Hiking in the Desert Wind Trivia Quiz

Answer: A hat

Besides providing shade, a hat helps prevent, or at least delay, heat-related illnesses by keeping the head shaded. Experts recommend that it be a brimmed hat which will also help keep sun and rain (it does occasionally rain in the desert!) out of your eyes. Hats and clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating are even better, and a hat with a sun cape will keep the sun off your neck. Denim jeans might seem logical because they're thick and would be a barrier against cactus thorns, but they trap heat and aren't recommended. Crampons are used for traction in snow and ice and probably aren't going to be much use in the desert. Unless you're prone to falling or need to wear them for knee-strain issues, you can skip the knee pads on your desert hike.

(question by PDAZ)

Answer: You may not get cellphone service.

Depending on where you are hiking, cellphone reception could be spotty or non-existent, making your map apps useless. Having a map of your intended route will help you should you accidentally venture off-trail or just lose your way. A compass is also a good idea if you're taking a long hike. A map specifically designed for the trail may also show where water is available.

(question by PDAZ)

Answer: Keep your phone turned off when not in use.

The best way to conserve your phone's battery power is to keep it turned off unless you need it to make a call. Cell phones can easily overheat in the high desert temperatures, so not using background apps, or simply keeping it turned off, will save your phone from losing power or malfunctioning, making it ready to use in case on an emergency (assuming you have cell reception). Taking solar powered portable chargers and extra batteries are also highly recommended.

(question by kaddarsgirl)

Answer: Look for deciduous trees or bushes.

Recommendations for the quantity of water to carry on a desert hike vary. Experienced travelers recommend three to five quarts per person and day. Water is heavy, so there may be a desire to bring less rather than more, but if you're going on a long hike, you don't want to run out. However, if you do run out, look for deciduous trees or bushes growing in the desert. Trees such as cottonwoods need water, and if they look healthy, they're getting it from somewhere. If you're lucky, there's a stream, but more likely than not, you'll need to dig because the water is underground. The best plan is to bring sufficient water because the underground water might be a long way down.

(question by PDAZ)

Answer: Find shade and rest.

Even if you can't locate the water near the deciduous trees, they'll provide shade, and it is usually cooler near them. If you can't find a tree, look for a large rock or anything that will cast a shadow, or use your backpack or any additional clothes you've brought to create a shelter. Sit and rest, and if you can wait until sundown, it will be cooler, and if you're able, you can always try hiking back to the trailhead then.

(question by PDAZ)

Answer: You shouldn't. The water is salty and potentially dangerous.

Cacti come in many shapes and sizes and most species are native to deserts in the Americas. Despite their arid environment, they are specially adapted to conserve water, which allows them to survive long periods of drought. However, the stored water is at best salty and at worst contains acids and alkaloids that can induce diarrhea, vomiting, and even temporary paralysis. An exception to this is the prickly pear cactus. While unpleasant to ingest, this species contains less toxic levels of these dangerous compounds, and may, in an emergency, give you some much needed hydration.

(question by bottle_rocket)

Answer: Salty

Make sure to pack plenty of salty snacks to take with you on your hike. Taking (and consuming) a few snacks can help you keep your energy up in the heat of the day and salty snacks in particular will help your body retain water so you don't lose it so quickly. Snack bars with nuts and protein, and foods like pretzels, are not only lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pack, but will provide you with the fuel you need to make it through your hike.

(question by kaddarsgirl)

Answer: No - it's difficult for dogs to withstand the heat and generally should not be taken desert hiking.

Deserts are generally inhospitable places to all but the local flora and fauna, and in the height of summer, it can be like walking through a furnace. Although this doesn't deter some humans, who are able to adequately prepare and seek out respite as needed, you should never bring your dog with you. As dogs can only sweat from parts of their body that aren't covered in hair (which isn't much), they can very easily overheat. A good rule of thumb is to consider whether the ground is too hot for you to sit on - if it's too hot for you, it's way too hot for a pooch. Leave the pup at home, and look forward to seeing him later.

(question by eburge)

Answer: Leave him alone.

If you've ever hiked in the desert, you've passed by snakes; the majority of the time, you just didn't notice them. The desert is their habitat; they're allowed to be there! If you see a snake on a trail, chances are that he is just crossing it. Let him move across at his own speed. It's unlikely that you'll find a snake camped out in the middle of a trail, but if you do, just give him space and walk around him. The same goes with other desert denizens - take pictures, but leave them be! If you should get a snakebite, get immediate medical treatment.

(question by PDAZ)

Answer: So they know your whereabouts and how long you're going to be there, in case of emergency.

The desert can be unforgiving, and even the hardiest of hikers can find themselves in danger if they're not careful. It is absolutely vital that someone else knows what you're up to. Otherwise, if something happens and you aren't able to return home, it could be days, possibly even weeks, before you're found. Even if it's just a quick text to your mother or a note stuck on the fridge for your housemate to see, tell someone else where you are going and how long you plan to be.

(question by eburge)