Hiking in Colorado

18 May 2008

Hydration While Hiking

Posted by kris under: Tips & Tricks .

Keeping hydrated while hiking is a very important item to consider. It is an essential component of any hiking checklist. An average person should take in 64 ounces of water a day in normal circumstance, but when you are hiking you need to take in a lot more. How much you need can depend on the outside temperature, length of hike and humidity level. About a half of a liter per mile or one liter per hour is a good rule for most conditions. It is also helpful to start drink water even before you start your hike. This way you will not start your hike already dehydrated or on the brink of dehydration. While you are hiking you want to drink the water over time. Drinking a lot at once will not help keep you hydrated, so make sure to spread it out over the whole hike.

If you do become dehydrated lactic acid can build up in your muscles and brake down muscle fibers and cause fatigue. Dehydration can also cause headaches, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and mountain sickness. All of these things can be prevented if you drink enough water while you are hiking.

Now the next thing to consider is how to carry your water. There are two major categories of products bottles and bladders. They both have there advantages and disadvantages, but it mostly comes down to personal preference.

Water Bottles: Some people just like using the water bottles and they cost less then bladder systems. You should buy a hard sided bottle instead of a grocery store bottle because it will not brake as easily, it usually has a wider mouth so that you can put Gatorade powder in it, and it will not leak as much. It is also better for the environment to use a hard sided bottle because it produces less waste. Some people that like to run trails like water bottles that have a hand strap because it feels more comfortable when running then a bladder system. Most backpacks have side pockets that these bottles will fit in nicely.

Bladder Systems: Bladder systems, like Camelbacks, come with either a backpack or a waist pack that caries the bladder. They are more expensive then a water bottle but if you take into account what you might used to carry a bottle it can come out to about the same price. Bladder stems are a little more secure and hands free then a bottle might be so it is great for a hike that might require you to use your hands. It can also be easier to carry more water instead of having to carry many water bottles you only have to carry one bladder. Bladder systems are more convenient because they have a hose that comes off of the bladder so you can have it right next to your mouth. This way you do not have to try to reach around to obtain your bottle while you are hiking, all you have to do is bite down on the hose and suck. The bladders are made out of a flexible plastic that can be frozen easily. This way you will have cold water for the whole trip. They are harder to clean then water bottles and some hikers have found that the bladders are easy to puncher. Though, I have not known any one that has complained about this happening.

Bladder systems are becoming more and more popular and you are more likely to find backpacks that have compartments for bladders. Some people still like bottles but in the end it is a personal preference and it can also depend on what kind of activities that you like to do. The bottom line is that no matter which option you pick, just make sure that you have plenty of water with you on your hikes.

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