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Dealing with cold and hot temperature while hiking and backpacking

We deal with temperature challenges in every hike. Thanks to modern technology our body can't tolerate big changes in the temperature and we have a very narrow range of comfort. A basic knowledge of can help us to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout our hiking and backpacking trip.



1- How our body loses the heat?
This video by Ron Hood describes 5 heat loss mechanisms.
All weather tips:
- Use layering. Moisture weakening base layer, warm mid-layer and water repellent out side.
Wool or polyester are the best for base layer and mid-layer. Polyester dries faster.

- Keep the normal walking pace. Not very slow, not very fast.
- Keep hydrated. The water is the best regulator in your body. Hydration is not just drinking, it's drinking and peeing! You consume too much energy if you keep all the fluids inside your body. The water have one of the highest heat capacities. According to Anthropologists the main advantage of the human body is the ability to sweat and this is one the key reasons we have survived despite the great physical weakness we have. 


Cold Weather:
- Avoid getting wet. If you have to choose between a wet close and no clothes, no clothes is much warmer. Believe me!
- I keep a light wool sock liner, wool short boxer underwear and a T-shirt inside a trash bag (waterproof, with my sleeping bag) for the late night.
- In extremely cold temperature cover your face so you don't use much energy to warm the air.
- Shivering consumes a huge amount of energy.
- Don't underestimate sleeping pad. If I have to choose between sleeping bag and sleeping pad, I'll go with the pad.

Hot weather:
- Whenever you get a chance add some water on your bandana or hat.
- Add minerals to the water. Personally I like lemon juice or powder.
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