[pct-l] Desert hiking techniques

[Herb Stroh]

Recent postings regarding dehydrated hikers has raised the question of proper planning and preparation. Hiking in dry desert conditions presents unique challenges. While it may be too late to help the 2012 class, a discussion on the topic of desert hiking will help future candidates. Below is a list of techniques I picked up over the years:

1. Recognize that desert hiking is very different than forest hiking. In the desert you must practice water management-know where reliable sources exist and how much water your body needs given the time, temperature, terrain, and distance between refills. Have sufficient water containers to cover your longest waterless sections. In the Grand Canyon hikers say "hike from water not to it." That is, leave a water source with adequate provisions to make it to the next known water rather than run out and have to hike on to your next drink.

2. Ask hikers heading in the opposite direction about water availability. Opposite-bound hikers are a great source of fresh data. We met just two other groups of hikers when on a section of the Grand Enchantment Trail, and spent 95% of our conversation briefing each other on water locations. The information proved invaluable to us in locating an elusive but necessary spring.

3. Have a sense of how much water you need given the conditions. This is where actual desert hiking experience is so helpful. Constantly monitor the amount of water you need given perceived heat and exertion, and over time you will have a sense of how many litters it takes to go a given distance in hot, dry conditions. The sweet spot is always having enough to make it to the next source even if delayed, without dead-heading too much extra water. Err on the side of too much until you have a handle on your own water needs.

4. For me, I find sipping often to be the most efficient method of consumption. I use a camelback, but keep it in a side pocket so that I can easily reach around and check my water supplies. (Keep it cool and protected from brush by wrapping it in your Tyvek groundsheet).  Avoid breathing through your mouth, which expels more moisture. If you are not urinating or the urine is dark, these are indications of insufficient water intake so drink more. Camel up at water sources by drinking more water than normal. I have seen army studies that say it is no more energy efficient to carry water in your belly than in your pack, but I beg to differ. I can feel a liter on my back but not in my stomach, so I still use this technique.

5. It is better to drink possibly tainted water than to dehydrate. Getting sick days later beats dying today. We have chased off cows from nasty-looking water holes and drank some foul stuff, but it got is by and we did not get sick.

6. Avoid hiking in the heat of the day. In the Grand Canyon during the summer they close the corridor trails at the hottest part of the day to try and keep the foreign tourists from frying their brains. So much of smart hiking is not conquering the environment but conforming to it. In hot and dry conditions, rise early and pound the miles in the cool early morning hours. As the heat rises, slow the pace. During the hot part of the day, take a nap in the shade, then resume hiking when the heat breaks. Hike into the evening. During the day use shade when you happen upon it for rest breaks, to check the map, or adjust the pack. Never waste a trail-side patch of shade.

Everyone recognizes that they will cover less miles in the Sierra due to snow. One must similarly respect desert conditions and adjust daily goals commensurate with heat and water availability.

7. Keep the sun off of your head with a hat or umbrella. I also like wearing a long-sleeve loose fitting airy shirt which gives me the option of covering up if the sun it too intense or rolling up my sleeves for air flow. My preference is convertible pants so that I can easily go to shorts if desired.

8. Stay cool by wetting a bandana at every water source and wrap it around your neck. Wet your hat or other clothing as well. A neat trick is to soak a shirt or pack towel, seal it in a large zip lock, and store it in your pack. I know added weight is an anathema to distance hikers, but the cooling effect of a wetted shirt miles from the last water source is incredible.

9. I have not done it but others take a small spray bottle to mist their face to cool down. I was "misted" by a ranger on the Bright Angel Trail, whose sole job was to spray hikers with water as they walked by and make sure no one killed themselves in the heat.

I am sure others can add their experiences to the list.

Herb


Herb Stroh  |  Partner
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