Stay Cool and Safe This Weekend: Outdoor Tips for Hot Weather

With high temperatures forecast this weekend, it’s important to take steps to stay cool, hydrated, and safe while outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying time in the sun, hot weather poses a serious risk if you’re not prepared—particularly when it comes to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here’s how to manage the heat, avoid common hazards, and make sure you’re equipped with the right kit.

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Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke – Know the Difference

Heat Exhaustion
When your body loses water and salt through excessive perspiration after long periods in the sun.
Symptoms may include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, cramps, headache, fatigue, and a rapid pulse.

Field treatment: Move to shade, loosen clothing, and encourage regular sips of water. Apply cool water to the back of the neck. Use a tarp or jacket to create airflow or fan gently to help reduce body temperature.

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Heat Stroke
When your body cannot lose heat fast enough causing a failure of the body’s thermostat and dangerous overheating occurs.
Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, dry or hot skin, a rapid or weak pulse, and potentially unconsciousness.

Field treatment: This is a Medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Call for help. While waiting, move the person to a cooler area, wet their clothing or skin, apply cold compresses to key areas (neck, groin, armpits), and keep air circulating with fanning.

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Six Ways to Keep Cool in Hot Weather

1. Stay Hydrated
Take regular sips of water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up fast in hot conditions. The tough, field-tested NATO Water Bottle is ideal for use in the field and is used by The Woodlore Team

2. Dress Appropriately
Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing provides protection from the sun while allowing airflow to keep you cool. Our Long Sleeve Shirts are designed for high activity in warm conditions. Combine with a Tilley Hat to keep the sun off your head, face, and neck without overheating.

3. Use Cooling Aids
A practical way to manage body temperature is with a cooling neck wrap. The Body Cooler is simple to use—just soak in water and wear around the neck for hours of evaporative cooling, particularly useful on long walks or in exposed areas.

4. Make Shade Where You Can
Not all environments offer natural shade. A lightweight Tarp gives you instant sun protection and helps cool the body during breaks or when stopping for water and food.

5. Plan Around the Heat
Avoid heavy exertion during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm). Take regular breaks, seek shade, and keep checking in on how you and your group are coping. If anyone starts to show symptoms of heat stress, stop, cool down, and rehydrate immediately.

6. Navigate to Water Sources
When hiking, consider adjusting your route to pass by natural water sources more regularly. This allows you to cool off, take breaks, and refill your supply. Always treat wild water before drinking—our range of Water Filters offers safe, portable solutions for purifying water on the move.

7. Use Sunscreen and Insect Repellent the Right Way
If you’re using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first, let it soak in, then apply repellent on top. This keeps both working properly – don’t use combined products as sunscreen needs to be reapplied more often, and mixing the two can make both products less effective.

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High temperatures can make outdoor travel more demanding, but with good preparation, the right kit, and solid awareness of the risks, you can still enjoy the outdoors safely.

Recognising the signs of heat-related illness and taking early action makes all the difference.

Explore our full range of hydration tools, cooling gear, protective clothing, and water filters now at www.raymears.com and be prepared for safe summer adventures.

Callum Hilder – Aspirant instructor, Marketing and Purchasing Manager