Day 26: How to adapt to heat in survival…
How to Deal with Desert Heat
Step 1: Understand What “Heat” Really Means
Heat is relative.
80°F might feel brutal in Alaska
100°F might be normal in the Gobi Desert
This guide is for extreme desert heat—think 100°F and above.
Step 2: Prioritize Salt and Water
Everyone talks about water.
Nobody talks enough about salt.
In high heat, your body dumps salt and electrolytes through sweat
Without salt, water won’t hydrate you—it’ll just pass through
Salt loss = cramps, confusion, collapse
Heres a Military example:
On a 7-mile run in desert heat, I burned through a full gallon of water in just 2 miles.
That’s not normal. That’s desert survival reality.
What to pack:
Extra water (more than 1 gallon per person per day)
Electrolyte mixes or salt packets
Coconut water or oral rehydration salts (ORS) as backup
Step 3: Dress for Survival, Not Style
In the desert, more clothing is better, not less.
Why?
Your sweat cools you—but only if it doesn’t evaporate instantly
Base layer: Close to the skin to absorb sweat
Outer layer: Loose, flowing fabric to trap cool air and block sun
What to wear:
Long-sleeve shirt and full-length pants
Loose, breathable, natural fabrics (cotton, linen)
Face covering
Sunglasses or goggles to protect eyes from sun and blowing sand
Think Bedouin, not beachgoer.
Step 4: Protect Your Lungs and Eyes
Desert winds carry sand, dust, and heat.
You need:
A shemagh or cloth wrap for your mouth and nose
Goggles or wraparound sunglasses to guard against glare and grit
Step 5: Plan Your Mobility and Exit
Desert heat + mechanical failure = real danger.
You need reliable transport and comms.
Checklist:
Fully functioning vehicle
Extra gas
Backup GPS and physical maps
Two forms of communication (radio + sat device)
A Get-Out-of-the-Desert plan
Don’t drive in without a plan to get back out.
Step 6: Time Your Movement
Move in early morning or late evening
Rest during the heat of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Take advantage of cooler night air
The desert is most survivable—and most beautiful—when the sun goes down.
Bottom Line
To thrive in the desert:
Bring more water than you think you need
Don’t forget salt and electrolytes
Wear more clothing, not less—loose, long, layered
Protect lungs, skin, and eyes
Have reliable gear, transportation, and a plan
Learn from the people who’ve lived there for centuries
The desert isn’t just a survival challenge—it’s a survival teacher.
