Staying Hydrated When Camping

!±8± Staying Hydrated When Camping

When hiking, one of the most important items to have with you, whether walking for an hour or camping overnight, is water. People can go a long time without food, whereas you can only survive without water for three days. This makes it vital to your health and safety to have a good, clear, constant source of water. Here are a few items to have with you on your next hiking trip that will ensure you never run out of water.

Water
It's important that you always bring your own, clean supply of water on every trip. In order to have this water, you'll need a way to carry it with you. One really great option is to use a water hydration pack such as those by Camel. These packs can be worn on their own or slipped into a bigger backpack. You might also consider packing a canteen or flask to hold your water supply. A couple really great products for carrying water are stainless steel and BPA free water bottles. Make sure you get one that has a loop at the top so you can easily clip it to your backpack or belt.

Purification
If you are hiking or camping somewhere that has a lot of water, you'll want to bring a purification tool in case you run out of your own fresh water supply. One very simple option is to bring along treatment tablets that can simply be dropped into the water before consuming. Look for tablets that disinfect the water and destroy water borne pathogens. Another really good option, if you have the space, is a water filter. This is safer than using tablets and will make the water very drinkable. Buy a filter that is compact and will pump the water on its own.

Cold Weather
If you are camping in cold, snowy conditions, you will need other tools in addition to purification tablets and water filters. With snow, you will also need a way to melt it in order to then purify it. It is not safe to eat snow, so you'll need a small Bunsen burner with a pot to fill with snow. You will also need all-weather lighters and waterproof matches.

No matter what type of hiking you plan on doing, always make sure you take more water than you think you need. Out on the trail you will get dehydrated very quickly, even in cold weather conditions.