What You Need to Know Before Hiking With Your Cat

For some people, getting their cat to come out from under the bed is a chore. Yet, others want to take their cats on hikes.

As a pet parent or buddy, convincing your house cat to do outdoor activities can be tricky. However, if your cat is ready to hit the trail, hiking can be easy.

Many trailblazing felines have been hitting the parks and hills with their owners. Perhaps your furry friend is ready for adventuring, too. Just make sure you plan before heading out the door.

What to Consider Before Taking Your Cat Hiking

Cat hiking isn’t for every kitty. Many cats who love hanging in their backyards aren’t ready for full-blown hiking. They’re thrilled enough to chase critters in the security of their neighborhood hunting ground.

To get your cat trail-ready, you’ll need to take a few considerations to heart:

 

• Training: Even the most athletic cat might not be physically fit enough to handle more than a mile of hiking. If you have a cat who seems like a potential hiking companion, get your pal ready with some training.
• Gear: Never take your cat hiking without a harness and leash. Even if your cat is the most docile, friendly creature on Earth, attitudes can change while on the trail. You don’t want to risk your cat getting lost or hurt by a predator, so train your cat with the proper gear.
• Vaccinations: Every outdoor cat should be vaxxed up. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. You may want to take your cat for a vet visit before starting your hiking excursions.
• Collar tags: Along with a harness, be sure your cat is microchipped and wears collar tags for identification. You’ll be glad you took this measure if anything happens and Fluffy gets skittish or breaks loose from the leash.
• Weather: Believe it or not, some cats don’t mind rain and snow. Others hate everything but temperate days. Find out your cat’s preferred temperature and climate tolerance before hiking.
• Trail: What is a cat trail? It’s different for every feline. Generally, the best trail for your kitty will feel good on his or her paws. Go on some test runs at your local park to get a better understanding of your cat’s preferred type of trail.

 

Setting Expectations Before Hiking With a Cat

Hiking with your cat won’t be like taking your dog for a hike. Cats have less endurance and may end up lying down pretty quickly. Plus, they may be less motivated to stay outside for long periods. Don’t hike with your cat with illusions that your pet will take to hiking as you do. Cats are fickle, after all!

 

How to Hike With Your Cat

Do cats like hiking? Some love it, but you should first train your cat to hike using the most positive methods:

• Keep them on a harness: This precaution is non-negotiable and will protect them.
• Be prepared to carry them: A specially designed or decked-out backpack can be a perfect way to carry a tired kitty during a hike!
• Stay on the trail: You probably shouldn’t go off the beaten path with your cat — who wants to deal with poison ivy rash?
• Be aware of threats: Other animals may see your cat as a snack. Stay alert for dangers. Even other people or kids could terrify your cat, which won’t be good for future hikes.
• Bring food and water: Your cat needs to hydrate and fuel up alongside you. Never allow your cat to drink water from puddles or streams, as these could contain unwanted bacteria. Bring everything you need with you.
• Go at the cat’s pace: Your cat hikes probably won’t be too rigorous. Cats like to take their time. Pace yourself with your feline’s footsteps.

 

Adventure With Your Cats in the Park, Woods, and Mountains

After learning how to train your cat to hike, you might discover it’s a great way to bond. Many cat parents have even tried overnight hiking with their furry buddies! Want to hammock with your four-legged friend? Check out our lineup of great outdoor gear at DutchWare or contact us today.

Is It Too Hot to Go Hammocking?

Summer is approaching, which means you may be wondering how hot is too hot for hammocking and camping. The answer usually varies depending on the humidity, night temperature, and your activities for that day. Below, learn some hot-weather camping hacks to help yourself stay cool.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Hammocking?

In general, the highest temperatures for comfortable hammocking are 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and low 80s during the night. However, the appropriate camping temperatures will depend on your environment.

One hundred degrees with no humidity is usually easier to tolerate than 95 degrees with 80% humidity. High humidity will make you feel uncomfortable and sweaty all day. Similarly, 90 degrees when you’re in direct sunlight all day is too hot, but 95 degrees when you are in the water with shade coverage is okay. Consider the total heat index and not just the air temperature, and think about what you’ll be doing.

The nighttime temperature is also important to look at. If it’s 95 during the day and much lower during the night, like around 60 degrees, you’re in great shape! If you’re too uncomfortable to sleep, you risk not enjoying your trip. Anything over 85 degrees as a low nighttime temperature will probably be too high to be comfortable.

What temperature is too hot for camping? If the heat index is above 105 degrees, it’s likely too dangerous to go hammocking. High temperatures and direct sunlight can lead to sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke, so always put your safety first.

Making Hot-Weather Hammocking Comfortable

If you’ll be hammocking in hot weather, you need to make a few preparations to be more comfortable. When planning your trip, make sure there are areas with shade and water in case the temperatures get too high.

Wear light and breathable clothes that provide coverage. The appropriate clothing will help keep the sun, bugs, and brush from damaging your skin while ensuring you don’t get too hot. Moisture-wicking fabric will help you stay dry. You may also need a hat and eye protection.

If you can, bring a fan to use while you’re sleeping. A fan will help cool you down if the nighttime temperatures are not low enough. You will need airflow! If insects might bother you, use a netted hammock to get a cool breeze without the bug bites.

Pack plenty of water and electrolyte-providing food and drinks. Bring sunscreen, and don’t forget to apply it often. The same goes with bug spray. If you’re near water or anywhere with mosquitos, you’ll want to keep them away with a mosquito-repellent device.

4 Tips for Hiking & Camping in The Heat

1. Use Layers to Stay Covered

Resist the temptation to wear less clothing when you go hiking on hot days. Wearing multiple layers with as much coverage as possible has several benefits.

Consider how insulation uses air pockets to trap air and maintain a certain temperature. When you wear more layers, you have more air pockets to keep you cool. Wearing long sleeves and other full-coverage items protects your skin from UV rays and insects, including ticks.

Accessories like hats and sunglasses also prevent sun damage. Even advanced hikers may not realize the added strain you put on your eyes when you walk in peak sun hours. Over time, direct sun exposure can result in issues like cataracts and eye cancer, as well as damage to the sensitive skin around your eyes. Use protective eye equipment and apply sunscreen regularly to keep your skin safe throughout the day.

2. Replenish Water and Electrolytes

Hiking in the heat will make you sweat. As you do, your body loses water and electrolytes, both of which are crucial to maintaining energy levels. If you go on an easy hike on a hot day, you could lose up to one liter of sweat each hour. If you’re a more advanced hiker or you’re taking a more challenging route, you could lose up to two liters each hour.

Regardless of how much you drink, your body will only absorb about half a liter per hour, so you’ll experience dehydration even if you drink a sufficient amount of water. Minimize the effects of dehydration by taking frequent sips instead of larger gulps and always pack more water than you think you’ll need for your planned activity.

As your body loses important electrolytes like sodium and potassium, you’ll feel less capable of hiking those last few miles. Power through with small, salty snacks with complex carbs. Energy bars and trail mixes are two great snacks to pack on your next hike.

3. Be Conscious of Weather Forecasts and Changes

Always check the weather in the days and hours leading up to your hike. Weather near mountains, especially when it’s humid, can change without giving you time to get back to the trailhead. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, especially in the afternoons.

Being informed about inclement weather is just one perk of staying updated. You can also see how the temperature will progress throughout the day and plan your hike around the hottest hours.

Plan to finish your hike before 11 a.m. or start after 3 p.m. to avoid the midday heat. Between reducing your risk of being caught in a storm and hiking during less extreme parts of the day, taking a break from hiking in the afternoon makes your excursion a safer, more enjoyable experience.

4. Buy Reliable Gear From DutchWare

One of the most important tips we can share with you is to buy reliable gear and pack it efficiently so you’re prepared for every hike. Whether you’re interested in upgrading your hiking essentials or looking for the perfect hammock camping setup, DutchWare offers high-quality products designed to make your outdoor experience better than ever before. We know our customers have different interests, and we want to empower you to pursue them.

Browse DutchWare Hammock Gear

Upgrade your hammocking essentials with lightweight, high-quality, innovative DutchWare gear. Our hammocks give you the best outdoor experience possible — browse our inventory and see for yourself! You’ll find many kinds of practical gear for hot weather, cold climates, and anything in between.

We design exclusive hammock camping gear and have everything you need to enjoy a great hammocking adventure. Contact us to learn more.