Deserts are beautiful locations filled with wondrous natural landscapes. These areas make for exciting places to camp and hike and allow people to explore unknown territory. However, you may be surprised if you’re not used to the climate. The region boasts an arid environment, especially during those hot summer months.
Travelers should expect to experience heat during the day and cooler temperatures at night. It does rain, but the moisture evaporates quickly. For comfort and enjoyment, it’s best to plan, preparing yourself with the appropriate gear. As you pack for your adventures, keep the following items in mind.
1. Skin Care Products
Desert trips involve a lot of time outdoors. You’re likely hiking or camping for part of the time, truly taking in the surroundings. During these activities, expect a lot of sunshine and little humidity. Pack several items to keep your skin feeling good throughout the stay.
Avoid burns by wearing reliable, good-quality sunscreen. Put it on before you head out and reapply every couple of hours, following the product’s directions. In addition, invest in clothing designed to protect skin from the sun’s rays and keep you cool.
Dry weather can aggravate some skin conditions, decreasing the body’s moisture levels and increasing itchiness. Bring along some unscented lotions and shampoo for scalp psoriasis. These items could soothe irritations and boost skin hydration, so you don’t scratch your skin or experience hair flake during your stay.
2. Bandana and Hat
Sunscreens do an excellent job of creating a barrier to the sun’s rays, but many people forget about their scalp lines and ears. These zones are especially vulnerable to light. Wear an excellent outdoor hat that covers your face, head and ears. It’s a good source of shade from bright sunshine.
Bandanas have several purposes. Use them as an additional barrier. Block out dust that kicks up. Dry off sweat.
3. Cooling Towel
Cooling towels activate with water. Dip them or soak them with some water. Try a stream, or douse them with a bottle. Then wrap it around your neck to offer some relief from the high temperatures. It’s something to carry with you if you want to spend a long day outside but aren’t used to the warmer climate. Save them for the later afternoon or if you or anyone in your party needs to fight off heat exhaustion.
4. Water Bottles
Bring a large water bottle that fits into a carry pack on your back or around your waist. Have a couple of them on hand. The warm, dry climate increases moisture evaporation. That state impacts you and the land. Because you’re losing water, you need to replenish it.
5. Portable Charger
Portable chargers allow you to boost your cell phone’s battery levels. Charge them at home or the hotel. Throw them in your backpack, and pull them out if you’re cell looks like it’s dying. Use them for emergencies, ensuring you have a way to contact others.
6. Sturdy Shoes
Walk. Walk. Walk. Plan for a lot of that during your trip. Pack boots and a good pair of strap-on outdoor shoes. Look for cushion and traction choices supporting your feet, and seek something with arch support. Be sure they fit well and that you break them in before you head out!
7. Backpack
You want to tote your basic supplies and identification along during your sightseeing excursions. Get a backpack that fits securely and has easy-to-locate pockets. Waters should fit easily in the sides, allowing you to reach and drink with little effort. Get something durable enough to handle the elements, too. School bags have punches but tear and stain easily. Nature isn’t always friendly, and can snag these. You don’t want to lose something to a break.
Why not a side satchel or purse? Putting something on both shoulders helps distribute the weight. One-shoulder bags are suitable for short day trips, but they can also weigh you down. Even it out to minimize strains and muscle pulls.
Explore the desert to your heart’s content while feeling comfortable in the new environment. Plan early to get what you need to feel cool and protected from the drier climate. You can concentrate on the outdoors and make memories with the right supplies.
