you’re ready to settle down after your first day of hiking, take the time to evaluate your potential camping site. You’ll first want to make sure it’s not in the path where an avalanche could occur, such as the bottom of a mountain covered in heavy snow. Not being directly under trees is preferred as well, as the heavy weight of the snow can make them snap on a whim.

Winter tends to bring much more wind than in the summer, so make sure you spot is sheltered from the wind. You’ll want to be as warm as possible when you’re at your campsite, especially since you won’t be moving much. If possible, put your campsite in the path of where the sun will rise in the morning so you’ll warm up faster.

5. BRING THE RIGHT GEAR FOR CAMPING

Once you’ve picked the perfect camping spot, put down a waterproof tarp or ground sheet underneath your tent to prevent water from seeping through. Bring your smallest tent with you, as it’ll take much less time for your body heat to warm up it up at night as opposed to a large tent. A tent without large vents or windows is ideal so the wind doesn’t come in. You’ll also want to make sure you have strong tent poles in case the wind picks up.

For your sleeping bag, you’ll want one that’s different than your lightweight bag used for your summer excursions. Use an insulated one to provide extra warmth, and add a sleeping bag liner for an added layer of warmth and comfort. Put a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag to cushion you and prevent any body heat from being lost.

6. BRING EQUIPMENT FOR THE SNOW

Even if you’ve been on the route many times during the summer, it might look different when the snow covers up landmarks you’re used to seeing. Bring along a GPS device (or a hiking watch with GPS) and a good map of the area in case you get turned around, and make sure everyone in the group has one as well. Agree on the route you’ll follow together as a group, and be prepared to re-evaluate the situation if the route doesn’t look safe.

It’s important that you understand how to read a topographical map. If you’ve never used one before, or need a refresher, keep out our guide on how to read a topo map.

If you do get lost, do not panic. Calmly look at your map and GPS unit to see where you are and try to figure out where you need to go. Retrace your steps until you can recognize where you are on your map. If you’re separated from your group, blow a whistle or be loud so they can call to you.

7. BRING EXTRA FIREWOOD

If you are car camping, consider bringing extra firewood with you. While you may be used to finding firewood in the summer anywhere you camp, don’t assume the same thing will happen in the snow. For one, the ground is completely covered, making it hard to search for wood that would normally stick out. There’s a good chance the wood you do find won’t burn due to being too wet.

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TIP #1: PICK THE RIGHT SITE FOR YOUR TENT

A huge part of a successful (and dry) camping trip starts from the very beginning – picking the right site to pitch your tent. If possible, pick an area that’s already dry. Avoid any ground that’s too soft or looks like it’s caving in, as you can bet that’ll be the first spot that fills up with water once it starts raining.

If you think you might be in for a storm, avoid areas that can result in possible storm damage. This means avoiding spots with large branches that may fall down if it gets windy and rainy, which can be very dangerous if you’re in the tent below it. You’ll also want to avoid being on a slope where water might come down into your tent or near a river that might flood from the rainstorm.

TIP #2: PITCH A STURDY TENT

Once you pick the right site to camp for the weekend, you should have a solid place for your tent to be pitched for your trip. After following the instructions for the basic setup of your tent, make sure the rain fly is tight but away from the actual walls of the tent. This will let any rain that comes down get filtered out to the side of your tent instead of pouring directly in it, which will defeat the purpose.

While rain flies that come with the tent are useful, having an extra tarp over your tent or even the whole campsite will be even more useful in keeping the area as dry as possible. Tie a few large, sturdy tarps between trees around your campsite to protect where your tent and your eating area are so you’ll stay as dry as you can during heavy rainstorms. Camping experts REI recommend putting a tarpaulin tarp over your tent to create a sturdy “roof” that you can store gear you don’t want to get wet or change out of damp clothing in.

TIP #3: KEEP THE INSIDE OF YOUR TENT DRY

While protecting the outside of the tent is important, don’t forget about keeping the inside of your tent dry as well. Take steps such as keeping it plenty ventilated to prevent condensation from forming, as well as putting a ground cloth inside your tent instead of outside. This way water won’t form and come inside your tent by seeping through, plus you’ll have an added layer of protection from the wet ground beneath you.

After a day of hiking in the rain, take off any wet clothing underneath a tarp outside and put it in a dry bag before entering your tent. This reduces the chance of bringing any moisture into your tent, as essentials like sleeping bags and sleeping bag liners will have a hard time drying if they get wet at all. They’re also much more likely to start forming mold if they’re not able to dry out.

You can keep any wet pieces of clothing in a waterproof box or bag and hang them out to dry when you return home. Take off any accessories as well such as hats or shoes, and keep them in a dry bag until you get home. The goal is to keep your tent as clean and dry as possible, as it’s most likely going to be the only place you can dry off during your trip.

TIP #4: DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

If there’s any chance you might be hiking or camping in rainy conditions, don’t take a chance by not having waterproof gear. Layering your clothing is essential for staying dry and warm while in wet and cold conditions.

You’ll want to get dressed first by putting on a pair of thermal long underwear and base layers that are breathable to keep you warm. Then you’ll but mid layers like a down jacket, vest or fleece on. Then cover up with a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants.

Your choice for footwear will depend on how far you’re walking and whether you’re okay with your feet getting wet or not. For shorter hikes where you know you’ll be trudging through puddles, you might want to invest in a stiffer pair of rain boots to keep your feet dry. Longer treks will require a more comfortable pair of shoes, so although your feet will get more wet, wear trail runners to prevent getting blisters. You’ll also want to look at getting a good pair of hiking socks to keep your feet warm and comfy while hiking.

According to the Appalachian Mountain Club, don’t underestimate the power of garbage bags – they can cover everything effectively in a matter of seconds. You can use a garbage bag as an inside liner in your backpack, put it over your backpack if it’s not waterproof, and separate all your wet clothing when you get back to camp later.

You can also use a waterproof backpack cover to keep your gear dry. These covers also keep you back clean and dry if you have to set it down on wet ground.

TIP #5: WATCH WHERE YOU’RE WALKING

Hiking in the rain can make for some pretty slippery conditions, so it’s important to always look where you’re stepping first. The Washington Trails Association recommends avoiding trails where you’ll be going over slick rocks when there’s a downpour. It’s also important to be aware of any drainages that are steep by snowfields or along the sides of the mountain.

Knowing your route before you go will help you plan in advance in case anything happens. If you know there’s some low-lying rivers on the path and it’s been raining for a while, keep in mind that they might flood and have an alternative route to go on. If the river hasn’t flooded but is higher than normal, carefully look around to consider if it’s still safe to cross. Read our guide on how to cross a river to learn more about this useful hiking skill.

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Some experiences you have when hiking are just priceless. These are simple but unforgettable moments, like watching the sunrise at Annapurna base camp, feeling the breeze over a huge cliff or testing your limits conquering a huge mountain like Iliniza in Ecuador.

Hiking at high altitude provides incredible experiences, but you need to be prepared for this particular environment. This article will teach you how to prepare yourself for high altitude hiking.

If you are just getting started, don’t forget to check out the Hiking FAQ and the 41 hiking tips for beginners.

WHAT IS HIGH ALTITUDE HIKING?

All routes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) are considered high altitude hikes. Why 8,000 feet? It’s simply because at this height your body can be affected by altitude.

Why does this happen? Because the air pressure changes depending on the altitude, being higher at sea level and decreases the higher you go. Reduced air pressure means there is less oxygen to breathe in the air. The decreased oxygen supply causes your body to work less efficiently.

If we do an altitude change gradually our body has the ability to adapt, but if the change is too fast you can have some serious problems.

HOW DOES THIS ALTITUDE CHANGE AFFECT YOUR BODY? 

At higher altitudes you can feel the need to breathe deeper and more often so your body gets enough oxygen to keep working. If you are walking too fast you can feel more tired than usual and if you don’t give your body enough time to adapt, you can experience some altitude sickness problems.

The first symptoms are headache, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. If these symptoms don’t go away in a day or get worse you should consider descending some feet and rest.

Don’t worry if you feel a mild headache as it is common, but keep an eye on how your body feels the next day.

Some more serious symptoms include throwing up, feeling dizzy, being confused, feeling unable to walk and having blue lips or finger nails.

Of course, if you feel any of these symptoms you need to descend and find some medical help. For more detailed information about acute altitude sickness, check out this article. 

8 STEPS TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A HIGH ALTITUDE HIKE

1. TAKE YOUR TIME

The most important step you need to take when facing a high altitude challenge is to ascend gradually.

For multi-day hikes it’s good to get up to some higher areas during the day and then sleep lower at night, gradually increasing the altitude day by day.

Do not sleep more than 1,600 feet higher than the previous night.

2. FIND YOUR PACE

You will probably need to slow your pace and find a good rhythm for breathing and walking that works without feeling tired.

If you feel you aren’t getting enough oxygen, you should take deeper breaths which will help you get more oxygen to your blood.

3. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER & EAT WELL

Water will help you to reduce the altitude sickness symptoms. Get a rich high carbohydrate diet before and during your hike.

4. DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL

As we just mentioned it’s very important to hydrate your body. Drinking alcohol will only dehydrate it. I’m sure you can wait till next weekend to open that bottle of red wine.

5. BRING WARM CLOTHES

Usually, the higher you hike, the colder it gets, and this drop in temperature can dramatically affect your physical condition. Weather can change rapidly so always bring some extra layers like pants, gloves, hats, etc.

6. WEAR SUNSCREEN

You are getting closer to the sun each step you take and the atmosphere doesn’t protect you the same way at high altitude. Don’t forget to use high SPF sunblock.

7. SUMMIT ACCLIMATIZATION HIKES

If you are planning on hiking very high like a mountain summit like the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador you will need to acclimatize your body for days or even weeks. This means you’ll have to climb some lower mountains gradually increasing altitude one by one, until you feel ready to climb the highest one.

8. HAVE A GOOD TIME

Now that you are ready, just enjoy your next hike that will surely offer you some amazing experiences!

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