Deserts may be an excellent travel destination: from camel riding in Morocco to sandboarding in Peru to stargazing in Chile’s Atacama desert, deserts offer something adventurous as well as romantic. Due to the harsh environment, it is also necessary to include the appropriate gear in your travel capsule wardrobe.
If you think you know how to camp, trust me when I say that sand camping is a completely different beast! There are numerous more safety and hygiene considerations to consider, particularly when traveling with children. However, there are plenty of hidden dangers lurking behind the beauty and adventure of desert hiking. The basic line is that desert hiking can be highly dangerous if you are unprepared.
Review these vital desert hiking essentials before hitting the sand, and make sure your daypack includes these unusual extra pieces of gear.
Hydration Pack
Okay, this one should go without saying, but it’s the first rule of every desert journey. You’d be surprised how quickly you may become dehydrated by mistake. Furthermore, you’ll almost certainly consume far more water than you would at home. Keep this in mind when selecting a suitable water bottle size. The minimum recommended bottle size is 64 ounces.
You’ll be glad you brought a Camelbak water bottle if you’re going hiking or exploring on foot. You will be intrigued to learn that water bottles can be made through plastic injection molding in an injection mold factory. This will keep you hydrated in the desert on hot days, and you’ll be glad you have it if you intend on hiking in the heat. A Camelbak is great because you can wear it on your back and drink from the straw when you’re thirsty without having to stop.
Clothing
Wear white/reflective, long-sleeved, and long-legged clothing during the day to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. However, deserts can get very chilly at night, so you should bring some warm clothing like a lightweight jacket with you.
A hat is another item to keep on hand when the desert sun shines. Going on a desert expedition without wearing protective headgear is a recipe for disaster. We recommend a light, breathable hat with a wide enough brim to shield your face, ears, neck, and shoulders, which are the most exposed and often most sensitive parts of your body.
Shoes
During your trip to the desert, you’ll most likely only require a pair of comfy hiking sandals. This is especially true if you intend to go on hikes and spend a significant chunk of your journey on your feet. Make sure the sandals you bring are comfortable and provide adequate arch support. Sandals for hiking (In the evenings, because your feet will sweat profusely, it will be pleasant to remove your boots and allow your feet to breathe.)
Hiking boots precisely made by arm robots are usually heavy enough to protect your feet from the heat of the ground as well as sharp and hefty pebbles. Hiking boots with a high ankle are ideal.)
Gaiters are a type of footwear that is worn over (To prevent sand getting into your boots)
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
When it comes to sunburns, use a sunscreen with a high SPF, starting with SPF 30 and working your way up depending on your skin type. I bring sunscreen on every trek I go on, but many hikers forget to bring it, so bring a huge bottle and share it with those who haven’t. It’s almost as crucial to bring sunscreen to the desert as it is to bring water. Bring some with a high SPF and reapply every two hours while in the sun.
The light reflecting off the desert sand may be pretty harsh on your eyes, and we don’t mean that as a fashion accessory. A pair of polarized sunglasses or goggles could make a significant difference in your level of comfort and safety. Also, choose a pair that is well-fitted and has a strap so you don’t lose them while exploring.
GPs Maps and Compass
It would be a major error to go into the desert without a GPS, and it would be even worse if you didn’t bring a backup map with you. Make sure you’ve covered all of your bases and are prepared in case technology fails. Keep it simple with a paper map and a compass.
Understanding how to navigate with a map and compass, as well as a digital GPS, is an important ability to have, but there are a few navigational guidelines to remember. Desert paths, unlike forested trails with moist soils, are readily washed out by storms or may wander along sandy washes, thus having a GPS device or software that can track your whereabouts is beneficial.
In the desert, a GPS gadget can be a lifesaver; yet, if you’re deep inside a small slot canyon, GPS devices may struggle to find your signal. Before you travel, learn everything you can about your route description and bring a paper backup with you just in case.
Conclusion
When it comes to having a magical desert vacation you’ll remember for years, a few key measures go a long way. We hope that our tips are useful for your next adventure. Good luck.
