Other Tips
>Avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. Start your treks in the cool of the morning.>Pinpoint areas on the trail that will provide lots of shade for a rest or a creek/blue hole to jump into.>Be sure to know the signs of hyperthermia by referring back to our May edition’s Trail Survival installment at timesfreepress.com/news/getout/features/story/2016/may/17/trail-survival-hyperthermia/366057.
You know what they say: If you can't take the heat, get off the trail. The temperature in the Tennessee Valley is only rising, not to mention the humidity levels. As you plan your hiking treks this season, be prepared for the weather with plenty of summer-friendly hiking gear, like these:
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Backpack
Available at Rock/Creek
When it comes to summer backpacking trips, this pack is a classic. Between its light weight at 4 pounds, 6 ounces, its mesh backing that provides comfort and keeps the sweat from mingling with the pack, and its ventilation features, this is the pack you want to reach for. $260
Kool Tie
Available at kooltie.com
This handy bandana works by submerging it in water before a hike, which saturates the crystals in the fabric for up to 3 days. It then becomes a personal evaporative cooling system, gradually releasing moisture, to help the heated hiker keep cool. $11
LifeStraw Water Bottle
Available at eartheasy.com
On hot summer days, hydration is crucial. Stay ahead of hyperthermia with LifeStraw's sleek water bottle, which has its own filtration system in the straw. That way, if you run out of fresh, clean drinking water, you'll have a quick and easy way to obtain more as long as you're near a water source. $35
ExOfficio Sol Cool Ultimate Hoody
Available at Rock/Creek
This pull-over is made with special technology – Icefil knit fabric – so that when it comes in contact with sweat, it can lower skin temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The long sleeves and mesh features make for plenty of protection from the sun as well as ventilation. $80