If you're planning a hike in the desert, you'll need to take some precautions. You should be aware of venomous animals, make use of the shade, and be prepared for flash floods and encounters with wildlife. Avoid hiking in the desert during summer. Temperatures can rise to 120°F in June and August. Humidity can range from 10 to 20 percent, which means that a hundred-degree-F-plus can feel like 80-90.
Avoiding venomous creatures
The desert is home to dangerous venomous creatures that can make hiking trips very difficult. Although most of these snakes won't bite hikers they will help you to avoid them. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting bitten by a snake. First of all, keep in mind that not every snake makes warning sounds. Some snakes can be quite deadly. Protect yourself from snakes by wearing protective clothing.
Shade can be used to your advantage
When hiking in the desert, it is vital to plan your route to include as much shade as possible. You should take advantage of every opportunity to relax in shade. It can provide some relief from the sun's glaring rays. Even though water is not always available on your hike you might find small streams or springs along the way that provide clean water. If possible, stop to refill your water bladder.
Avoiding negative wildlife encounters
Wild animal encounters are quite common in wilderness areas. They can be both awe-inspiring and downright terrifying. These encounters are not avoidable, but it is possible to minimize their impact by knowing what to do ahead of time. If you're worried about encountering wildlife on your hike, here are some tips to keep you and your group safe.
Avoiding flash floods
Flash floods can occur in undeveloped desert areas. These are when the ground's ability to hold water is exceeded by a small amount. Even if rain doesn't last very long, flash floods can quickly rise to the top of the ground and prove deadly. While hiking in desert terrain, be aware of streambeds and canyons.
Avoid sand dunes
You can save your life by not walking on sand dunes while camping or hiking in the desert. Sand can be as sharp as bullets, so bring appropriate clothing and protective gear. Avoid hiking or camping in dunes during the hottest part of the day. This can be dangerous for anyone so it is important to take frequent breaks. A survival kit, along with waterproof shoes, is a must-have for anyone who plans to hike or camp in desert areas.
Avoid low-lying areas
These are the most important things to remember when going on a desert hike. Flash floods can also be deadly so it is important to stay hydrated when hiking in low-lying places. While many deserts experience monsoon season that dumps a lot of water quickly, the arid conditions can cause low-lying areas to become flood zones. Be aware of the weather forecast, and if conditions deteriorate quickly, you should abandon your hike and seek shelter elsewhere.
Avoid slot canyons in thunderstorms
Before you go to the canyons, make sure you check the forecast for the area. Even though it is sunny, that doesn't mean it won’t rain or flood. Flash floods can be dangerous in slot canyons. The weather service monitors the conditions carefully. Be aware that mobile phone reception can be limited so it is a good idea to download an offline mapping app. It is easy to download an offline map - apps such as Gaia GPS or OnX Backcountry make it simple.
Hydration is key
The most challenging part of a hike in the desert is staying hydrated. For your health and strength, it is essential to drink enough water. Your body will warn you when it needs more water through thirst and dry mouth. If you're dehydrated, your energy level will drop. You will feel more energetic and refreshed if you drink eight-ounces of water per day. If you are hiking for over eight hours, it is important to rehydrate at the very least every two hours.
FAQ
What to stock up on for the end of the world?
It may seem silly, but if you're going to survive the apocalypse, you should know what to buy first!
A list of essential items to have at home when the world ends.
The best way to prepare yourself for an apocalyptic event is by preparing yourself mentally and physically.
You need to make sure you are prepared for any eventuality.
Make sure you have enough water and food to last for a while.
Consider other essentials such first aid, fire starters and medical supplies like batteries, candles, matches or lighters, first-aid kits, emergency gear, and medical supplies.
Last but not least, ensure you have enough cash to last until the end.
Who knows how many years we'll live?
How do I start survival prepping?
Start with an emergency plan. You will need a basic emergency kit to provide food, water, shelter and medical supplies. Then add items that help you stay safe and secure.
You might also consider adding a solar-powered radio, flashlight, compass, whistle, and map. Fishing equipment is a good option if you live near streams, rivers, and lakes.
A bug-out bag (BOO), is another way to be prepared for any emergency. This is a backpack filled with essential gear. Some BOOs are equipped with a tent, sleeping bags or firestarter, a stove, pot, cookware, battery, flashlights and first aid kits.
There are many options available when it comes to disaster preparedness. These basics are the starting point. Then, expand your list to suit your needs.
Where should I store my survival gear?
It is best to keep your emergency survival gear near you so it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The easiest place to store your supplies is in a closet or under your bed.
You should label all your supplies with the date and contents so you know what ones you have used.
Also, be sure to keep another copy of your inventory. You will need to prove that the correct stuff was there in case something happens to your apartment or house.
What is the best food to buy for survival?
It is important to carefully consider what you buy. If you don't have enough water, you will not be able to survive. Find a place where there is plenty of water. Make sure to stock up on supplies.
Food can be purchased in dried beans or rice, as well as pasta and dehydrated foods. It doesn't matter which food you choose, you need to ensure they stay safe and sound.
You may also want to consider purchasing freeze-dried food. These food are more expensive but last much longer than regular food.
What should you keep in your bug-out bag?
The Bug Out Bag (BOB), is a kit that can help you survive for 72 hours without food, water or shelter. It includes a first aid kit, flashlight, whistle, fire starter, compass, knife, matches, rope, bandana, handkerchief, toilet paper, hygiene items, sunscreen, sunglasses, socks, gloves, hat, bottled water, energy bars, batteries, emergency blanket, and other essentials.
Keep in mind that you won't use all of the items in your BOB. Make wise choices.
Statistics
- A survey commissioned by National Geographic found that forty percent of Americans believed that stocking up on supplies or building a bomb shelter was a wiser investment than a 401(k). (newyorker.com)
- Some 57.2 percent of voters chose Crocs, proving that comfort rules. Background: This summer, we surveyed our readers about what they’d shove into a backpack if they were caught unprepared for the collapse of society. (inverse.com)
- In the first ten months of 2016, foreigners bought nearly fourteen hundred square miles of land in New Zealand, more than quadruple what they bought in the same period the previous year, according to the government. (newyorker.com)
External Links
How To
How to survive in the wild with nothing
People today don't understand how to survive without resources in this world. In order to survive in nature, you will need to be able make fires, hunt animals, find water and build shelters. It is crucial to understand how to survive in the wild. This includes what kind of food and where you live. You must think like a hunter if you want to survive in the wild.
Survival tips
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Always make a plan before you go out in the wild. It's better to have a plan so that you can avoid problems when you're trying to survive in the wild.
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You should have a map for your local area. If you are lost in the woods, a map will help you to find your way back using it.
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Keep yourself hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial when you are outdoors. You should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
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Learn which plants can be eaten. Learn to identify different types of plants.
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You should choose a safe place to sleep. Avoid being near dangerous animals and other places.
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A shelter is essential. A good shelter helps keep you warm during cold weather.
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Use a compass. A compass can be very useful in wild situations.
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You should always have a knife with you. Knives can be very helpful when hunting.
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It is important to know how you can light a fire. When you're in the wilderness, fire is essential.
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Predators are to be avoided. If you aren’t careful, predators could attempt to harm or kill you.
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Know how to use weapons. If you are in the woods, weapons are very useful.
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Avoid poisonous Snakes Snake bites are very dangerous.
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Avoid being bitten. You can be killed by diseases transmitted by insects.
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Protect yourself from lightning. Lightning strikes are extremely dangerous.
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Don't touch dead bodies. You could contract diseases from dead bodies.
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Look after your health. You must look after your health when you're in survival mode.
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Be aware of fire hazards. Fires can burn down forests and cause serious damage.
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Don't waste time. Your most valuable possession is time.
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Don't panic. Panic is worse than panic.
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Don't lose hope. Hope is what keeps you alive.
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Don't be complacent. Complacency leads to death.