Sugar is one reason. Too much and you can't absorb the elect--okay, I forget what the connection between sugar and electrolytes is, but I remember its being there.EmilyD wrote:Thanks for these great tips jcliff! Why are you recommending a watered down electrolyte instead of full strength? Just wondering.jcliff wrote:Irish decent here, and an Illinois flatlander and I've never had a problem in the Black Rock Desert.....and I do go out and explore during the day. A few tips: Acclimate to the dry conditions about 2 months before going. Although you may not realize it, you are probably dehydrated in normal life pretty often. A stress headache is most often due to poor hydration rather than stress. Start training yourself to drink a half gallon of water each day now, and a gallon of water each day by mid-July.
On the playa, before you have your morning coffee, chug 16 oz. of a weak electrolyte drink (watered down Gatorade or some such.) This makes your body better equipped to deal with the drying effects of caffeine.
All day guzzle water, not sips, good long pulls....even if you don't feel thirsty. If you feel thirsty you're in the first stages of dehydration. Save the alcohol for after the sun goes down.
Neutrogena makes a "Fresh Cooling Sunscreen (spf 45)" that really does cool the body. I used it my first year and loved it, and now I bring 2 extra bottles to use as a little gift spray for the sun slapped I run into on my travels.
Tips To Avoid Heat Stroke?
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: Great Tips
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- illy dilly
- Posts: 4900
- Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:02 am
- Burning Since: 2009
- Camp Name: Gnome Dome
- Location: Denver, CO
Re: Great Tips
I could see that. I suppose 0 Calorie drinks would be better cause they'd be sugar free.theCryptofishist wrote:Sugar is one reason. Too much and you can't absorb the elect--okay, I forget what the connection between sugar and electrolytes is, but I remember its being there.EmilyD wrote:Thanks for these great tips jcliff! Why are you recommending a watered down electrolyte instead of full strength? Just wondering.jcliff wrote:Irish decent here, and an Illinois flatlander and I've never had a problem in the Black Rock Desert.....and I do go out and explore during the day. A few tips: Acclimate to the dry conditions about 2 months before going. Although you may not realize it, you are probably dehydrated in normal life pretty often. A stress headache is most often due to poor hydration rather than stress. Start training yourself to drink a half gallon of water each day now, and a gallon of water each day by mid-July.
On the playa, before you have your morning coffee, chug 16 oz. of a weak electrolyte drink (watered down Gatorade or some such.) This makes your body better equipped to deal with the drying effects of caffeine.
All day guzzle water, not sips, good long pulls....even if you don't feel thirsty. If you feel thirsty you're in the first stages of dehydration. Save the alcohol for after the sun goes down.
Neutrogena makes a "Fresh Cooling Sunscreen (spf 45)" that really does cool the body. I used it my first year and loved it, and now I bring 2 extra bottles to use as a little gift spray for the sun slapped I run into on my travels.
Why don't ya stick your head in that hole and find out? ~piehole
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
Plan for the worst, expect the best. Make the most out of it under any conditions. If you cannot do that you will never enjoy yourself. ~CrispyDave
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
I've been wondering what sort of electrolyte supplement to get, and I think I've decided on Vitalyte
http://playabound.wordpress.com/
The next post is also a bit about which one to get.
...RE sugars, glucose is good, body can digest it or something...
http://playabound.wordpress.com/
The next post is also a bit about which one to get.
...RE sugars, glucose is good, body can digest it or something...
- CapSmashy
- Posts: 1917
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:29 pm
- Burning Since: 2007
- Camp Name: Terminal City://404 Village Not Found
- Location: Awesome Camp 2.0
If you are properly hydrated and have a good electrolyte balance, you can avoid most internal heat related issues, such as heat exhaustion. I had been using Gatorade my first few trips out and last year we switched over to Cerasport EX1 drink boxes.
It was a night and day difference in terms of clearing up early dehydration signals. Headache, crankiness, lethargic etc. Pull a juice box out of the cooler and slam it down and in a manner of a few minutes, you'd feel 100% better.
Our routine was suck one down every morning with breakfast and suck one down prior to going out and about. Rest of the time, we used a 50/50 mix of gatorade and water in the camel backs to suck on the rest of the day.
For fair skin, in addition to parasols, broad brim hats etc, I highly recommend long sleeve shirts with a high SPF weave. I like the Columbia knock off brand they sell at Academy (Magellan). Look in the fishing section in clothing. Most of mine have an spf of 50. In addition to blocking the sun, long sleeve, breathable fabrics will also keep you cooler than bare skin in direct sunlight and the heat. The fabric augments your natural cooling system by prolonging the evaporative process.
It was a night and day difference in terms of clearing up early dehydration signals. Headache, crankiness, lethargic etc. Pull a juice box out of the cooler and slam it down and in a manner of a few minutes, you'd feel 100% better.
Our routine was suck one down every morning with breakfast and suck one down prior to going out and about. Rest of the time, we used a 50/50 mix of gatorade and water in the camel backs to suck on the rest of the day.
For fair skin, in addition to parasols, broad brim hats etc, I highly recommend long sleeve shirts with a high SPF weave. I like the Columbia knock off brand they sell at Academy (Magellan). Look in the fishing section in clothing. Most of mine have an spf of 50. In addition to blocking the sun, long sleeve, breathable fabrics will also keep you cooler than bare skin in direct sunlight and the heat. The fabric augments your natural cooling system by prolonging the evaporative process.
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
- CapSmashy
- Posts: 1917
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:29 pm
- Burning Since: 2007
- Camp Name: Terminal City://404 Village Not Found
- Location: Awesome Camp 2.0
- Dr Jet Sinister
- Posts: 608
- Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:43 pm
- Burning Since: 1986
- Location: ..
Best playa hat evah!
http://realdealbrazil.com/
http://realdealbrazil.com/
Suck it.
"They're like a bunch of Honey Badgers in a sea of hippies." -Goathead
"They're like a bunch of Honey Badgers in a sea of hippies." -Goathead
- Dr Jet Sinister
- Posts: 608
- Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:43 pm
- Burning Since: 1986
- Location: ..
I put a string through the vent holes on mine (a shoelace), but the fit was so great I rarely used it. The hat is incredible even if you have to add a string.gyre wrote:If they don't tie down, they won't work out there.Dr Jet Sinister wrote:Best playa hat evah!
Suck it.
"They're like a bunch of Honey Badgers in a sea of hippies." -Goathead
"They're like a bunch of Honey Badgers in a sea of hippies." -Goathead
Great headwear for the playa:
[quote="AntiM"]I like fishing hats called breezers:
[url]http://tinyurl.com/y6xpkxb[/url][/quote]
OR (Outdoor Research) makes some of the best headgear, and they
have a number of hat's designed for the heat and sun. I suggest
campmor.com, as they have the best prices:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Sub ... _200368674
Their Seattle Sombrero is my favorite, and I wear it all year.
It has a Gortex liner and allows the heat to escape while protecting
you melon from the elements. They have a number of good hat's,
but remember... the they have screened sides, or other opening,
the top of your head will collect dust...
My wife likes the: Outdoor Research Woman's Solar Roller Hat.
It's UPF 30+, has a great chin cord, and is only $27.00. They make
their hat's to last... I have mine for more than ten years, and it's as
good as new.
See you in dust!
Rommel
Gigsville-Lahontan Korps
[url]http://tinyurl.com/y6xpkxb[/url][/quote]
OR (Outdoor Research) makes some of the best headgear, and they
have a number of hat's designed for the heat and sun. I suggest
campmor.com, as they have the best prices:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Sub ... _200368674
Their Seattle Sombrero is my favorite, and I wear it all year.
It has a Gortex liner and allows the heat to escape while protecting
you melon from the elements. They have a number of good hat's,
but remember... the they have screened sides, or other opening,
the top of your head will collect dust...
My wife likes the: Outdoor Research Woman's Solar Roller Hat.
It's UPF 30+, has a great chin cord, and is only $27.00. They make
their hat's to last... I have mine for more than ten years, and it's as
good as new.
See you in dust!
Rommel
Gigsville-Lahontan Korps
I found some good quality south american hats, including one superior to the panama.
Unfortunately very costly when they get here.
Supposed to last forever, even in dry conditions though.
I have an excellent caribbean hat, but it isn't stiff enough for the wind out there.
A wide brim does work.
I use a wide hat from campmor.
Avoid mesh.
Lets in too much UV.
Doesn't help with heat out there.
Just makes it worse letting in heat.
This hat is actually designed for desert sun.
Works.
Protects your ears and neck, unlike most.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___14695
http://www.campmor.com/outerwear/access ... ar-7.shtml
Unfortunately very costly when they get here.
Supposed to last forever, even in dry conditions though.
I have an excellent caribbean hat, but it isn't stiff enough for the wind out there.
A wide brim does work.
I use a wide hat from campmor.
Avoid mesh.
Lets in too much UV.
Doesn't help with heat out there.
Just makes it worse letting in heat.
This hat is actually designed for desert sun.
Works.
Protects your ears and neck, unlike most.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___14695
http://www.campmor.com/outerwear/access ... ar-7.shtml
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
Hard to understand people when they have cottonmouth.gyre wrote:Sorry, I've seen coolers labeled cirrus for years.
I think it is cerasport, probably the exi.
The one used at burning man wasn't available in the past to the public, but I think that changed a year ago.
It was used for refugee camps, the military and the playa.
The flavor on the playa is yellow.

- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
[quote="Ugly Dougly"]I like this species of hat:
[img]http://www.injinjistore.com/images/dsrt_lrg_hat.jpg[/img]
Sombreros and 10-gal hats tend to get grabbed by the wind.[/quote]
I've never had that problem with the OR Seattle Sombrero, if anything
it will fold up to the sides, and be grabbed by the Velcro.
http://www.campmor.com/wcsstore/Campmor ... 93_kha.jpg
With a shaved head, having a hat the breathes; (Gortex) moisture exits,
and doesn't enter is a great option.
[img]http://www.injinjistore.com/images/dsrt_lrg_hat.jpg[/img]
Sombreros and 10-gal hats tend to get grabbed by the wind.[/quote]
I've never had that problem with the OR Seattle Sombrero, if anything
it will fold up to the sides, and be grabbed by the Velcro.
http://www.campmor.com/wcsstore/Campmor ... 93_kha.jpg
With a shaved head, having a hat the breathes; (Gortex) moisture exits,
and doesn't enter is a great option.
Rommel
Autoritär für Gigsicherheit
'oderint dum metuant'
Autoritär für Gigsicherheit
'oderint dum metuant'
- CapSmashy
- Posts: 1917
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:29 pm
- Burning Since: 2007
- Camp Name: Terminal City://404 Village Not Found
- Location: Awesome Camp 2.0
I tend to wear shemaghs the whole time during the day. When its pulled up over the mouth it works as an excellent dust mask (for those that aren't too adversely affected by the dust). They are made of cotton so they do a decent job of wicking away the sweat and as it evaporates make for a nice evaporative cooling effect. If its really hot, you can dunk them in cooler water and tie it back on and it keeps your head nice and cool for quite awhile.
They'll never blow off your head and they keep your ears and the back of your neck out of the sun.
At night, they'll double as a lightweight shawl or scarf to keep your neck warm.
I have found them in a number of fun fashion colors as well. There's the drab military colored ones, but I also have them in blue, red and purple. I've seen them in pink, yellow, green, etc.
[youtube][/youtube]
They'll never blow off your head and they keep your ears and the back of your neck out of the sun.
At night, they'll double as a lightweight shawl or scarf to keep your neck warm.
I have found them in a number of fun fashion colors as well. There's the drab military colored ones, but I also have them in blue, red and purple. I've seen them in pink, yellow, green, etc.
[youtube][/youtube]
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
Maybe without "evaporated cane juice".gyre wrote:Note that they have an unsugared cerasport.

Why! do you know this?Ugly Dougly wrote:
Maybe without "evaporated cane juice".Rice syrup is 45% maltose, 3% glucose, and 52% maltotriose.
Ola loa says their version is far superior to Cera.
Comes at a superior price too.
Their advice about my vitamin D prescription has been useful, and may have saved me from side effects and some serious long term consequences.
I changed to large daily D3 from the prescribed massive D2.
After some discussion, my doctors signed off on it.
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
Switchel
This helps with dehydration:
Switchel
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (yes vinegar)
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup sugar or honey
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 1/2 cup oatmeal (optional)
* tap water to make 2 quarts
This is a very old recipe, imported from our Yankee neighbors to the north, and before that, from Nova Scotia. Did you ever wonder what folks used to drink in the days before soda pop, and when lemons were out of season? Why Switchel of course. Instead of lemon juice, it uses a tangy combination of flavorful apple cider vinegar, molasses and ginger to make a summertime treat which will whet your whistle better than any modern thirst quencher I’ve ever run across.
Also, Dill pickle juice and Vodka. It's amazing how good that can be...
Switchel
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (yes vinegar)
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup sugar or honey
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 1/2 cup oatmeal (optional)
* tap water to make 2 quarts
This is a very old recipe, imported from our Yankee neighbors to the north, and before that, from Nova Scotia. Did you ever wonder what folks used to drink in the days before soda pop, and when lemons were out of season? Why Switchel of course. Instead of lemon juice, it uses a tangy combination of flavorful apple cider vinegar, molasses and ginger to make a summertime treat which will whet your whistle better than any modern thirst quencher I’ve ever run across.
Also, Dill pickle juice and Vodka. It's amazing how good that can be...
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
- EmilyD
- Posts: 1168
- Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 3:03 pm
- Burning Since: 2010
- Camp Name: Art Car Camp
- Location: SF Bay Area
- Contact:
Oxylent
I just found this at the health food store. Anyone used it before? It doesn't taste too bad and has less sugar than some of the others.
http://www.vitalah.com/images/OxylentSF.jpg
http://www.vitalah.com/images/OxylentSF.jpg
You don't have to be skinny, naked and under 30 to be a Hottie!
- Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17559
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
Molasses can be from any mole at all, including Organic Cane Sugar!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchel
It's in Wikipedia, therefore true!!Switchel, also switzel, swizzle, ginger-water haymaker's punch or switchy, is a drink made of water mixed with vinegar, and often seasoned with ginger. Honey, sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup were sometimes used to sweeten the drink instead of molasses. In the U.S. state of Vermont, oatmeal and lemon juice were sometimes added to the beverage.
