How to Stay Hydrated While Hiking
Staying hydrated is vital to hiking success. You would be surprised how much water escapes your body by sweating when you are hiking, even if it is cold outside. Here are some tips for preventing dehydration in the wilderness.
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Instructions
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Drink water even before you go out hiking. Try to get at least 32 oz. of water into your system before setting out on the trail.
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Drink a few ounces every 20 minutes or so while you are hiking. It is important to make pit stops and drink water. If you are in a time crunch, drink while walking.
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Snack on something to get some sodium back if you're only drinking water (and not replenishing those electrolytes with a sports drink). When you sweat, you lose sodium from your body, and drinking only water does not replace everything that you lose.
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Drink after you're done hiking, even if you are not thirsty. You will continue to sweat and lose sodium even after you finish hiking.
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Consider buying a Camelbak, a backpack that holds up to 100 oz. of water. If you are already carrying a backpack, make sure to have several bottles of water on you at all times so you don't get stranded without any water.
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Tips & Warnings
Camelbaks or water bottles are the two best ways to hold water while hiking.
Wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing will reduce sweating and keep you more comfortable.
Snack while you are hiking. Eating carbohydrate-heavy foods will keep your energy level high.
Never set out hiking if you don't have any water, or won't be near any open, clean water source (such as a river or stream).
Be careful when hiking, especially by yourself, not to get dehydrated.
If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate yourself.
