Hey WOO Family,
We are pretty certain we don’t have to explain how important proper hydration is. Although we know now that there is no set amount of water everyone has to drink during a day, it's crucial to think ahead for the best way to carry, clean and drink water when you are out on the trail. We want to lend you a few tips and pieces of advice on proper hydration.
How Much Water Do I Need?
If you are new to hiking and exploring the outdoors you may not be familiar with how much your body needs. A good rule of thumb is to consume about half a liter per hour of activity. That being said, if it is a sweltering hot day or the hike proves to be more demanding than you thought, you may need more. The amount of water a person needs depends on many factors including body type, altitude, the difficulty and length of activity, and the weather.
While it is easy to reach for the water when it’s hot out, keep in mind your body still needs hydration in cold weather! Even when it’s raining or chilly, you should make sure to get your water in.
Remember to PRE-hydrate and RE-hydrate. When you pre-hydrate you can cut down on the amount of water you need to carry. Drink at least one glass of water before you hit the trail to keep your body moving. Once you return to camp, drink some more to rehydrate.
How To Carry Water
There are a variety of ways to carry your water when you are on the trail: regular plastic bottles, hard plastic bottles, foldable water bottles, and water bladders. Each of these come in a variety of volumes, styles and options but it good to keep a few things in mind when choosing your container. Before you buy anything, answer a few questions:
Making Sure You Drink Safe, Clean Water
A water filtration system is truly a must. Filtering water can not only save you on some weight but can also protect you from some nasty infections or parasites. Even if a stream seems clean, you never know. With the water filter options and alternatives available now the risk of going without is just not worth it. Here are a few to keep in mind for your next journey:
We hope you have a wonderful time on your next adventure! Stay Hydrated!
With love,
Wise Owl Team
