Overheating in the outdoors can be more than an annoyance—it can be dangerous.
From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, overheating can damage organs, leave you hobbled, cause disorientation, and worse. With summer here, it’s time to learn which gear can help you stay cool.
We see firsthand how proper gear helps people stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors. If you’re planning to hike, bike, paddle, camp, or explore this summer, here are some of the best types of gear to help keep things comfy.
Less clothing does not always equal less heat. In reality, the sun hitting bare skin can raise your body temperature quickly, especially at elevation.
Lightweight sun hoodies and UPF clothing protect your skin from the sun while allowing airflow and sweat evaporation
Look for light-colored, breathable fabrics
Wide-brimmed hats and breathable mesh caps also help reduce direct sun exposure
Don’t forget sunglasses
A dehydrated body has difficulty regulating temperature. By the time you are seriously thirsty, it’s too late.
Hydration packs make drinking on the go easy
Insulated water bottles can keep water ice-cold for a full day
Electrolyte powder can help replenish salt while making water more palatable
Carrying a small water filter can make filtering from creeks, ponds, and even puddles easy
Cooling towels may seem like a gimmick, but there’s a good reason why so many roofers wear one. Any microfiber towel will work–simply soak it in water, wring it out, and place it around your neck or head. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from your body.
Carefully choose the gear you take when you’re adventuring in the summer. Besides hats and shirts, look for:
Shoes with plenty of vents and no leather
Breathable socks
Backpacks with mesh backs and straps
Mesh-topped tents
Summer in Durango is meant to be enjoyed—from alpine hikes and mountain rides to days at the lake and on the river, there are endless ways to get outside. That said, watch out for telltale signs that the heat is taking a toll:
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Confusion
Chills or goosebumps despite the heat
Durango Outdoor Exchange is packed with gear to help you explore and stay cool. Stop by today and see what works for you.
For many hikers, summiting one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks is a lifetime achievement. Others make it their entire personality, working for years and even decades to climb all of them. Some make a goal of climbing them all in a single season while others try to ski them all.
Summer is here, and Durango and the rest of Southwest Colorado and the greater Four Corners is your playground. Accessible just a short drive from Durango is everything from low-desert rivers to high-alpine tundra, and there’s just about everything in between. If you’re into outdoor rec, this is the spot for you, and Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help make it happen.
This is your ultimate field guide to outdoor recreation and the gear you need for a summer in and around Durango. In it you’ll find a rundown of local recreational opportunities and the gear each sport requires, plus recommendations for staying safe and dry.
May might be one of the most underrated months to explore Durango. The days are long and warm, but the trailheads are empty. If you know where to go (and what to bring), you can have some of the best adventures of the year.
Here’s how to make the most of it.