Tips for hot weather fieldwork.
Ask a Biologist 5/9/22
Answers from Biologists:
Gatorade/powerade powder
Swap bras for bikini tops-better for sweat (underwire ones available).
Water is good but don’t forget salty snacks with big water intakes-electrolytes.
Speak up if you need a break. Heat stroke/exhaustion is not joke.
Some sort of cooling towel (i.e. frogtogg)
Dress in layers. Places can be cold in the morning but hot by the afternoon. Moisture wicking bottom layer.
Always pack enough water, sunscreen, and salty snacks.
Take breaks in a shaded area whenever possible.
Keep a cooler with high water content foods like fruit.
Pedialyte on hand for emergencies.
Loose fitting quick dry everything.
The cooling neck/head gaiters really work.
Covering your head and the back of the neck can really help prevent heat stroke.
Drink lots of water but also include some electrolytes.
Wear fly fishing gloves-great for desert work (sun, bugs, irritating pants, etc.)
Pee often, pee clearly! Think you’re staying hydrated, you’re probably not.
Soak a buff or bandana before heading out-the evaporative cooling helps a ton.
Sunscreen!
Cover up. Synthetic sun shirts keep you cooler and prevent sunburn.
Wet bandana on your neck and lightweight white long sleeve. Both lifesavers.
Be sun-smart. Ventilated long sleeves or light drill cotton. Better to need to drink more water than deal with a sunburn.
Floppy hats that cover your ears and neck keep the sun off you better than ball caps.
Electrolyte packets are light. Throw a few in your bag to mix into your water when it gets hot.
Hydrate and skip the booze the night before a hot field day.
I freeze juice boxes and yogurt for cool treats on a really hot day.
Always eat, even if heat kills your appetite. Hyperhydration is a real threat.
A good hat to help cover your face when you work in a place shade.
Long sleeves and sunscreen. Make sure to reapply.
Keep packets of electrolytes drink mix in your pack and take frequent breaks.
Sunscreen is not optional.
There’s a neck tie called a “cool tie”-Lifesaver! Used it for years. Soak in water overnight.
Foam dog coats or foam neck wraps. Bring a cooler to repeatedly soak them in ice water.
Get old man dress shirts from Goodwill. They make really good sun protection in the heat.
Electrolyte water, cooling bandanas, drink electrolytes the night before.
Pickles!
I sometimes use a neck fan and freeze a gatorade and water.
Carry a small collapsible umbrella for instant shade and a first aid ice pack for instant cooling.
You can never go wrong with a bucket hat and a long sleeved button up from the thrift store.
Hydrate the night before to avoid beginning your day already dehydrated.
Crew Leads: Don’t ask the crew if they need a water break, just take one. If you stop to drink, they will too.
Drink electrolytes along with your water.
Wet a neck gaiter and refrigerate the night before. If you carry a cooler, keep an extra in there.
SPF shirts with long sleeves. The sun on your skin will roast you.
Long sleeve fishing shirts to keep the sun off and pickle juice!
Bring a change of clothes for the trip back and bring lots of water.
Sunscreen. Everywhere. Always. Don’t forget to reapply.
Bring some powdered electrolyte packs with you to add to your water.
Anti-tip: battery powered mini fans will be a waste of your time and money.
Electrolyte pills (to swallow, not dissolve). Take at the beginning and end of your field day.
Always always pack more water than your think you’ll need.
I wear long sleeves for sun protection, so I dip my sleeves in the river when it’s hot.
Have electrolytes, not just water.
Popsicles in pre-chilled hyroflasks filled with ice.
Remind yourself no matter how slow you have to go, it’s faster than passing out.
Mineral sunblock (zinc/titanium) works better than other sunscreens.
Lots of water and a cold electrolyte drink.
Start as early as possible. I’d rather get up at 4am and work in cooler temps if it’s an option.
Always pack extra water in the car for after fieldwork. I like to have a bottle of ice water.
Electrolyte packets. Be careful with over hydration in hot weather too.
Wear quick drying clothing, light colored bandana to keep around your neck.
I wear synthetic UV-protectant fingerless gloves (Simms). Hands sunburn/windburn too.
Bring ORS always. Things to cool-head, feet, arm pits, and groin. Don’t be embarrassed!
Pay attention to how much you’re sweating (especially if you stop!) Heatstroke sucks.
Have lots of extra water in your vehicle at all times. Sunscreen, electrolyte packets.
Freeze small gatorade bottles for your fieldbag. It’ll thaw midday and give you electrolyte slushies.
Put electrolytes in your water or bring a packet of liquid IV.
Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Leave a cooler with ice packs and water/gatorade in your car.
Make sure you tell people where you’ll be.
Freeze half your water bottles and put extras at the bottom of the bag so they’re insulated.
Keep sandals in your vehicle to put on after a long day. Your feet will be so happy.
Set a timer for sunscreen. It lasts 1-1.5 hours. Put it on naked if possible at the start of the day so you don’t miss any spots.
When you feel a hot spot on your face, cover it ASAP with a bandage to prevent blistering.
With work gloves for long periods, stuff mountain mint inside to prevent hand odor.
Bring a change of underwear for when it sweat through yours too prevent yeast infections.
Keep emergency chemical cold packs in your pack to treat people in the field.
