Desert Do's and Don'ts...

ROUTE-FINDING:

1. Know where you are going. Plan your route before you start. Use a map, preferably topographic, and mark your map as you go. Locate the route on the map and think of possible campsites beforehand.

2. In hot weather, plan your route to take advantage of natural shade. Topographic maps can tell you where to expect shade at what time of day, depending on the angle of the sun.

3. Carry a compass and know how to use it. When crossing a flat, take note of landmarks ahead and behind. Take frequent compass readings. Record your readings. If a sandstorm comes up, you may not be able to see.

WATER:

1. Always plan on carrying water in the desert. Standard amount while backpacking is "a gallon a day", but if the daily high exceeds 85 degrees F., water consumption rises dramatically. Real needs depend on the individual.

2. Know your water needs at whatever temperatures you are expecting. And know what temperatures to expect in that country in that season. The southern deserts are prone to sudden heat waves into the 90s and 100s F. even in the spring and fall, which are the most popular seasons.

3. During hot periods, keep your mouth closed to keep from drying out. Suck on a pebble to keep your mouth moist, to reduce the sensation of thirst and conserve water. Drink small sips all day to keep yourself hydrated.

4. If you find that you must use native water, use purification tablets or a filter, even if the water is running and clear. Animals, especially burros and humans, can sometime foul the water. And remember: tablets are of no use if there's a dead animal in the trough or stream, you'll have to boil the water first before drinking.

5. Desert natives know this maxim: the best place to store water is in your body. Don't "save" your water for when you really need it.

6. Keep an extra gallon of drinking water in your car that will be available upon your return. It also allows for a light wash down after the hike.

7. The type of foods you consume on the hike can increase your perceived need for water. Peanut butter and salted nuts as an example.

SUN AND HEAT:

1. Wear white reflective clothing, long-sleeved and long-legged, with a wide-brimmed hat, to protect from the direct rays of the sun. Avoid wearing shorts. Use sunglasses and sunscreen.

2. Boots should be heavy enough to protect the feet from the hot ground surface, and also from sharp and heavy rocks. Carry extra socks to change into when your socks get wet from sweat, to prevent blisters.

3. Take shelter frequently on hot days. Stop to rest about once per hour. Carry a lightweight, opaque tarp to make your own shade if you can't find any. When resting, elevate yourself off the hot ground to reduce your heat load.

CRITTERS:

1. Food and water caches must be lined and covered with heavy rocks to keep burrowing animals out.

2. Most deserts in summer have nocturnal snakes, scorpions, centipedes, ants or other insects, necessitating a tent or bivisac at night. In the cooler seasons, these animals are not nocturnal and come out only during the day.

3. It is good to use a hiking staff to alert rattlesnakes as you walk. Watch and listen for them, especially in dense brush or rocky areas. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Carry a snake bite kit.

IN ADDITION:

1. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return, to facilitate rescue should you run into trouble.

2. Keep your car stocked with extra food, water and tools in case of a breakdown. Carry an extra key. Always cover your windshield with a secure tarp to prevent damage from sand during heavy winds.

Desert Packing Lists...

Bare Essentials:

Daypack
Water (follow leader's instructions as to amount)
Proper Boots (ditto, as to weight & soles)
Windbreaker / Rain Jacket
Space Blanket (large, thick, metallized, with grommets & cord)
Warm hat & gloves (for warmth plus protection from cactus & rock)
Lunch
Sun Hat
Long-sleeve shirt
Long pants
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries & spare bulb

Emergency Supplies:

Compass
Whistle
Signal Mirror
Matches
Extra food, such as granola bars & candy
In cold weather, wool or pile, perhaps long johns also
Pocket Knife
Safety Pins
Bandage materials
Iodine or other antiseptic
Moleskin (for blisters)
Water purification tablets
Spare shoelaces
Small plastic tubing (to draw off water from seeps)
Large plastic garbage bag (to keep rain off & to collect rainwater from showers)
Tweezers or pliers (for cactus spines)
Comb (for cholla joints)