Except for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, we are coming into that time of year that we were all looking forward to since January. The sun is warm on our faces, and we can enjoy being outside, having fun on the golf course or trout stream or doing whatever we enjoy doing.
But enjoying the sun and the summer is a double edged sword. As enjoyable as it is to be out and about, there are dangers in exposing ourselves to the sun and the summer heat. And in an emergency context, if you are forced outside into hot weather, you need to be prepared in order to survive in it. Let’s take a look both at what gear and supplies you need to have in your summer 72 hour kit, and some of the techniques and tricks that will make your time in the sun enjoyable, or at least survivable.
What you should have:
-A hat. Wide brimmed all around is best, but any hat is better than no hat. Even better, though you might look a little silly, would be an umbrella.
-A hankie/bandanna. Wrap it around your neck to prevent sunburn, or even better, dip in a cool stream or other water source, tuck one end under your hat and drape the other end around your neck. Not only will it keep the sun off your neck, but the evaporation will cool your entire head, much like a swamp cooler at home.
-Loose fitting clothes that cover. You might think that the best way to dress in hot weather is to wear as little as legally possible, but if you look at the clothing of people who live and work outdoors in the world’s hottest climates, like the Bedouins of the Middle East, they cover up completely in clothing that is loose and light colored. Think of clothing as shade. A loose cotton shirt will provide sun protection and since cotton absorbs water, it also supplies a bit of the swamp cooler effect.
-Sunglasses. The constant light of the sun, either direct or reflected, can have a deleterious effect on your eyes. Unless you can find day long shade, you need a pair of sunglasses. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be polarized.
Supplies
-Water. Well, duh. But you would be surprised how many folks think one bottle from a vending machine will get them through the day. In hot weather, working or hiking uphill, you will need a gallon or more to get you through the day, up to two gallons in some situations. Why do you think that you always see a ten gallon water cooler strapped to the back of a road crew truck? The way to tell if you are getting enough water is to pee. If your urine is clear to very light yellow, you are in good shape. If it is dark yellow or orange, you are already dehydrated. Drink like your life depends on it, because it just might.
-Sunscreen. Any exposed skin needs a good, SPF 15 or more sunscreen applied every few hours, or more often if you are sweating heavily or getting wet. Perhaps another reason to copy the Bedouins.
-Common sense. Which is often in short supply. Do like the animals do, and when possible, be most active in the early morning hours and again in the evening. During the heat of the day, find shade, drink water copiously, and take a nap, or at least relax until the sun dips lower and the temperature starts to drop. If you must be moving, pace yourself, take lots of shade breaks, and drink, drink, drink. Sorry, booze, coffee, and sugary drinks don’t hydrate nearly as well as good old fashioned water.
