I’m an editor at Outside. Here’s how I hike safely in extreme heat.

In early June, during a severe heat warning, my two best friends and I drove into the Grand Canyon on the way to Havasupai Falls. We had secured our hiking permits six months in advance, and despite the poor weather conditions we didn’t want to miss the girl trip of a lifetime.

But well before the launch date on our hiking permits, the valley was heating up. On June 3, a teenager died from heat-related illness while hiking on the Bright Angel Trail along the South Rim. Just a week before we left on a backpacking trek, three people died suspected heat illness.

The out-and-back trail from the canyon rim to our campground was about 12 miles, but with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles. Between additional side hikes and side quests, we covered about 43 miles total in four days. Due to the desert heat, loose sand and steep climbs, the routes here are considered difficult and difficult.

To keep our group safe, we had to rethink our backpacking strategy. Here’s the protocol we followed to survive the 40-mile trip in triple-digit temperatures.

Hydrate before your adventure

Preloading hydration and managing electrolytes is a hiker’s best friend. Drink water before leaving on the road. according to American Hiking AssociationYour body feels thirsty when water levels are already low. This means that you should not wait until you feel thirsty. Instead, start drinking water and hydrating ahead of time.

Start hiking early or late

National Park Service, time your hike to avoid the hottest parts of the day They say It usually rains in the desert between 10 am and 4 pm. As long as it is safe to do so and you are comfortable with the terrain, this may look like starting in the early morning or late evening. For example, during our hike in Havasupai, we descended from the trailhead at 6 pm, arriving at camp around 11:30 pm. During our trek, we left the camp at 4 am in the morning.

dress appropriately

When hiking in the desert, exposed skin invites sunburn and dehydration. sun hoodies are one Outside A staff favorite for keeping the sun off your neck and ears. During our backpacking trip, I wore this North Face Light Range Everyday Sun Hoodie.

Also consider wearing wide-brimmed hats, bandanas, and other light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with a UPF rating to protect your skin from UV rays. Polyester or nylon blended synthetic fabrics wick sweat and dry quickly to prevent chafing.

kafka cool tie

So far, our favorite cooling hack was kafka cool tie. Unlike other bandanas, which can dry out quickly in the desert sun, the Kafka Cool Tie contains non-toxic polymer crystals that absorb water and retain it for hours. As the water evaporates, the company says the neck tie cools the carotid arteries in the neck, reducing your overall body temperature. Plus, they’re so cute.

always have enough water

A general rule of thumb is to bring 0.5 to 1 liter of water per hour when hiking in extreme heat, but this can vary depending on conditions such as altitude, activity level and temperature. Be sure to contact local guiding companies or other experts for more information.

For more difficult hikes, consider bringing electrolyte packets or other hydrating tablets.

I like to keep water in my bladder like this platypus water bladder. It doesn’t leak, is durable, and the straw makes it incredibly easy to access during my hikes. I also have two types of filters: the Sawyer Squeeze Filter (to fill the camp) and MSR Trailshot Pocket-Size Filter For pumping on the road.

bring a sun tarp

Shade can make a huge difference in protecting you from the heat. The air temperature will be the same whether you’re in direct sunlight or not, but direct sunlight can make it feel up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer. National Weather Service. The Los Angeles-based health care system writes that direct sunlight can also aggravate common medical conditions like migraines, autoimmune disorders and respiratory illness. cedar-sinai.

If natural shade from trees or mountains is not available, a sun tarp can provide additional protection. i experimented Ano ProFly Sill Rain Tarp To add additional shade to the camp for our trip. At 18 ounces, it’s lightweight and doubles as both a bad-weather layer and desert-sun protector.

get out of the sun if you need to

If at any time you feel overheated, get out of the sun and cool down. Heat stroke can occur within 15 minutes, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to which the body’s cooling system essentially fails and loses the ability to regulate temperature. If at any point you begin to feel flushed, confused, dizzy or disoriented, it is a signal to slow down and calm down. Get out of the sun and start cooling off by applying cool, wet cloth or clothing to the neck, armpits and groin.

If you think you or someone in your group is suffering from heat stroke, call help immediately.