Stay hydrated while hiking and biking to get the most from the exercise and the experience. Hikers and bikers have choices across America and all around the world to experience nature up close. Maintaining their health and energy levels are key to getting the most from the experiences.
Drink Enough Water
Experts say that hikers should drink one-half a liter of water per mile. So if you're planning a 10-mile hike, you need to carry or have access to at least 5 liters of water. The hotter the temperature, the more water you'll need. Plan ahead to stay healthy on your hiking trips or biking trips. The most important fact of hiking or biking and staying hydrated is to fill your water containers at every opportunity so you don't run out of water.
Carry Bottled Water
One of the simplest ways to stay hydrated is to carry bottled water in a backpack. Drinking enough water while hiking will stave off headaches and cool your body from the exertion of moving through the terrain. Not all bottles are created equal so spend the time to find good bottles that have secure lids so you don't lose precious water from loose lids. Nalgene brand water bottles offer secure lids that are attached to the bottle, have wide-mouth openings, and are easy to keep clean.
Invest in a Water Bladder
Water bladders are basically soft water bottles. They hold roughly from 2 to 4 liters of water and have a long straw attached for ease of drinking. Another benefit is that water bladders, when empty, are nearly weightless and lie flat in a backpack making them comfortable and convenient to carry.
Treat the Water
Carrying your own water is preferred but that's not always possible. You can only carry so much water on your body at one time. When water is available on the trails but you're not sure if it's safe to drink as is, you should treat the water to keep you hydrated and safe. Some of the options for treating water while on hikes follow:
– Boil the water to kill any bacteria. Bring the water to a boil and let it cool before drinking.
– Consider taking along a water filter to use before drinking any water found along the paths on hiking trips.
– Carry water purification tablets to add to water to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses before drinking.
Ask at any good sporting goods store for personal recommendations on how the employees there deal with treating water on hiking trips or biking trips.
Stay Hydrated–Stay Safe
The bottom line is to drink enough water while doing any outdoor activity especially when the temperatures are soaring. Stay safe and drink up!