How to Be Prepared Outdoors: Weather Shifts & Hydration Needs

It was a long-ago adventure, one that my colleague Jeff Phillips and I had planned for months as we dreamed of a remote camping site in a western wilderness area. Our plan, as two flatlanders from Texas and Oklahoma, was to masquerade as Rocky Mountain bowhunters with a couple of mule deer tags in our back pockets. With any luck, we'd notch those tags after spending a week in the high country, enjoying warm days, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine as we glassed for velvet-racked muleys.

That was Plan A. But scarcely an hour into our hike into the unit, we found ourselves dusting off Plan B. And that wasn't easy to do as we huddled in a somewhat protected spot, watching heavy rain and hail envelop everything around us. Every few seconds, a jagged lightning bolt would strike the mountainous rock or trees, followed instantly by a deafening roar of thunder. The storm tested both our raingear and our resolve.

Greg Sakowicz, Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Director of Acquisition Marketing for MyOutdoorTV, understands the frustration experienced during summertime, including camping, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing seasons. But as Phillips and I discovered on a Utah mountainside a few years ago, you must always plan for the possibility that not every outdoor trip will come with perfect weather and ideal conditions.

“Camping is popular because it allows you to disconnect from the stress of daily life and immerse yourself in nature,” said Sakowicz. “Camping is one of the most popular pastimes when enjoying the outdoors.”

The appeal is easy to understand for anyone who loves fresh air, breathtaking mountain and forest scenery, or the simple pleasure of sitting by a campfire under a star-filled sky. And for those who hunt or fish, camping adds even more to the experience.

“With no distractions, camping provides the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and appreciate the present moment,” said Sakowicz.

The Importance of Weather Awareness in the Outdoors

Of course, that’s the good news. But the outdoors can also bring challenges—especially when it comes to the weather. From lightning bolts in the Rockies to flash floods in the desert arroyos of the Southwest to the risk of heat illness anywhere temperatures soar, Sakowicz emphasizes the importance of staying weather-aware and prioritizing safety while in a camping environment.

“Being aware of the weather while camping is crucial for staying safe and prepared,” he said. “Sudden storms, extreme temperatures, or high winds can create dangerous situations like flash floods, hypothermia, dehydration, or even heat stroke. Checking the forecast and recognizing weather changes helps campers pack the right gear and choose safe locations. Staying informed ensures a safer and more enjoyable camping experience. And making sure you are hydrated is a very important piece of that puzzle.”

Lightning Safety: Minimizing Risk in the Backcountry

While we'll discuss hydration issues shortly, it’s important to note that lightning is a significant danger in the outdoors. A January 2024 report from the National Lightning Safety Council highlighted that 480 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S. from 2006 to 2023. Among those fatalities, 41 deaths occurred while fishing, 29 at the beach, 26 while boating, and 23 while camping.

That said, camping and outdoor activities aren’t inherently unsafe—81 million Americans camped last year. Yes, lightning deaths happen, but they’re rare. To stay safe, stay weather-aware: check the latest National Weather Service forecast and keep an eye on the sky, especially when daytime heating causes cumulonimbus clouds to form thunderstorms.

While this isn’t an exhaustive guide to lightning safety, the key takeaway is simple: if a storm is approaching or you hear thunder, seek shelter indoors. In remote backcountry camping or hiking situations, minimizing risk is even more critical. The National Park Service (NPS) offers valuable guidance on backcountry lightning safety, outlining steps to reduce exposure and stay protected when shelter isn't readily available. As the NPS notes, no place outdoors is ever truly safe from the dangers of a lightning strike. Hence, it's important to get low and avoid exposed areas like mountain peaks, ridgelines, cliffs, waterlogged ground, and tall, isolated trees, all of which increase your risk of being struck.

Sakowicz also points out that weather forecasts aren’t always perfect, so it’s up to you as a camper to monitor the weather closely—daily, if not hourly. It’s also up to you to be sure you’ve packed the right gear to deal with the weather that a trip delivers. That means making a detailed packing list, ensuring your tent offers adequate protection, and bringing clothing suited for various conditions—whether hot, cold, wet, or dry.

Dehydration Risks in Hot and Cold Weather

One threat to a camper’s safety is something that isn’t always readily observed until it’s too late. That threat is dehydration, and it’s a risk that exists in both hot and cold weather.

“For hot weather, it’s important to stay hydrated,” said Sakowicz. “Drink plenty of water. And in addition to water, pickle juice can be a lifesaver in the heat, replenishing you of those oh-so-important electrolytes.”

While many Americans know all about SuckerPunch pickles in a glass jar, the company offers a myriad of products made for on-the-go activities like camping and hiking, such as SuckerPunch pickle juice hydration products. These include 2-oz. SuckerPunch Pickle Juice Shooters in Classic Dill and Spicy Dill, as well as the 1-gallon container of SuckerPunch Hydration Pickle Juice in Classic Dill. You can also get the electrolyte replacement benefits of pickles and pickle juice with a bit of a crunch in the ever-popular SuckerPunch Pickle Packs. Featuring flavorful pickle chips, these products come in four flavors, including Kosher Dill, Fiery Hot 3-Pepper, Red Chile Spicy Dill, and Snappy Sweet Bread and Butter.

As noted above, dehydration is a real safety issue, especially on warm sunny days when campers are wearing sun hoodies with SPF protection along with hats and sunglasses. However, dehydration can also pose a risk during other times of the year that some campers may overlook.

“Cold weather can reduce your thirst sensation, making you less likely to drink enough liquids, even though your body still needs them,” said Sakowicz. “Additionally, breathing in cold, dry air causes your body to lose more moisture through respiration. Layered clothing and indoor heating can also lead to sweating and fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration. Again, reaching for some pickle juice can improve your moisture levels considerably.”

As has been detailed above, there are some safety considerations in the outdoors world for campers heading outside this summer across America. But as Sakowicz notes, a little thought can go a long way in keeping such safety considerations from becoming the main story of a camping trip.

“By being prepared for any and all conditions, you can set out on your adventure with confidence that you will be comfortable and safe,” he said. “And don’t forget, no matter the temperature, stay hydrated.”

With a SuckerPunch Pickle Juice Shooter, of course!

• Related: Great Sleeping Bags and Pads for Summer Camping

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