One of the most important parts of playing outdoor sports is staying hydrated. Drinking water is essential during the hot summer, because of the accelerated way that the body will lose water. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, because the need for water is a universal. Failure to stay hydrated can include such problems as reduced energy, heatstroke, nausea, and a reduction in muscle function.
The body needs water when it is being subjected to heat and exertion. The body will lose water at an accelerated rate during the summer months, so people should always be drinking in order to maintain the important balances.
Not only will this serve to cool the body and refresh it, but it will also offer the participant a greater overall supply of energy and vigor as they engage in outdoor sports. A good basic rule of thumb is to drink whenever thirsty, or whenever there is a resting opportunity. It may be somewhat inconvenient to break off from a game or sport, but staying hydrated helps you to stay with it for longer.
As the weather starts to warm up more people are going to be hitting the trails. When you start to hike this season make sure that you understand how you are going to pack. You want to be sure that you are safe when you are hiking and you should bring everything that you need to ensure yoru safety throughout your entire hike.
1. Your Map-You have to make sure that you know whre you are going and how far it is going to take to get there. You can stay on your trail and avoid getting lost when you can read your map well.
2. A Compass-When you are hiking in an area that you are unfamiliar with you want to make sure that you have a compass or a GPS with you. This way, even when you cannot see landmarks you are not going to get lost.
3. Water-No matter what time of year you have to make sure that you have enough water with you to stay hydrated throughout your hike. Packing extra water to ensure you safe even if you get lost is important. If you do not have room for extra water pack a way to purify water that you find.
4. Food-Make sure that you have some food with you that you can eat if you get lost or stuck. The food that you pack should be high in protein and low in salt. You do not want to be eating salty foods that are going to make you more thirsty.
5. Rain Gear-No matter where you are hiking you want to bring at least a poncho. This will ensure that you are able to stay dry if a rain cloud rolls in unexpectedly.
6. Matches and a fire starter- If you are to get lost or you are stuck you want to make sure you can build a fire. Not only will you be able to stay warm but you will also be able to create a signal for help when you create a fire.
7. A good first aid kit- Your first aid kit should be a kit that is designed for hikers. When you are hiking a lot, you may want to take the time to attend a first aid course. This way, you can be sure that you are able to properly use the first aid kit in an emergency situation.
8. An army knife or multi-purpose tool- A knife can be a form of protection and a form of prevention. Having the ability to cut anything that you need to cut is important to be able to survive while you are on your hike.
9. A flashlight with extra batteries an bulbs- If it gets dark and you need to signal for light a flashlight will be necessary. It can also be very helpful if you find night falls earlier than you expected.
10. Sunscreen and sunglasses- When you are going to be exposed to the sun you want to make sure that you avoid a sun burn. Your eyes will benefit greatly from sunglasses as well.
Since spring is going to be upon us soon, I thpought that I would take a lok at springtime hiking, and offer up some tips for the experience. The first hike of the year can be a special time, especially after having been cooped up inside for month at a time during the winter. There are some things that can be done to prepare for the experience, in order to make it as enjoyable as possible.
-Wearing Layers- The weather during the spring can be an unpredictable thing. the best way to prepare for different types of weather conditions is to dress in layers. Having layers of clothing allows the hiker to change things up based on need. A good way to do this is to wear a thermal shirt underneath a T-shirt. the thermal can easily be stowed if it gets hot, and can be easily put back on in the cold.
-Ground Conditions- The ground is less stable during the spring, thanks to the impact of the snow. It is important to be mindful of slippery or unstable routes, and to stick to the main trails as much as possible. This will keep the hiker safe and keep them dry.
-Camelback Care- Many hikers use Camelbacks when they’re on the go. After being stored over the winter, the Camelback may not have the best possible taste. One good way to offset the effects of storage is to thoroughly clean the plastic bladder with hot water mixed with some lemon juice. Not only will this clean it, it will also make it so that the fresh water supply tastes good and is refreshing.
The first hike of the spring is something to be enjoyed and savored, and these tips can help make the transition one that is fun and memorable.
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