![]() ![]() You'll also want to make sure that your car is equipped for desert travel before taking it out into the harsh environment. Because desert storms can be so powerful and unexpected, drowning and fatal injuries caused by flash floods are among the leading causes of death in the desert. However, if there's even a hint of rain in the forecast, a wash is the absolute last place you want to find yourself. When there is no threat of rain, a wash might look like a pretty inviting place to set up camp, because the flow of water can flatten the soil, creating a relatively level plane on which to set up a tent. Washes are dry beds of intermittent streams that are typically located in the bottoms of canyons. It's pretty counterintuitive, but the desert can be one of the most dangerous places for you and your tent to be washed away by a flash flood if you camp in the wrong place. And if you're traveling alone, tell people where you're going and when you'll return. If you plan to go hiking in the desert, it's always a good idea to bring a good map, a GPS unit, or a cell phone (if you get coverage). And no matter how much experience you have living in the desert, it's always a good idea to pack more water than you think you'll need.īecause deserts tend to lack major landmarks, it can often be very easy to become disoriented or lost - and the desert is one of the last places where you want to lose your bearings. But the best way to avoid dehydration is to simply drink plenty of water. To cut down on water loss, you can try breathing through your nose and avoiding fatty foods (they take more water to digest). For that reason, Wilderness Medicine Institute founder Buck Tilton suggests following conventional wisdom by drinking enough water that your urine stays clear. But the amount of water your body needs really depends on your physiology and your level of exertion and exposure. Most experts suggest drinking at least 1 gallon (3.785 liters) of water each day you spend in the desert. Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do when camping in the desert. ![]() In this article we'll walk you through some of the basics of desert camping, from dressing like a cowboy to dealing with snakebites. If you make one careless mistake in the desert, you could find yourself in serious trouble. īecause of their natural beauty, deserts can be great places to visit, but desert camping requires a good deal of preparation, and above all, respect. Many deserts are also home to a number of hazardous creatures, like venomous snakes, that can really spoil your vacation. For one thing, landmarks can be few and far between, and trails can be difficult to find, making it easy to get disoriented and lost. Staying hydrated and finding enough water are the most obvious and pressing concerns when you're spending a significant amount of time in the desert, but there are other things to keep in mind. ![]() Many desert regions get very hot during the day, but they can also be quite cold at night, meaning that you'll have to plan and pack for both. ![]()
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