How to Handle the Sun & Heat in the Appalachian Mountains

Video Transcript

"Hi this is David Jackel on behalf of Expert Village, and I am here to talk to you about dealing with the sun and the heat when you are up there in the Appalachian Mountains. Now no matter what time of year it is, once you start reaching higher elevations as you climb the mountains, and particularly once you pass the tree line, you are going to discover that you are much more susceptible to the sun and to heat. So you have to be extra careful. Always wear sunscreen when you are hiking, even if it is a dreary November day you want to wear sunscreen because you know that the sun rays are more powerful as you get higher up. You should also make sure that you are staying hydrated. You can become dehydrated without even realizing it so make sure that you are constantly drinking from your water bottle. Not all the time, but enough so that you do not have to worry about getting thirsty because once you get thirsty, it is too late. When you are hiking you should wear either a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses. Now once you start to feel the heat and you break a sweat, it is time to remove a layer of clothing. You do not want to get sweat inside your clothing because then it is going to chafe you and it is going to be very uncomfortable and it is not safe. So as you feel the heat, remove a layer. As you feel the cold, add a layer. If the heat is really strong or if the sun is really strong, get out of the sun. Get into the shade if you can find shade. It is worth taking a couple of minutes to get out of the sun and give yourself a chance to relax and that way you can continue your hike and you do not have to worry about sun stroke or general fatigue. Remember, the sun is much stronger the higher up you get."