Land & Lifestyle Tips to Combat the Heat
5.11 Tactical water bladder that I carry in my pack.
Good examples of head gear.
on a piece of machinery, I will always go back to the old standby; cotton.
Start at the Top Due to its location on our bodies, the head takes the most direct beating, and thus, it needs to be protected.
A hat is the obvious choice here. While ball caps are better than nothing, the best protection comes from a wide-brimmed hat; think cowboy hats, sombreros or my favorite, the military style“ Boonie” hat. My“ Boonie” hat comes from 5.11 Tactical, but there are many brands out there, or you may be able to find a military issue hat at an Army / Navy store. Wide-brimmed hats not only protect your head but also help to keep the sun off your neck and shoulders.
Shirts Sun-protection manufacturers make both long and short-sleeve shirts, so which is the best to wear?
I believe that is up to personal choice. I have shirts from 5.11 Tactical, HUK and Hook & Tackle, both in short- and long-sleeve. Remember that the more skin that you have exposed, the more the sun will affect you. When I wear short sleeves, I make sure all of my exposed skin is covered with sunscreen.
More Than Just Shirts Very rarely do I wear shorts while out trekking or working in the garden. Lightweight pants help to protect
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Working in Southern California. Photo by Christopher Nyerges.
my legs from both the sun and biting insects.
There are plenty of brands out there that make pants made from UPF material. In fact, 5.11 Tactical makes pants with a rating of UPF 50 that easily convert to shorts if needed. When I do wear shorts, it is usually while in the canoe or kayak.
5: Food
Heat will sap your energy very quickly, so besides hydrating, it is very important to eat. The trick is to figure out what to eat.
Keep in mind that the process of digestion makes your body use both water and energy. Keep your meals light. Salads are good, as are fruits. Fruit will help replace water and give you the sugar, salt and potassium your body needs.
While in Arizona, I learned a trick that I had never thought of; that is to eat spicy foods. It sounds counterintuitive, but it does work. The chemical makeup of spices helps trigger your body’ s need to sweat, and sweating is your body’ s way to cool down. Give it a try. If you are going to live this lifestyle, then you will need to learn how to deal with the environment around you, whether that is the heat or the cold. Chores still need to get accomplished. Working in the cooler parts of the day, taking breaks, wearing proper clothing and staying hydrated will all help you deal with the summer heat.
July 2026 AcreageLife 25