Hot Weather Survival: Simple Techniques for When the Thermometer Goes Wild
Summer can transform a peaceful bushcraft outing into a true survival test. Contrary to popular belief, extreme heat kills more quickly than cold, and our bodies aren't always prepared to face scorching temperatures. Whether you're a casual hiker, an experienced bushcrafter, or simply someone looking for the best ways to navigate a crisis, mastering hot-weather survival techniques could very well save your life.
The deadly trap of dehydration
Your number one enemy in extreme heat isn't the sun, but dehydration . Under normal conditions, we lose about 2 liters of water per day. At 35°C in the shade with moderate activity, this loss can climb to 6 liters! Dehydration creeps up on you: first a feeling of thirst that many ignore, then headaches, unusual fatigue, and finally mental confusion that prevents you from making the right decisions.
The golden rule? Drink before you feel thirsty. An adult should consume at least 4 liters of water per day during a heatwave, and up to 8 liters if they are physically active. However, be careful of hyponatremia : drinking too much pure water dangerously dilutes the sodium in your blood. Add a pinch of salt to your water bottle or snack on salty foods.
Thermoregulation: the secrets of your body
Our bodies have fascinating mechanisms for combating heat. Sweating is our natural air conditioner, but it only works if the ambient humidity remains bearable. In dry weather, sweat evaporates efficiently and cools us down. But as soon as the humidity exceeds 60%, this system breaks down.
That's why 30°C with 80% humidity can be more dangerous than 40°C in a dry climate. Your body then tries to cool your brain, a vital organ, by diverting blood away from your extremities. The result: cramps, nausea, and then heatstroke if you don't act quickly.
The art of heat-resistant shelter
Unlike winter shelters that trap heat, your summer shelters should provide shade while allowing air circulation. Forget enclosed tents that quickly become ovens. Opt instead for tarps pitched at least 2 meters high , creating a significant volume of air beneath your shelter.
The double-roof technique works wonderfully : stretch a first tarp as a sunshade, then set up your sleeping shelter 50 centimeters lower. The hot air will naturally escape between the two layers. If possible, orient your shelter perpendicular to the prevailing winds to maximize natural ventilation.
Emergency cooling strategies
When your body temperature rises dangerously, every minute counts. Your priority: cool the main areas of blood flow. Apply cool water to your wrists, neck, temples, and behind your knees. These cooling points are remarkably effective because the blood vessels there are close to the surface.
If you have access to a water source, don't hesitate to soak your clothes. Evaporation from wet fabric creates an immediate cooling effect. If water isn't available, seek shade and elevate your legs to improve blood circulation. Even settling in a shallow hole can lower your temperature by several degrees thanks to the coolness of the ground.
Timing and rhythm: the importance of timing
Desert nomads have understood this for millennia: you don't fight the heat, you adapt to it. Align your rhythm with that of the sun . The coolest hours, between 4 and 8 a.m., are ideal for travel and physical activity. Also, take advantage of the late afternoon, after 6 p.m.
Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., seek shade and conserve your energy. This is the perfect time for sedentary activities: equipment maintenance, planning, rest. This enforced nap isn't laziness; it's a survival strategy.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Your body sends you precise messages when the situation is deteriorating. Muscle cramps indicate an electrolyte imbalance. Nausea and vomiting signal that your digestive system is going into energy-saving mode. If you suddenly stop sweating despite the heat, that's a red alert: your body is abandoning its natural defenses.
Heatstroke is characterized by a body temperature above 40°C, hot and dry skin, and altered consciousness. At this stage, you have only minutes to act before irreversible damage occurs.
Surviving in hot weather requires humility and preparation. Summer may seem benign, but it hides formidable traps. Respect the heat, anticipate its effects, and you'll discover that even the most dreaded heatwaves can be navigated with the right techniques.