Patrick Kelley
Beat the Heat: Prepping for Summer Weather
Whether you love the summer heat or hate it, it’s time to talk about prepping for summer weather and the heat-related illnesses that can follow. Summers can get more intense in some states than others, but it’s important to be prepared for anything the summer heat can bring, no matter where you reside.
Follow these tips for prepping for summer weather to stay safe and enjoy your summer (instead of dreading the heat):
1. Start with your head. Every prepper needs a good hat that can cover your face and help shield you from sun exposure. Consider the MISSION Enduracool Bucket Hat, a boonie-style hat designed with UPF 50 protectant and the ability to keep you cool when wet.
2. Cover up. While a good hat can help tremendously, don’t stop there. Go the extra mile and cover up the rest of your body, too. I know, I know -- if it’s hot outside, why would you want to wear long sleeves or long pants? Luckily, there are plenty of breathable fabrics these days that will keep your skin cool and protect from harmful UV rays. Especially consider fishing clothes and athletic clothes.
3. Invest in some good sunglasses. You want to find something that will protect your eyes, look cool, and improve, never hinder your vision. Some sunglasses can throw off your perception or distort colors, which can throw off your prepping and outdoor skills. Consider the Smith Optics Hudson Elite Sunglasses, a versatile, classic pair of sunglasses that’ll work in any situation (plus, they’re not crazy expensive!).
4. Don’t forget your feet. If you’ve ever worn sandals out in the sun for a long period of time, you probably came away with some really hilarious tan lines. We often forget that our feet can get sunburnt too. Make sure you cover up your feet with lightweight, breathable shoes. Always wear socks with your shoes, but leave your heavy-duty wool hiking socks at home during the summer and opt for lighter socks, most likely made of cotton.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It’s always important to stay hydrated, whether you’re hiking, camping, or in a SHTF scenario. But this becomes increasingly important as the temperature climbs. The general rule of thumb is to stick to drinking half your body weight in ounces per day. However, if you’re sweating a lot and spending plenty of time outside, I’d recommend getting even more. As a prepper, you need your mind to be sharp, and dehydration can begin messing with your mind. Check out any of the items from Mission 19: Water Purification and Storage that can help keep you hydrated even when you’re off the grid.
6. Protect yourself from bugs. Plenty of bugs get a little extra pesky when it’s hot outside, so in addition to protection from the sun, you’ll also need some protection from these guys. Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your time outside. Consider the Stanport Mosquito Head Net, a chemical-free way to keep mosquitoes off your body.
7. Prevent fires. High heat can dry out grass and wooded areas, making them much more susceptible to fires. If you start a fire at all during the summer, take every precaution to keep the fire from spreading. Anything from Mission 31: Home and Wildfire Protection can help out incredibly.
Prepping can get increasingly tough as the weather gets increasingly hotter, but that’s never an excuse to not be ready for anything. If anything, it’s an excuse to learn more skills and challenge yourself even more. So get out there, get to prepping, and practice these skills - just keep these prepping for summer weather tips in mind.
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