DESERT

Desert Expeditions

Heat strategy, water math, and navigation in vast arid landscapes where shade and water are scarce and mistakes compound quickly.

Core Challenges

  • • Heat and solar load; dehydration and heat illness risk
  • • Sparse water and long carries; caching or drop planning
  • • Featureless terrain; nav requires discipline and pacing

Water Strategy

Plan conservative carries. Assume lower-than-expected sources are dry.

  • • Carry 4–6L per person on exposed sections
  • • Cache where legal; mark GPS + visual references
  • • Pre-filter silty sources; see water treatment guide

Heat Management

  • Pacing: Start pre-dawn, siesta midday, finish at dusk.
  • Clothing: Long, breathable layers; wide-brim hat; sun gloves.
  • Electrolytes: Replace salts; monitor urine color.
  • Shelter: Use shade cloth/tarp for breaks.

Suggested Objectives

Ridge-to-Canyon Sampler

Two-day loop with dry camps; 5L carry required.

See alpine water strategy →

Heat Playbook

Go/no-go heat thresholds and shade tactics.

Heat planning →

Related Resources

Planning

Gear & Skills