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Summer is synonymous with outdoor recreation. Indeed, the best time for camping, hiking, backpacking and biking is happening right now as the mountain snow melts, leaving area trails ready for exploration. It’s a season that every outdoorsy person plans for and is also a great starting point for beginners.
Whether this is your first summer in the wild or you’re back for yet another season, here are some reminders about what you should keep in mind while adventuring in the warmer months.
1. Hydration
Staying hydrated is perhaps the most important safety tip to consider during the summer and one most people feel is obvious and that they have covered. Still, many people cut their water supply short in two places:
- Not bringing enough clean drinking water for the trip
- Not drinking enough water before the trip
Knowing how much water to bring depends on several factors, but a good rule of thumb is to pack more than you think is needed and to carry it in way that lets you drink as you hike (as opposed to only drinking during breaks). A good hydration pack will take care of that and is an easy way to store both water and your gear.
The second is more commonly overlooked but more easily remedied. You should be hydrated before your trip, which means drinking plenty of water the night before your hike or activity and the next day leading up to your adventure. Some people call this the “trailhead chug,” where they pack a large jug of water in the car and drink as much as possible at the trailhead before the hike.
2. Jackets
Jackets are just for winter, right? Wrong. The summer months may be warm, but wind, rain and cooler nights can still ruin your fun at best and cause hypothermia at worst.
You probably don’t need a down winter coat, but a light, technical windbreaker can protect you from the elements that strike most during the summer. It also offers comfort during cooler nights and packs down to almost nothing in your backpack.
3. Wildlife
The chances of encountering dangerous wildlife in the wild are extremely low, but some animals can be more active during the summer season. In fact, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
Snakes will take advantage of warm weather and soak in the sun on or near trails. As long as you don’t accidentally step on or grab one, they won’t bother you. Just always watch where you place your feet, and try not to hike with headphones on, so you can hear a rattle.
Bears are out of hibernation and looking for food. With that in mind, make plenty of noise when rounding corners and stand your ground if you do see one. Wave your arms and let it know not to get near you and it will more than likely run away.
4. Trails & Streams
Some of the best trails in the country are nestled right up against the mountains. Before hitting the trails right as the snow has melted for the season, check with the local park or forest department for trail and stream conditions.
Snow melt will often down trees and transform trails from previous years, and that same melt could make streams impassable if the winter saw lots of snowfall. Ultimately, you don’t want to be in a situation where you are miles into the trip, only to be forced to turn around at a rapid river.
Use Common Sense and Enjoy a Memorable Outing
There isn’t anything crazy to concern yourself with during the summer season, but knowing and following the small details can have a big impact on your enjoyment and safety.
Luckily, they all add up to common-sense measures: stay hydrated, stay protected, respect wildlife and know your trail conditions. Do that and your summer in the outdoors will be yet another memorable season.
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