In the Desert
It ain't called the Badlands for nothing
By Charmian Christie
Whether you're crossing Australia's Red Centre or hiking Nevada's Painted Desert, there are wonders to behold and dangers to avoid. But the desert poses some challenges that other extreme adventures don't. While most wilderness trekkers have good orientation skills, the desert can challenge even the most navigationally savvy nomad. Landscapes can appear non-distinct and remarkable formations are so numerous you can't see The Petrified Forest for the trees.
Water
While the amount of water you need varies with your level of exertion, plan on each person consuming one full gallon of water each day. Although sports drinks can help replace electrolytes and increase blood sugar, it's unadulterated, clear water that will best replenish your body.
To avoid dehydration and heat stroke:
- Start the day fully saturated. Drink all the water you can comfortably hold before heading out.
- Drink small amounts of water continuously throughout the day. Guzzling can give you cramps and if you wait until you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.
- Most people mistake hunger for thirst, so always have a drink before eating to make sure you really are hungry.
- Drink cool or warm water. Ice-cold liquids feel like they're cooling you down, but you'll actually drink less of them.
- Avoid alcohol in the heat. It will dehydrate you.
- Bring a water filter or purifier - just in case.
Keep Your Cool
Desert rats know to walk softly and carry a big cooler. Bring the largest chill chest you can carry filled with ice. Blocks last longer than cubes, but cubes are better than nothing. If you have access to refrigeration, freeze half-filled water bottles overnight and then top them off with water heading out on your trek. A spray bottle full of water can also bring cooling relief.
To keep your site cool, set up camp in the shade. If there's no vegetation, bring a tarp or shade canopy.
Weather Watch
Desert CampingIt may not rain often in the desert, but when it does, the runoff is strong enough to move boulders. Imagine what a flash flood can do to a couple of campers. Deserts are also notorious for flash storms that come out of nowhere - lightning and high winds that whip up eye-scratching sand devils. To stay high and dry, don't pitch your tent in low-lying areas like canyons and dried-up riverbeds.
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
Not quite, but you will find venomous snakes and scorpions. These creatures seek shade during the hottest hours, so watch where you stop to rest. While most desert campers know better than to stick their hands under rocks or into crevices, many attacks are caused by tripping over stones or rodent burros. And these creepy crawlers aren't shy about who they bunk with. Bring a cot so you sleep protected from uninvited guests. Shake your boots and clothing out before dressing in the morning. You never know what's crawled inside for a nap.
Share your travel adventure thoughts with Charmian.
