Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a heavy pack, he or she can lose one to three liters of water an hour. It's important to always carry
plenty of water and to stop often and drink fluids regularly, even if you aren't thirsty.
Heat exhaustion is the result of a loss of large amounts of electrolytes and often occurs if a hiker is
dehydrated and has been under heavy exertion. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include cramp-
ing, exhaustion, fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea. You can treat heat exhaustion by getting out of
the sun and drinking an electrolyte solution made up of one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of
sugar dissolved in a liter of water. Drink this solution slowly over a period of one hour. Drinking
plenty of fluids (preferably an electrolyte solution/sports drink) can prevent heat exhaustion. Avoid
hiking during the hottest parts of the day, and wear breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and
sunglasses.
Hiking with Children
Hiking with children isn't a matter of how many miles you can cover or how much elevation gain you
make in a day; it's about seeing and experiencing nature through their eyes.
Kids like to explore and have fun. They like to stop and point out bugs and plants, look under rocks,
jump in puddles, and throw sticks. If you're taking a toddler or young child on a hike, start with a trail
that you're familiar with. Trails that have interesting things for kids, like piles of leaves to play in or a
small stream to wade through during the summer, will make the hike much more enjoyable for them
and will keep them from getting bored.
You can keep your child's attention if you have a strategy before starting on the trail. Using games is
not only an effective way to keep a child's attention, it's also a great way to teach him or her about
nature. Play hide and seek, where your child is the mouse and you are the hawk. Quiz children on the
names of plants and animals. If your children are old enough, let them carry their own daypack filled
with snacks and water. So that you are sure to go at their pace and not yours, let them lead the way.
Playing follow the leader works particularly well when you have a group of children. Have each child
take a turn at being the leader.
From spring through fall, you'll want your kids to wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep their face, head,
and ears protected from the hot sun. Also, make sure your children wear sunscreen at all times. Choose
a brand without Paba—children have sensitive skin and may have an allergic reaction to sunscreen that
contains Paba. If you are hiking with a child younger than six months, don't use sunscreen or insect re-
pellent. Instead, be sure that their head, face, neck, and ears are protected from the sun with a wide-
brimmed hat, and that all other skin exposed to the sun is protected with the appropriate clothing.
Remember that food is fun. Kids like snacks so it's important to bring a lot of munchies for the trail.
Stopping often for snack breaks is a fun way to keep the trail interesting. Raisins, apples, granola bars,
crackers and cheese, cereal, and trail mix all make great snacks. If your child is old enough to carry her
own backpack, fill it with treats before you leave. If your kids don't like drinking water, you can bring
boxes of fruit juice.
