You
can still enjoy hiking, even in summer, by taking some common sense precautions.
Go
early
Did you know that there’s a 4 o’clock in the morning too?
Not only is it cooler, you may get to see a fantastic sunrise.
Have enough
water
Think about stashing part of your water in
a cool spot so you don’t have to carry it.
Retrieve it on your way down.
Shoes and socks
Unless you’re hiking the Sierra summits, a
light, flexible shoe is better than a heavy
hiking boot. Look for a cross-trainer or trail running shoe. And wear
thin nylon socks as a liner under your heavy hiking socks.
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Wear the right clothes
Not cotton or wool; they’ll absorb the heat.
Look for modern materials with names like
Gortex,® Polartec,® Ultrawick® and Coolmax® that keep you comfortable
while allowing perspiration to evaporate.
Carry
the right snacks
Probably not trail mix; it takes too long to digest it and utilize its
nutrients. Instead, carry sports bars, or even a peanut butter
and jelly sandwich.
Pace yourself
Ever notice how novice hikers like to set a fast pace, then rest every
few steps? That’s not what you want. Set a nice, steady pace
with a minimum of rest stops.
Be sure someone knows where you’re going and what time you should
be back,
and enjoy your hike.
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