Staying Cool in the Heat

As we head towards the true dog days of summer, it gets more important than ever to keep cool while staying active outside. Keep these practices in mind to beat the heat.

Be realistic- Listen to your body and allow yourself to recover from inclines and faster portions of your hike or run. With the added heat factor, you may find your body working less efficiently and feel the need to allow more rests to allow your body to acclimatize to the conditions.

Hydrate- Keeping your body properly hydrated in summer is essential. Carry water and electrolytes to help you get through your activity and keep hydrating after you finish to help your muscles recover effectively. Low profile packs like The North Face Thresher make it easy to tote your water and stay active. A creek or waterfall can be a great place to splash water on your face, head or neck, but keep your mouth closed! Water should be treating before consuming!

Dress appropriately- Wicking fabrics and light colors will make a palpable difference in keeping your body cool as you work out. Add sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to better protect yourself from sun exposure. Wear wicking socks to keep your feet dry and blister free.

Avoid the Sun- Now is the time of year to head out in the mornings and evenings, when cooler temps will give you an extra boost and the sun's rays are less intense. These can be the best times to view animals of the forest as well.

The rewards of summer outings are plenty, from wildflowers and wildlife to swimming holes and wild fruit. Enjoy!