through her own pain, and sometimes, thankfully, that of others.
About Water
By definition, deserts are places where water is scarce. Furthermore, even where water sources are reliable, it’s never safe to drink without the hassle of treating it.
For the latter reason I recommend carrying all your own water on day hikes. The easiest way to do this is by having a water hydration system in your backpack. If you are purchasing a new daypack many come with them already installed, but if not, you can buy the reservoirs or bladders separately. They come in various sizes from about thirty to one hundred ounces and each has a hose running from the top which lies on your chest with a bite valve on the end.
Hydration packs are available even in small sizes, encouraging kids to drink enough water.
Experts recommend a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day. Even on short hikes, I start with one hundred ounces of water — more than a gallon and a half. I might not use it, but in case of emergency where I am out longer than expected, or if someone in my group needs extra, it comes in handy. Once I had a mishap with my hydration pack many miles into a strenuous hike and lost just about all my water. On trips where it may be several hours to the next water source, I now carry two separate bladders with at least fifty ounces of water in each.
Water is heavy and weighs about eight and three-tenths pounds per gallon, but is worth the extra burden. And you can take some consolation in the fact that the more you drink, the less it weighs. However, relying on water alone to get you by is a danger in itself, so be sure to have lots of salty snacks and other types of food to eat.
Flash flooding
One of the biggest dangers of hiking this region is flash flooding. Even a small amount of rain can quickly become a raging torrent when the runoff of a large area is concentrated into a narrow canyon or wash, taking everything in that wash, including the occasional hiker, downstream with it.
Flash flooding can happen quickly and without warning in desert washes and canyons.
Be aware that it can be a cloudless day where you are, but be raining upstream from your location. Having weather information is one of the most useful functions of visitor centers at state and federal parks; always ask there about the flash flood danger before setting out.
Taking such signs seriously can save your life.
In this area the summer monsoon season is July and August, but storms and flash flooding can occur any month of the year. Since so many good hikes are up canyons and washes, form the habit of constantly looking for signs of past flooding episodes on their walls and on any trees growing in them. Sometimes you will have to look dozens of feet high up to see where water levels have reached in the past. Look for pieces of wood, twigs and other debris, which are often wedged into the cliff walls or stuck in tree branches, marking the past flood level.
As you travel along, keep a constant eye out for an escape route or easily accessed high ground that is above the highest water mark. Always be alert for rumbling sounds and, when hiking in sight of running water, be aware of subtle changes in the stream. Either of these could warn you of an impending flood, and is cause to seek high ground that very moment.
Never set up camp in a wash or in the low area of a canyon. And if you see water flowing in a dry wash or rising higher in a wet one, do not attempt to cross it. Climb to higher ground and wait it out. It usually doesn’t take long for the water to recede.
Hypothermia and how to dress in cold weather
“But it was surprising, the rapidity with which his cheeks and nose were freezing. And he had not thought his fingers could go lifeless in so short a time. Lifeless they were, for he could scarcely make them move together to grab a twig, and they seemed remote from his body and from him. When he touched a twig, he had to look and see whether or not he had hold of it.”
— From Jack London’s “To Build a Fire,” 1908
In this classic short story, London realistically describes a case of hypothermia, frostbite, and other horrible consequence that can happen when an ill-prepared person faces prolonged exposure in freezing temperatures. These hundred years later, spending time outdoors can be safer, for we have much better weather forecasting, as well as more suitable equipment and clothing. But you’ll need to take advantage of them.
Hypothermia can begin when the body’s core temperature falls even a few degrees below its norm of about 98.6 degrees (this varies somewhat from person to person). What you might not know is that it doesn’t even take freezing temperatures to make that happen. Spending a prolonged time outdoors on a rainy and windy day, even at temperatures in the fifties, can easily lead to hypothermia.
When heading outdoors for a winter hike or a snowshoeing excursion you probably know to bring the essential items including water, map, compass, sunscreen and sunglasses, extra food, extra clothing, headlamp, first-aid kit, fire-starter, and a knife. What is also crucial is to be well nourished and hydrated, to have the proper clothing, and to avoid getting wet or exposed to excessive wind.
Dress in layers of clothing and at all costs avoid cotton, which loses its insulating qualities if it becomes wet. A well-thought-out layering system for your body’s core will keep you warm for even extended periods of time outdoors, even in freezing temperatures. Depending on the conditions you expect to encounter, choose the weight of these layers in light, mid or heavyweight fabrics.
Your first layer should ideally be a synthetic wicking fabric like Capoline, Coolmax, polypropylene, or some other man-made fabric; second best would be silk or wool. This layer is crucial in keeping you dry because these best fabrics won’t absorb moisture from perspiration, but rather lift it out to evaporate.
The second layer should be something like a synthetic fleece jacket or vest; wool is the second-best choice. This is your insulating layer, which will hold in body heat. For extreme low temperatures, a down-filled jacket will also work well — as long as you can guarantee it won’t get wet.
Your outer layer should be some sort of a shell jacket or coat. This serves two purposes: It keeps the wind, rain or snow out, but still allows moisture to escape. Ideally find one that is a longer style so when you take that well-deserved break in some situation like sitting on a snow-covered rock, or while riding a ski lift, your derriere remains warm.
For winter hiking, snowshoeing or skiing, I have found the same layering system also works well for the lower body. In wet weather my outer layer is full-length side-zipped pants of Gore-Tex or other waterproof fabric. Side zippers are handy because if the weather clears up, you can take off the outer pants easily, without removing your boots. In heavy snow or rain, add some knee-high gaiters.
Don’t forget good waterproof hiking boots and proper winter hiking socks — again, no cotton, but a polyester, acrylic, or wool blend that will wick moisture. Add good gloves that are insulated and waterproof. When you return home from the outdoors, store those gloves in your pack or in your jacket pockets at all times, because gloves are what people often forget. Top it all off with a warm
