Best N95 Mask For Hiking In Smoke During Wildfire Season
Smoke Is In the Forecast, Which N95 Respirator Should You Pack?
August 28, 2023 – You check the weather for tomorrow’s adventure, only to discover a chance of smoke in the forecast from some faraway wildfire! So which is the best N95 mask for hiking in smoke when air quality degrades? In short, we believe you should choose a 3M Respirator with Cool Flow Valve during wildfire season, because it gives the best blend of filtration and ventilation for active use on the trail. This article explains why that is, how to use it, and other considerations for hiking during wildfire smoke season.
Reminder: the best way to avoid inhaling wildfire smoke is to stay indoors, with windows closed, running an air filter. If the air is unhealthy enough to require a N95 respirator, you shouldn’t go hiking in the first place. Just reschedule or go elsewhere. Think of your N95 mask as a plan B for when conditions worsen unexpectedly.
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3M Respirator With Cool Flow Valve Review
Unlike comfier-but-ineffective surgical masks, bandanas, and neck gaiters, N95 respirators are rated for particulate matter filtration, and block out 95% of the harmful, extremely fine PM2.5 particles floating around in smoky, ashy air. And unlike N95 masks designed to contain the spread of virus, the 3M Respirator With Cool Flow Valve has a vent which opens to allow warm, humid breath to escape on exhale, while automatically closing on the inhale. This is a critical advantage over non-venting N95 respirators, which will quickly turn into a warm sponge on your face as your breathing intensifies while hiking.
What’s more, this model in particular has a burly, metal strip nose-bridge seal that stays in place and closes off gaps. Considering that this mask was designed to be used in the workplace (think sanding, sawing, etc), the fit assumes you want to wear safety glasses. As such, it is far less likely to fog up your seeing eye glasses or sunglasses.
The cup shape too, is helpful, in that it lifts the material off of your face and gives some room to breath. The dual elastic head bands guarantee a very secure fit and create a full seal around your respiratory system for maximum wildfire smoke protection.
All of that said, the act of hiking in an n95 is unpleasant at best and discomfort is to be expected. Your breath will feel shorter. The seal around your face might chafe, itch, or rub uncomfortably. You will be sweatier. And you should count on hiking slower than your normal pace. That said, the filtration benefits are worthwhile, as alternative options only give the elusion of protection.
How To Store Your N95 Mask While Hiking
We recommend carrying a N95 mask like the 3M Respirator with Cool Flow Valve in your first aid kit whenever smoke is in the forecast, or at any point during peak wild fire season (in the American West, that would be August and September). Doubly so if you will be embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip with unknown forecasts.
It’s worth note that the 3-dimensional cup shape is awkward to store in any pack, and prone to getting crushed or pancaked. A bit of crushing won’t decrease its efficacy and you should be able to fit it in your first aid kit by filling the cup volume with bandages, gauze, pills, etc. This bolsters the structure and helps it to maintain its cup shape, without wasting pack volume on hard-sided storage.
Safety Tips For Hiking During Smoke & Wildfire Season
It’s critically important that you take extra safety precautions (above and beyond normal) while hiking during wildfire season. We give the following tips:
- Before choosing a hike, research online to know where all active wildfires are in your region
- Check forecasts for weather, AQI, and local fire danger ratings. Pay particular attention to wind direction and potential for lightning
- Download Gaia GPS, carry paper map and compass, know how to use them
- Identify your escape route in the event that a fire prevents your return to the trailhead
- Tell an emergency contact where you’re going, when you’ll back back, and which land management/ranger district to contact in the event of an emergency
- Carry a N95 respirator like the 3M Respirator with Cool Flow Valve
- Do not a have a campfire
- Carry a satellite communication device like ZOLEO or Garmin inReach Mini 2 for S.O.S. and off-grid messaging
Best N95 Mask For Hiking In Smoke – Conclusion
When unhealthy levels of smoke are present (consult your doctor and local AQI forecasts), hiking is altogether inadvisable. Just reschedule or go somewhere else. But if you must be outside, or there is uncertain potential for smoke, it is worth carrying and/or wearing a N95 mask. We recommend the 3M Respirator With Cool Flow Valve because it’s rated to filter out 95% of harmful pm2.5 particles present in wildfire smoke, and its vent expels warm moist air generated by your breath while hiking.
Disclaimer
Outdoor sports like hiking are inherently dangerous and potentially deadly. Hiking in smoky air is unhealthy and can damage your respiratory system. Hiking when fire danger is present, or when there is elevated potential for fire conditions, is extremely dangerous and inadvisable. You are solely responsible for your own safety while hiking or participating in outdoor sports in all conditions. Consult your doctor to better understand the myriad of ways in which wildfire smoke has negative health effects on your body and how best to mitigate them.
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