Traveling at night in the desert

[Lash444]

We are watching "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" right now, and there are a couple scenes where they are traveling across desert type areas. My buddy brought up the fact that it would be better to travel at night, and sleep during the day as a survival method. Also, to dig a hole for protection from the sun...

I heard awhile ago, that this is not a smart thing to do, but I cannot remember what the reasoning was. #1, I know that the desert isnt a sandbox, and that the ground is mostly cement-like. I also know that it can be extremely cold in a desert at night. Ground temperature is also quite a bit hotter than the surrounding air temperature.

I've googled for the answer, but the sources I did find contained nothing on this subject. Can anyone shed some light?

 

[mercanucaribe]

The Army survival manual tells you to dig a hole for protection from the sun.

 

[olds]

Survivorman's rival (forget the tools name) said it is better to travel at night.

 

[Lash444]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
The Army survival manual tells you to dig a hole for protection from the sun.

Oh, I will agree that if you are hunkering down in one spot, that digging a hole would be a wise move. However, if you are trying to cross the desert with limited supplies, I don't think the energy exerted would be worth it.

 

[Sukhoi]

It gets REALLY REALLY DAMN HOT in the desert in the summer during the day. If you haven't experienced it you can't really understand what it's like. You won't make it anywhere without loads of water trying to hike during the day.

 

[arrfep]

On my long distance bicycle tour we pasted through the Mojave (okay, rode along the norther border) where it reached 122 degrees during the day. Makes your fingernails hurt, turns peanut butter into a drink, and toasts sliced bread inside its bag. We decided to ride during the night and sleep during the day...of course our sleeping was indoors. But still. Travelling during the night was a good choice. The sky is amazing and it's awesome to hear coyotes in the distance.

I'd say travel at night, sleep during the day FTW.

 

[MedicBob]

Travel at night, sleep/shade during daylight.