Hiking soon? Here’s how to prepare for severe heat

SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah continues to suffer through severe heat, we have to prepare more to venture outside. 

A fourth hiker has died in Utah’s severe heat in the span of two weeks. A competitive ultra runner gave insight on prepping to hike in extreme temps.

Physical therapist and competitive ultra runner, Michael Capobianchi, emphasized the importance of overpacking water and implementing a cooling strategy, such as wearing heat-reflective clothing, to combat extreme conditions.

These strategies are “to help maintain that cooling response within the body to keep overall internal temperature down,” said Capobianchi.

Capobianchi is currently training for an upcoming 62-mile challenge, for which he has to heavily prepare for severe heat.  His plan includes carrying a filtration system to replenish water on the trail and ensuring constant hydration.

Additionally, he is packing extra water just for keeping bandanas and clothing wet to keep his skin cool.

The competitive runner said planning ahead is crucial. 

Ultra Running Magazine also said, “Running in intense heat requires pacing oneself and finding creative ways to stay cool.”

The CDC says you can see signs of heat exhaustion by looking for symptoms like cold, pale, and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and headaches. If you feel or see any of these symptoms they recommend sipping water, loosening clothes and moving to a cold place.

If you are wondering what to pack on a hiking trip, the U.S. National Park service has provided a list of 10 essentials to pack. 

Related: 

• Excessive heat warnings issued throughout Utah as ‘heat dome’ arrives
• Some people are more vulnerable to heat than others