{"id":15375,"date":"2026-07-03T12:37:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15375"},"modified":"2026-07-03T12:37:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:37:09","slug":"im-an-editor-at-outside-heres-how-i-hike-safely-in-extreme-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15375","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019m an Editor at Outside. Here\u2019s How I Hike Safely in Extreme Heat."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>After a string of heat-related fatalities in the canyon, we had to rethink our entire backpacking strategy. Here is the protocol we used to survive a 40-mile trek in triple-digit temps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published July 3, 2026 04:00AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In early June, during a severe heat warning, two of my best friends and I hiked into the Grand Canyon on our way to Havasupai Falls. We had secured our hiking permits six months prior, and didn\u2019t want to lose out on the girl trip of a lifetime even with the intense weather conditions.<\/p>\n<p>But ahead of the launch date on our hiking permit, the canyon was heating up. On June 3, a teenager died from heat-related illness while hiking on Bright Angel Trail along the South Rim. Just a week before we set out on our backpacking trek, three people died from <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backpacker.com\/news-and-events\/news\/3-more-grand-canyon-hikers-have-died-from-suspected-heat-illness\/\">suspected heat illness<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The out-and-back trail from the canyon rim to our campground was about 12 miles, but has an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet in the first two miles. Between additional side hikes and side quests, we clocked around 43 miles total over four days. Because of the desert heat, loose sand, and steep climb out, trails here are considered difficult and strenuous.<\/p>\n<p>To keep our group safe, we had to rethink our backpacking strategy. Here is the protocol we followed to survive a 40-mile trek in triple-digit temps.<\/p>\n<p><iframe class=\"fp-remove\" style=\"border:none;overflow-y:hidden;background-color:white;min-width:320px;max-width:420px;width:100%;height:420px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gaiagps.com\/public\/e0tkxSUo5FaqJ96wYyu1XVDL\/?embed=True\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Hydrate Before Your Adventure<\/h2>\n<p>Preloading hydration and managing electrolytes are a trail-goer\u2019s best friend. Before heading out on the trail, drink water. According to the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/dehydration\/\">American Hiking Association<\/a>, your body feels thirsty when water levels are already low. This means you shouldn\u2019t wait to feel thirsty. Instead, begin drinking water and hydrating ahead of time.<\/p>\n<h2>Start Hikes Early or Late<\/h2>\n<p>Time your hike to avoid the hottest parts of the day, which the National Park Service <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\/learn\/news\/three-apparent-heat-related-deaths-on-trips-in-inner-canyon-of-grand-canyon-national-park.htm\">says<\/a> typically fall between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M in the desert. As long as it\u2019s safe to do so and you\u2019re comfortable with the terrain, this may look like starting in the wee hours of the morning or late evening. During our hike into Havasupai, for example, we descended from the trailhead at 6 P.M., arriving at camp around 11:30 P.M. On our hike out, we left camp at 4 in the morning.<\/p>\n<h2>Dress Appropriately<\/h2>\n<p>When hiking in the desert, exposed skin invites sunburn and dehydration. Sun hoodies are an <em>Outside<\/em> staff favorite for keeping the sun off your neck and ears. During our backpacking trip, I wore the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"http:\/\/thenorthface.com\/en-ie\/innovation\/technologies\/lightrange?utm_content=ecomm&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=US+%7C+en+%7C+Hybrid+%7C+SEM+-+BKWS+-+EXA,PHR+~+All+-+Backpacks&amp;utm_term=north+face+bags&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=12915000927&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADl87iYsQTrwavraqqqKuZT6c2Xek&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmJjSBhB-EiwAkZgxi4bQr598SYcn4914bpAwNPiyCP3FErm5SdP-VR-ZHQK3WcEj7lRGDhoC2jUQAvD_BwE\">North Face Light Range<\/a> sun hoodie every day.<\/p>\n<p>Also consider wide-brimmed hats, bandanas, and other lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with a UPF rating to protect your skin from UV rays. Polyester or nylon blend synthetic fabrics wick sweat and dry rapidly to prevent chafing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746581\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Author Madison Dapcevich stands near a \u201cdescend at own risk\u201d sign above Mooney Falls near the Havasu campground<\/span> (Photo: Madison Dapcevich)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Kafka Kool Tie<\/h2>\n<p>By far, our favorite cooling hack was the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/kooltie.com\/\">Kafka Kool Tie<\/a>. Unlike other bandanas that can quickly dry out under the desert sun, the Kafka Kool Tie contains non-toxic polymer crystals that absorb water and retain it for hours. As water evaporates, the company says that the neck ties cool the carotid arteries in the neck, lowering your overall body temperature. Plus, they\u2019re super cute.<\/p>\n<h2>Always Carry Enough Water<\/h2>\n<p>A standard rule of thumb is to bring between 0.5 and 1 liter of water per hour of hiking in extreme heat, but that can vary depending on conditions such as elevation, activity level, and temperature. Be sure to check in with local guiding companies or other experts for more information.<\/p>\n<p>For more strenuous hikes, consider bringing electrolyte packets or other hydrating tablets.<\/p>\n<p>I love carrying water in a bladder, like this\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/cascadedesigns.com\/products\/big-zip-evo\">Platypus water bladder<\/a>. It doesn\u2019t leak, is hardy, and the straw makes it incredibly easy to access during my hikes. I also carried two types of filters: the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/247832\/sawyer-squeeze-water-filtration-system-with-cnoc-premium-2-liter-bladder?sku=2478320001&amp;store=72&amp;CAWELAID=120217890019293578&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=191294931581&amp;CATCI=pla-1964951152249&amp;cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2478320001%7C1964951152249%7Cbrand_flag%7C23656479579&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23656479579&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlzfmeHoJ_YKnMAYLdPV31IEo&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jfJUcSOYeCcwACWnibtKSl8pOmwvuk5o9YwUilIGPRAvTRgpQUqzNBoCcKUQAvD_BwE\">Sawyer Squeeze Filter<\/a> (for filling up at camp) and the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/114975\/msr-trailshot-pocket-sized-water-filter?sku=1149750001&amp;store=&amp;CAWELAID=120217890003837112&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=195424675126&amp;CATCI=pla-1964951152249&amp;cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_1149750001%7C1964951152249%7Cbrand_flag%7C23867015174&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23867015174&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlzlxEU4QpXkc2Rh9cALJS3vB&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jbYE5Se4_27MFEHlNG2-FFxTTfVvi2Je6idrQOhnJWjpC125s_etBRoC4LEQAvD_BwE\">MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Filter<\/a> for pumping on the trail.<\/p>\n<h2>Bring a Sun Tarp<\/h2>\n<p>Shade can make a massive difference in protecting yourself from the heat. The air temperature will remain the same whether you\u2019re in direct sunlight or not, but direct sunlight can make it feel up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, according to the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/ama\/heatindex\">National Weather Service<\/a>. Direct sunlight may also aggravate common medical conditions, like migraines, autoimmune disorders and respiratory illness, writes the Los Angeles-based healthcare system <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/stories-and-insights\/expert-advice\/summer-health-risks\">Cedars-Sinai<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If natural shade from trees or mountains isn\u2019t available, a sun tarp can provide that extra protection. I used the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com\/collections\/hammock-tarps-shades\/products\/profly-sil-rain-tarp\">Eno ProFly Sil Rain Tarp<\/a> for our trip to add extra shade at camp. At 18 ounces, it\u2019s lightweight and doubles as both a bad-weather layer and a desert-sun protector.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Out of the Sun When Needed<\/h2>\n<p>If at any point you get overheated, get out of the sun and cool down. Heat stroke can strike within 15 minutes, according to the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/heat-stress\/about\/illnesses.html\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>.\u00a0causing the body\u2019s cooling system to essentially fail and lose the ability to regulate temperature. At any point you begin to feel flushed, confused, dizzy, or disoriented, that\u2019s a sign to slow down and cool off. Get out of the sun and begin cooling off by applying cold, wet clothes or clothing to the neck, armpits, and groin.<\/p>\n<p>Call help immediately if you believe you or someone in your group is suffering from heat stroke.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><span hidden=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-adventure\/hiking-and-backpacking\/grand-canyon-hiking-extreme-heat-safety\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a string of heat-related fatalities in the canyon, we had to rethink our entire backpacking strategy. Here is the protocol we used to survive a 40-mile trek in triple-digit temps. Published July 3, 2026 04:00AM In early June, during a severe heat warning, two of my best friends and I hiked into the Grand<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15375"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15375\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}