How to prepare for a desert hike

If you are someone who was still not able to fulfil your dream of going on a desert hike, do not postpone it any further! This is the right time for you to plan your desert hike, and here is your guide as to how to plan the same. It will always be ideal if you pick a country like Oman for your experience, and this guide will explain everything you need to know, with reasons.

Planning your days for the desert hike

Needless to say, it's very hot in a dessert. So, when you are planning your dessert hike with so much passion, give your first focus on scheduling your dates. Avoid hiking at peak heat. Especially if you are someone from Europe, you will not be able to bear up the heat if you schedule your desert hike in the summer. Be it the Fall, Winter, or Spring, a desert will be a desert, and you can't avoid the sun completely. But you can make it to a manageable state. So, before you go, have a thorough research about the weather conditions, and this way, you will be able to avoid many inconveniences.

Hiking at night

This is another option if the sun is a problem for you. Many travellers spending their holidays at properties the likes of Al Falaj Hotel opt for night hikes because it provides a splendid experience. It's fun to follow the stars while you hike, and it's even more amazing to see and hear bats here and there, sometimes following you throughout the hike. Many Oman hotels facilitate night hikes for their guests, and they are advised to have a GPS, paper map, and a headlamp when they join the hike.

Choosing what to wear for the hike

Just a few recommendations and fashion tips for hiking in the desert - there are certain kinds of clothing that you should opt for when you are joining a desert hike. You should always wear light and breathable clothing when you have this kind of experience. When choosing pants, go for long, loose-fitting pants (bottoms preferably) because that will also help you to stay away from dirt and bugs as well. Do not forget your wide-brim hat and sunglasses (especially if you are in for a daytime hike) and also your SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Staying hydrated

Hiking is not an easy game. This is not at all easy when it's a desert hike. Keep in mind that you should stay hydrated as much as possible, and this is why you should drink more water. Generally, you should take at least 3 litres of water for a 3-hour hike (per person) when you are on a desert hike, and it is also advised to drink enough water before you begin your hike too. If possible, add electrolytes to your water, and that will help your body to absorb water much faster.

Things to take with you

No matter how experienced you are as a hiker, you should never forget your first aid kit. Include some painkillers, salt tablets, and energy chews in your medical kit, because you never know what you'll have to face during the hike. The other most important thing to carry with you for your hike is your mobile phone, not to use it as the camera (but of course you can), but to use it for communicational purposes. If you do have an emergency device (satellite communicators or messengers), that will also be great because we can never be so sure of signal losses.