Outdoor excursions gone awry: RFK Jr's adventures serve as a cautionary tale of what to avoid when venturing outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions
In the realm of outdoor activities, hiking has gained popularity as a means to connect with nature and challenge oneself. However, as Robert F Kennedy Jr's recent hiking escapades have shown, not all choices made on the trail are without consequence.
Kennedy, known for his environmental activism, has been spotted hiking in jeans and even his hiking boots at the gym. While his passion for the outdoors is commendable, his choice of attire could pose risks, particularly in extreme heat.
Hiking in jeans, especially during hot weather, can lead to several issues. The thick cotton denim is not breathable, and it does not wick moisture away from the skin. This can result in overheating as the body struggles to cool down through sweat evaporation.
Moreover, the retained heat and moisture can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke during strenuous activity. The heavy, stiff fabric can also cause chafing, blisters, or rashes due to friction against the skin, especially when sweaty.
Jeans are less flexible than specialized hiking pants, which can limit movement and increase fatigue or risk of injury on rough terrain. Additionally, wet jeans become heavy, making hiking more strenuous. If you sweat or encounter water, jeans take much longer to dry, which can lead to prolonged discomfort, coldness if the temperature drops, or even skin infections from damp fabric.
In light of these risks, it's recommended to wear lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics like nylon or polyester hiking pants or shorts designed for outdoor activities. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly in hot weather, making them a better choice for hiking than jeans.
Unfortunately, not all hiking stories have happy endings. In the US, a 33-year-old man named Noah Farabaugh died on a hike on the Wave Cave Trail in the Superstition Wilderness last year, with the temperature forecast to reach as high as 106°F (41°C) on the day of the hike. A family of 11 was rescued from a closed Phoenix trail in scorching temperatures earlier this month.
Swimming in polluted bodies of water, such as Rock Creek in Washington DC, which has been closed to swimmers due to dangerously high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, also poses serious health risks. Rock Creek is used to drain excess sewage whenever there's been heavy rainfall in the area, posing dangers to human health.
If public information isn't available, it's crucial to keep your head out of the water to avoid bacteria entering your body through your mouth, eyes, and ears. In the US, the How's My Waterway interactive map can be used to track water quality. In the UK, the Surfers Against Sewage live map provides updates on water quality.
It's essential to prioritise safety when engaging in outdoor activities. Always research public information to see if there are any alerts on the quality of a body of water before swimming in it. And remember, while jeans may be fashionable, they are not the best choice for hiking, especially in extreme heat.
A tragic reminder of this came when hiking influencer Hannah Moody succumbed to extreme heat despite carrying five liters of water. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of choosing appropriate gear and being aware of the risks involved in hiking during hot weather.
Stay safe, and happy trails!
- When embarking on outdoor activities like hiking, it's crucial to wear suitable clothing, such as lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking hiking pants or shorts, to prevent heat-related illnesses and discomfort in extreme heat, as seen in Robert F Kennedy Jr's experience.
- Swimming in polluted bodies of water like Rock Creek in Washington DC, which has been closed to swimmers due to high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, could pose serious health risks, hence the need to prioritize safety, research public information, and use resources like the How's My Waterway map in the US or the Surfers Against Sewage map in the UK before making a choice to swim.
