Now that the weather around the Central Valley of California is getting into the 100s you might be asking yourself before a hike trip, “Do I really need to wear pants, or can I get away with shorts this time”? Before you replace your pants with shorts, ask yourself a few questions. Where are you going? For how long? Is there any chance you might be bushwacking or are you definitely staying on an established trail?
There are many factors that you might want to think about before you head out in shorts.
Cold Weather
If your heading up into the mountains for your hike just be aware that mountain weather conditions can change dramatically from one hour to the next. For example, in just a few minutes a thunderstorm can roll in when the sky was perfectly clear. The temperature on mountains becomes colder the higher the altitude gets. In the alpine just a few hours can make a huge difference; temperatures can drop from extremely hot temperatures when the sun was up to temperatures that are near freezing at night, so having a pants on can reduce the amount of heat loss in your body.
Ticks and other biting bugs
Experts are predicting a tick population explosion this year. Recent irregular winter weather has meant greater survival of larva and adult ticks, which leads to a population boom in the spring.
If you don’t know what a tick is. Well they are basically small, blood-sucking bugs that like to attach to humans and other animals. Ticks like to hide out in tall grass, brushy, or heavily wooded areas. Always hike in the center of the trail to reduce contact with ticks and if you have to take a break, try to avoid sitting directly on the ground.
Wearing synthetic pants will reduce the chances of a tick attaching to your leg. Also tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks from crawling up under your pants from your shoes. In addition, tuck your shirt into your pants to keep ticks from entering near your waistband – which is a favored place to hang out and feed.
Another way to keep ticks off is to WEAR INSECT REPELLANT . The CDC approved list includes DEET, Piacridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or (PMD).
If you happen to get a tick, CARRY A TWEEZER OR TICK REMOVER - Several tick removal tools are available for purchase, but a simple fine-tipped tweezer is easy to carry and does the job. We recommend carrying your tool in a ziplock bag, which can double as a receptacle for a removed tick, if needed.
INSPECT DAILY - Be sure to check yourself daily (or several times a day if hiking in a tick-infested area) when backpacking or hiking in forests and brush-covered landscapes. Generally, people cannot feel a tick bite, but after a day or two, they feel a mild itch.
For more information on Ticks go to this website it has a lot of information. Resource: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ticks-hiking-how-to-protect-yourself
Poison Oak
Poison oak and poison sumac are two plants west of the Mississippi River that can cause rashes if someone touches them. The rash is caused by oils that cover the leaves and stems of the plants. The rash that occurs may be severe enough to blister and itch for days or weeks.
A physical barrier like pants between your skin and the plant is the best way to keep yourself protected. Most cases of poison oak can be managed at home with household and OTC products. Severe cases require medical attention. Even when dried-up or "dead", the leaves and stems can still cause a rash.
Avoiding contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac is the most effective way to prevent a rash However, sometimes when venturing out in the woods, a canyon or even field, it’s just not realistic to think that you will never encounter it.
Wearing long pants and even long sleeve shirts and closed toed shoes helps to limit the amount of bare skin that could potentially come into contact with the poison plants. When you have to remove pants that have been exposed to poison plants make sure to turn them inside out as you grab them from the inside and move downward. This way you are not touching the exposed areas of the pants. Here are an example of a pair that I own and love. Made by PrAna - https://amzn.to/3cfOM3t
If you must wear shorts there is: Ivy-X® or Ivy Block® that you can apply to your skin before you go outdoors. These products are creams or lotions that help to create a protective barrier between your skin and the oil from the poison plants, as well as helping to prevent the oil from sticking to your skin.
Go here for more information: https://www.poison.org/articles/2014-oct/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac
Sunburn
Sunburns not only can cause immediate problems but long term ones as well. Skin damage like wrinkles and even skin cancer caused by overexposure to UV rays, sunburns can affect anyone regardless of skin color and location. Its sometimes hard to even know if you have a sunburn until hours later or the next day when its too late. People who love outdoor adventures are especially at risk for sunburns. The more time you spend outdoors, especially on high-altitude trails, the more likely you’ll be overexposed to UV rays.
While being out under the sun is healthy (vitamin D), refreshing, warm and mentally uplifting, it’s also important to take necessary steps to prevent a sunburn. If you get one you should also know how to treat them with affordable home remedies.
If your going to be out in the sun, the first step in preventing a sunburn is a protective barrier like pants and long sleeve shirt. Of course sometimes is just too hot so a great alterative is sunscreen.
If you do get a sunburn you can take ibuprofen to limit inflammation like swelling and pain. A cold compress or bath is good when you get home and then follow that up with some aloe or absorbing moisturizer. Don’t forget to heal the inside as well, remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Brush cuts
If you know that there is a chance that you might be going off trail. Wearing pants is detrimental to making it through and avoid getting all scratched up. Deer brush and many other vegetation in our local foothills all the way up to the alpine have thorns or sharp branches. I’ve gotten cut, poked and scratched so many times I cant remember, but I do remember the consequences of not wearing pants. Lets just say the first aid kit usually had to come out when we were done.
Trekking poles are often not worth the hassle on bushwhacks unless you have a long approach hike on a road or trail. Best to stow them once you start so your hands are free.
Just Dirt
Even on an established trail your going to get dirty and dusty, especially if your with a group and your at the back of the pack. Some of our local established trails can get pretty dusty and if your wearing shorts and sweating then all that dust is going to stick to your skin. Ok I know some of you just expect to get dirty. However on the times that I wore shorts I always yearn for a river or stream to clean up in because I don’t usually enjoy getting that dirty.
So now some of you are thinking ok, sure I’ll wear some pants next time, but what do you need to know when you invest in some hiking pants.
THE DONTS
At all cost don’t wear cotton. There is an old saying in the backcountry “Cotton kills”. Cotton is a hydrophilic fabric, which means it absorbs water, making this one of the most common fabrics to avoid when thinking about what to wear hiking. The second anything made from cotton receives moisture, it absorbs and takes hours to dry. In addition, it draws the heat away from your body, so it’s a great fabric to wear when your hot, but if the temperatures changes, staying warm can be a challenge.
Denim: Manufacturers make denim using heavy cotton yarn. So, wearing denim into the backcountry or while hiking will cause the same problems as any other type of cotton clothing. It will absorb water, and leave you damp, cold, and unable to warm up. Its also real uncomfortable to hike in damp jeans.
Yoga and fitness leggings: Leggings can be great for flexibility, but if you have to travel through any type of brushy terrain, you can consider them trashed. Most aren’t made with fabric to withstand rugged environments.
THE DOS
If you have extra money, invest in hiking pants made of synthetic nylon. This material is good for outdoors because it can keep you warm and protected from hazards found on the terrain. It is also quick-drying. When it comes to ticks I don’t have the scientific data to support this claim, but they don’t seem to cling on as much.
Some Hiking pants turn into shorts (these are great) : Many hiking pants are made in a convertible version now, All you have to do is zip off the lower end of the pant leg and now you got shorts. So when you end up going through iffy terrain, you can zip back on the bottoms back on and your good to go. This is the pair that I own and I love them: Made by PrAna - https://amzn.to/3cfOM3t
Gaiters: Keep dirt, mud, burrs, and sticks out of your shoes with gaiters. Gaiters easily attach to hiking boots or shoes and also come in a Goretex version for wet and rainy conditions. These are the pair that Gary owns and he loves them: https://amzn.to/3chPmxA
Conclusion
Its ok to wear shorts to go hiking, but just do your homework first. The first rule for the Outdoor Ethics "Leave No Trace" Rules is PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE so take this into consideration. If your going to incur any off trail travel or heavy brush, its best to take a pair of light synthetic pants.
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