Creative Ways to Stay Hydrated While Hiking
Using Drink Mixes, Taking Advantage of Breaks, and Other Ideas
Oct 3, 2009
Drinking water is important for staying hydrated to maintain health while hiking in the backcountry. However, drinking four or more quarts of water a day can get a little dull. Next time when in the backcountry, try out these ideas for drinking enough water.
Using Drink Mix While Hiking
Drink mixes are an easy way to add some taste to drinking water. There are many brands that advertise replacing electrolytes or are designed for athletes, and come in a variety of flavors. These mixes come in single-serving packets that can be easily added to a water bottle. Use drink mix in one or two bottles, and leave the others as plain water.
Remember that when adding one of these athletic drinks to a water bottle, that bottle will become a smellable, even if it is rinsed out later. This can be a concern when hiking in bear country, where the bottle will have to be hung up at night in a bear bag or secured in a bear canister. Also, remember to pack out the empty drink mix pouches to maintain Leave No Trace.
Drinking Water in the Morning
When waking up start drinking water throughout the morning. By getting that first quart down before hitting the trail, a hiker can jump-start their system before hitting the trail.
Drink Water During Breaks
Resting on a hike is an opportunity to catch one’s breath, but it is also a time for drinking some water. When pausing at that overlook view, or in the middle of the canyon, sip some water. Having a hydration system works well for times like these, as it takes less effort to sip some water from a tube as opposed to fumbling around in the pack for a water bottle. If taking a break to urinate, drink some water afterwards. It is a good reminder to replenish fluids that have just been lost.
Drinking Water with a Hiking Partner
Hiking partners can help tremendously with reminding each other to drink water. If one is noticing that the other hiker isn’t drinking enough water, a helpful reminder may be in order. When making certain accomplishments, such as starting a hike, getting to the top of a hill, reaching the summit of a mountain, or getting back to the parking lot, a “toast” may be in order. Toasts can be a way of celebrating these accomplishments, while at the same time getting some water into the system. This trick could work well when hiking with kids.
Drinking water is very important for maintaining overall health while hiking in the backcountry. By using some creative strategies, hikers can get the necessary amount of water they need throughout the day.
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