Extra care needs to be taken when expeditions take place during periods of very hot weather. Consider exposure to the sun, dehydration, and coping with heat.

• Weather Forecast: Check the weather forecast for the location where your expedition will be taking place. Make informed decisions about what the weather is likely to be like during your expedition.

• Water: Please bring plenty of water (at least 2 litres).

• Sun cream: Pack and apply high factor sun cream regularly throughout the day.

• Sun hat: wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses at all times when in the sun.

• Clothing: wear t-shirts with short sleeves, and a collar if possible. Please do not wear strappy tops or tops that expose your shoulders as you risk getting sore from your rucksack straps. We also advise you to cover your legs whilst walking to avoid nettle stings or insect bites.

• Pack light: carry only what is essential. You should pack only what you will need, including standard safety equipment. You will still need to bring waterproofs and spare clothes, as hot weather may give rise to thunderstorms and heavy rain.

• Personal medication: Pollen counts tend to be high during hot weather, especially June/July (grass pollen season), so don’t forget your hayfever tablets. For those that suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties, these conditions can be exacerbated by hot weather, so remember to have your inhaler to hand.

• Review menus: You should ensure they have food that is lightweight, dehydrated, and full of energy. Do not bring food that will go rotten or melt in hot weather or is heavy to carry.

• Drink sips of water: you must drink plenty of water throughout the expedition. DO NOT drink lots of water in one go as this will dilute vital salts and minerals in your body. Instead, take little sips and often which will help to prevent dehydration. We will provide top-ups of water at checkpoints and on route throughout the expedition. 

• Sun Cream: regularly apply high factor sun cream throughout the day. Sun cream will only last for a certain amount of time, and will be removed through sweat, so will need to be reapplied regularly.

• Clothing: wear short-sleeved t-shirts, trousers/leggings, sun hat and sunglasses.

• Adjust Start Times: be prepared to start earlier in the day when it is cooler. On days when temperatures are likely to be high, we will aim to get all teams off camp site between 6:30am - 7:30am. 

• Review routes: routes reviewed by Supervisors and amended if necessary, to reduce the amount of time spent in areas with prolonged high exposure to the sun or limited shade.

• Talk to your Supervisor: If you are feeling unwell or have a headache, you must let your Supervisor know.