Going to the range is a pastime many enjoy, and at times, it can be easier to go regularly when it is the warm summertime.
The summer sun makes it easier to see your targets later in the day, there are typically more people there to interact with, and you can be more comfortable as you achieve your goals. Everyone has the range preparation ritual like cleaning their guns, checking their optics, and loading all their AR15 Magazines. But preparing for the range weather is often overlooked.
Since the summertime can also bring new challenges such as too much sun exposure, an increased risk of dehydration, and an increased risk of sunburn or skin damage it’s important to have a plan to minimize your risk.
How can we combat these challenges while also working to enjoy the added positives that warmer weather brings? Let us dive in and find out together.
- Sunscreen
Yes, any blog post, how-to reel, or any other summertime information-giving resource will recommend you put on sunscreen daily and liberally. This information may seem overused or annoying, but it is important and will help save you a lot of grief. On the range, it can be hot and sunny without much shade or opportunities for cover. This increases your chance of getting sunburnt and contracting sun poisoning. Having sunscreen in your pack and applying it every few hours, according to the directions on your sunscreen, will give you protection against the sun. Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and what goes in it or how it is injured will affect the rest of your body. Sunscreen is important, even if annoying to keep up with. Protect yourself, protect your skin.
- Cooling Towels
An incredible invention is a cooling towel. There are many brands and price ranges for these beautiful items, and each one gives you the benefit of staying cool, even in hot environments. These can be wrapped around your neck or used to wipe your face off when you are sweating. Even just a small decrease in temperature around your neck, forehead, or even your wrists can make an enormous difference in lowering your overall body temperature. You can buy these cooling towels in multiple packs, giving you the choice to use more than one at a time or to have another ready for you as needed.
- Keep hydrated
Another often talked about yet underrated tip is to remain hydrated. The typical recommendation is to have eight glasses or more of water a day. This can vary, however, according to your body weight and activity level. When you are out in the heat and are sweating a lot, you will need to take in more water to keep yourself hydrated. An effortless way to carry your drink with you is to invest in a low-profile camelback and keep it on you as you go on with your adventure. You can even keep ice in your Camelbak to help keep you and your water cool.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts
This may seem counterintuitive, but protecting yourself from sun damage and keeping a long-sleeved shirt on while you are in the hot outdoors may keep you cooler. This is because you are being protected from sunburn while also keeping the hot sun off your body. A well-made SPF long-sleeve shirt will protect you and help keep you hydrated and free of sunburn throughout your time on the range.
- Wear a hat and closed-toe shoes
Keeping a hat on in the summertime will help keep the sun off you while you are focusing on your target practice. A wide-brim hat will help keep you safe from sunburn and will also protect your eyes from the bright light. In addition, having closed-toe shoes will protect your feet from all conditions, including the danger of hot brass hitting your toes or other outdoor dangers that you could encounter. Safety should always be your priority.
- Enjoy snacks that are also high energy
Being hot and in the sun takes a lot of energy out of you. One way you can refill this energy is by eating healthfully and keeping high-energy snacks on hand. This includes high-protein items such as peanuts (or any nuts you enjoy), sunflower seeds, protein bars, Clif bars, or apples or celery paired with peanut butter. Some snacks, such as nuts or sunflower seeds, can be high in salt which can help replace the electrolytes your body loses when sweating. You could choose to have these snacks quickly as you trek through the range, or you can schedule snack breaks throughout the day. Having a break to move into the cool shade to replenish your body may seem like a choice that will take a long time, but it will save you time since you will feel better and will be able to train for a longer period.
- Take advantage of the warm weather
Finally, take advantage of the warm weather. Most hunting seasons occur when the weather is cooler and more difficult to navigate (I.e., intense winds). In the warmer months, it can be easier to train since you will have less to be concerned about and less gear to carry. While it may not be fun to shoot in some positions that are not your favorite, it can help improve your game for when you are on the field in the hunting seasons. Extra practice now will make you a better hunter later.
In Conclusion
the summer months may seem like a tough time to be on the range. The sun beats down on you and it is easier to contract sunburn and to become dehydrated or overheated. Taking the above steps to ensure you are safe and at your best will improve your chances of enjoying the summer and avoiding the dangers that can come along with it. Gathering knowledge about yourself, your weapon, and the way your bullets fly will give you a leg up during a hunt since you will be prepared to adjust yourself and your weapon to best fit your surroundings. It is easier to learn these tricks of the trade when it is warm outside rather than when you are in the middle of a hunt.