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Post by cracklecorn on Mar 26, 2016 9:35:48 GMT -8
I had heat stroke a few years ago, and heat exhaustion a few time since. I can't handle too much sun. We are going to the Grand Canyon in early May, then Zion. Plan will be to hike so we either go really early or early and loaf around under some shade till late and hike back up late. I've hiked to bottom years ago for a week.
I had the idea that we could make something to set up if needed to cover me and wife to get us out of the sun. Something like a couple of poles and a small tarp. I know this all sound pretty simple and obvious but would like to hear of anyone good ideas or exp. Surprised i found nothing for sale.
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Post by trinity on Mar 26, 2016 12:01:18 GMT -8
Just to clarify, you're looking for something to carry with you on dayhikes for shade during rest breaks? So you'll need something fairly lightweight and compact. I'd probably just buy a small silnylong tarp ( this might be an option) and plan on setting it up with trekking poles. Will take a little practice to be able to get to where you can set it up quickly. Another option would be to bring two good lightweight umbrellas, such as the swing liteflex. The chrome color is nice for reflecting sun. |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Mar 26, 2016 13:03:26 GMT -8
I have been down there in the Canyon many times. In your situation, I'd opt for 2 small umbrellas, and start looking for shade about 10:30 or 11. Stay there until after 4 or 5. May is no time to be fooling with the heat there. Been there, lost a wife to heat stroke. I know something of what you are asking about.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Mar 26, 2016 13:27:54 GMT -8
If you opt for zeke's umbrella suggestion, you might consider this GG version, which I've heard is good but have never tried. |
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Post by trinity on Mar 26, 2016 13:49:27 GMT -8
If you opt for zeke's umbrella suggestion, you might consider this GG version, which I've heard is good but have never tried. That's the umbrella I also linked. It's the same umbrella that was sold by Golite as the Chrome Dome. Sixmoon Designs is also carrying the same umbrella under the name "Silver Shadow". It is not the lightest or most packable umbrella out there (I have a collapsible Sea to Summit umbrella that is tiny), but it is sturdy, lightweight, and provides a fair amount of cover. A good compromise between weight, sturdiness, and durability. I haven't had mine long, but I've taken it through a pretty major thunderstorm, and it performed admirably. |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Mar 26, 2016 15:27:16 GMT -8
The umbrella makes more sense that a sun shelter: you can use the umbrella while you walk.
Otherwise any number of freestanding dome style tents have a "fast fly" option: you might look at those.
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franco
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Post by franco on Mar 26, 2016 16:19:25 GMT -8
Some tent fabric amplify (like a greenhouse) the heat from the sun . (light silnylon and particularly another type of translucent fabric (laminate) that folk rave on about does that ...) One light weight fabric that does work well in the situation (tested by me at 100 f plus...) is soft Tyvek, 1443R. Under it I measured temps identical to full shade behind the house or solid structures like that. Incidentally it does not work well at all in heavy rain but can handle a light drizzle , so in fact also very good for damp/humid climates. A simple structure like the one on the top right or bottom left would work :  BTW, in really hot weather I like walking around with a LW merino tee because it retains my sweat so I need to drink less. Cotton will also work . (Google tarp 1443 R and see what you get. An Aussie guy , trading as Terra Rosa, makes them but postage could be a killer) |
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Post by cracklecorn on Mar 26, 2016 16:31:19 GMT -8
Thanks for the responses. We probably will be hiding in the shade during middle of day. Leaning towards at least one umbrella or using hiking poles with a tarp.
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crawford
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Post by crawford on Mar 26, 2016 18:12:13 GMT -8
Grabber reusable survival blanket with grommets. Put silver side up to reflect heat away. They are fairly light and could be strung off trek poles.
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franco
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Post by franco on Mar 26, 2016 20:45:53 GMT -8
"Grabber reusable survival blanket with grommets"
Great suggestion.
I was trying to think of a reflective tarp that was not just a disposable blanket and not as expensive as aluminised Cuben Fiber.
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Mar 27, 2016 17:04:12 GMT -8
Instead of nylon, get a tyvek tarp with grommets from eBay. Not waterproof but really durable and breathable, and tyvek is a wonderful sun shade -- you get hotter under nylon.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 27, 2016 19:19:30 GMT -8
If you opt for zeke's umbrella suggestion, you might consider this GG version, which I've heard is good but have never tried. That's the umbrella I also linked. It's the same umbrella that was sold by Golite as the Chrome Dome. Sixmoon Designs is also carrying the same umbrella under the name "Silver Shadow". It is not the lightest or most packable umbrella out there (I have a collapsible Sea to Summit umbrella that is tiny), but it is sturdy, lightweight, and provides a fair amount of cover. A good compromise between weight, sturdiness, and durability. I haven't had mine long, but I've taken it through a pretty major thunderstorm, and it performed admirably. That one is a favorite among AZ hikers. I don't use one myself because I haven't figured a good way to fix it to my pack. The users I know prefer to carry in hand. |
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