Dealing with the heat...

[jax]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

I live in Finland and visited Las Vegas for the first time last year. I was shocked by the heat and lack of humidity. As others have warned, you don't feel how much you're sweating because it evaporates immediately. I second the recommendations for sunscreen, lip balm, saline spray, and sports drinks. If weight gain or sugar levels are a problem for you, I recommend sugar-free sports drinks. I needed to drink about half a gallon a day just of sports drinks, so the calories can add up. A good hand/body lotion is also a good idea if your skin tends to be dry. I also took along an umbrella to use as a parasol. I found it more comfortable than wearing a hat, and it provided shade for my whole body. I saw plenty of guys with umbrellas, too, so it's not just for the ladies.

[astcell]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

Get a camelback. You always wanted one anyway, this will be the reason for it.

[nitchimon]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

as others have said...

-lip balm
-spf 50 for a slight tan
-LIGHT clothing. There are shirts and sports shorts that are naturally wicking and very comfortable.
- sunglasses for both day and night outings (hey the strip is BRIGHT at night!)
- water or sports drinks. Soda or alcohol can get you ill in the sun. Been there, done that, ruined a dang good t-shirt!
- it's a dry heat that evaporates your sweat so fast, it can chill you. Don't believe it, jump in a pool and get out. the evaporation off the skin is chilling.
- stay out of direct sunlight if possible.
- travel or walk around at night. Everything is well lit.
- camel back (as someone else has said)
- alcohol consumption indoors is good, outside? between the heat and alcohol, prepare to place on the street what you ate earlier or last night.
- singles, dollar bills.... for some of the clubs you "might" go to... oh wait, wrong forum for this advice, never mind...
- if you venture outside in the heat of day, a hat or cap or in some places a touke! (sp)
-walk the strip at night. I melted a dang good cheap watch on the strip in 116 degree heat! inner workings melted! besides, you'll see better sights at night.
-non-recycled condoms. recycling these things is a nasty job! and besides, its vegas! whoops, my bad, wrong forum.. never mind...
- (just an off topic thought, I've never seen toilet paper hanging from Palm trees in vegas, panties, yes, toilet paper, no) (and don't get caught doing it! they ARE strict in some ways in vegas, besides it was just an observation)
-water or a sportsdrink (gatorade or similar) trick to staying cool and hydrated.
-walk outside in the sun with your mouth CLOSED! You will evaporate fluids faster through the mouth. If its a good discussion, get indoors at a bar or somewhere air conditioned!
-Did I mention water?

The strip and outdoors vegas is more comfortable at night. just watch out for pick-pockets.

enjoy!

[Cy-Fi]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

I've found a very good sunscreen for these types of environments. I'm very pale and burn/get sun-sick very easily, I've had the best luck with Dermatone Sunblock W/Zinc. I first used it when in Hawaii last year & didn't have any of the usual complications I get from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Any zinc based sunblock marketed for mountain climbing would probably be as effective.

Another benefit of using this stuff is that it doesn't have that awful sunscreen smell.

[Surreal]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

A few cons ago I overheard a goon's sage advice for guys walking a lot in the heat: Boxer Briefs! Get some soft, cotton boxer briefs and forget baby powder, corn starch, or walking like a rodeo clown.

Changed my life, it has... <sniff>

I just happened upon this thread and I'm going to take it to more sensitive realms. If you're not used to heat, and you didn't adhere to the advice about loose-fitting clothing, you're going to risk a problem that might be new and different to you, chafing. ...

Surreal

[Obi-Wan]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

most is allready said.

A very good indicator of how much dehydrated your body is, is your pee.

If your pee is yellow, you have to drink more.
If it is white, like clear water, than you have enough drunk.
Coffee or Tee will dehydrate untrained Coffee drinker, but when you drink it like water (as most of us do, i think) than it is like drinking water.

I recommend to put electrolyte with some flavor of choice into water. I am not sure where to get in vegas, in Germany you by it at shops like doc morris and it
is cheaper than gatorade or other chemic drinks.

[sintax_error]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

...I recommend to put electrolyte with some flavor of choice into water. I am not sure where to get in vegas, in Germany you by it at shops like doc morris and it
is cheaper than gatorade or other chemic drinks.

If this is the route you want to go, there are CamelBak tabs you can drop into the bladder which are sold pretty much everywhere I've seen CamelBaks for sale, sub $10 per pack (IIRC they come in 8-packs, maybe 12.) I've also seen little Alka-Seltzer style tabs at places like CVS and Walgreens (all over Vegas.) Full Disclosure: I haven't used either of these products and thusly cannot endorse or attest to their effectiveness nor can I call bullshit on them, I'm simply offering up suggestions related to the above post with information based on what I've seen.

[froggy]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

If your pee is yellow, you have to drink more.
If it is white, like clear water, than you have enough drunk.

Amen. Piss clear! One Burning Man tip we can all use.

[AZdepth]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

If you plan on visiting a swimming pool during the day, you'll need flip flops or something to protect your feet from the deck - it gets REALLY hot. Like, you can't walk 2 steps without burning your feet, not even to get from your chair to the pool.

[noman2013]

Re: Dealing with the heat...

I am from Arizona and know the heat all to well and I make several trips to Vegas each year, so I do a lot of walking in the heat. I would try and keep your trips short. For example if you are walking the strip take your time and go inside every couple of casinos to cool off and get some water. I would always keep a bottle of water with me when walking. If you can afford to, get a daily rail pass for the strip, the tram has AC. If you are staying off strip, Rio or Gold Coast-they have free shuttles to the strip which can make planning easier. In fact, most off-strip hotels have shuttles. If you plan your route and transportation you should be fine.