What should you know about hiking exhaustion?

Long climbs, uneven ground, heat and carrying a pack increase the body’s workload. Sweating removes fluid and salts, while missed meals can leave you weak or light-headed. Poor sleep, a new route, altitude or an unexpectedly fast pace can add to the strain.

Exhaustion that continues after rest, returns on easy walks or occurs outside hiking may need a broader explanation. Possible contributors include dehydration, anaemia, coeliac disease, COVID-19, chronic kidney disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout or alcohol-related problems. The pattern and accompanying symptoms help guide assessment.

Stop in a shaded or sheltered place, loosen restrictive clothing and rest with a companion. Sip fluids and eat a small snack if you are alert and able to swallow. Cool the body gradually in hot conditions, and do not continue the route until strength, balance and clear thinking have returned.

For future walks, increase distance and elevation gradually, carry more fluid than you expect to need, plan food and breaks, check weather, and tell someone your route. A map, charged phone and basic first-aid supplies are sensible safeguards.

Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizures, inability to walk safely, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, very hot skin, or repeated vomiting. Do not leave a severely unwell hiker alone. Arrange medical review when exhaustion is unexplained, keeps recurring, lasts beyond recovery, or comes with weight change, fever, bleeding, persistent thirst or reduced urine.

Tell the clinician the route, weather, pace, fluid and food intake, altitude, medicines and recovery time. Ask whether blood tests, hydration advice or evaluation for an underlying condition is appropriate before your next demanding hike.