managing water resources on a day hike

Water is probably the most important resources for your survival. But when you go for a hike, it is often a challenge to find the perfect balance between sufficient hydration and the lightest possible backpack. Carrying too little water can quickly become dangerous. Carrying too much water, on the other hand, makes the hike more strenuous than necessary.

In this article, we show you how to optimally plan your water requirements, what options there are for obtaining and treating water on the move, and how to use this precious resource sparingly and efficiently.

Water is essential for survival and yet many people do not drink enough. On a hike, you don't want to carry too much luggage with you, so you don't carry an extra liter or two of water in your backpack. At one kilogramme per liter, the weight adds up relatively quickly. However, water plays a central role in your body and is indispensable during physical activity. Around 60 per cent of your body is made up of water, which supports every movement, regulates your body temperature and maintains important functions. Especially when going on a hike, a physically strenuous activity, your water requirements increase considerably. Factors such as summer heat, high humidity or demanding routes cause your body to lose large amounts of fluid through sweating, breathing and other processes.

The exact amount of water you need on your hike depends on several aspects: your height, weight, age and physical condition. The environment in which you are hiking - such as temperatures, altitude and the duration of your activity - also influences how much water your body consumes. Without sufficient hydration, you may not only lose performance, but also face serious health risks such as cramps, overheating, dizziness or, in the worst case, disorientation. Just to emphasize the importance to stay hydrated.

Whether it's a short day trip or an outdoor adventure lasting several days, an adequate supply of water is a must. It forms the basis of your performance and safety. Planning your fluid intake should therefore be a central part of your hiking preparation - regardless of the season, duration or location of the hike.

In order to find the right balance, there are a few strategies and tools that can be helpful in providing your body with sufficient fluids, carrying less luggage and still not having to do without the little extras.

The question of the right amount of water cannot be answered in general terms. Your water requirements during your hike depend on many factors: Weather, terrain, length of the hike, individual physical condition and even your personal metabolism.

ground rule: ~1 liter of water per 2 hours of hiking

This is a helpful basis, but requirements can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. The following variables are decisive:

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• Temperatures: In hot weather, you should plan at least an additional 500 ml per hour.
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• Time frame: In a group, you are only as fast as the slowest member. In terms of hydration, this means that depending on the speed of the individual members, you will be travelling longer and therefore need more water.
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• Type of terrain: steep climbs and more difficult terrain rewuires more energiy and with that higher exertion, your water demand increases.
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• Exertion level: The terrain already says something about how strenuous a hike is likely to be. Other factors include the weight of the backpack or the altitude at which the hike takes place.
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• Personal needs: Some people sweat more than others - adjust your needs individually.

Practical example:
A four-hour hike in moderate temperatures and on moderate terrain requires around 2 litres of water. In the mountains at 30 °C, however, it could be more.

Think about where you can top up your water supply along the route so that you don't have to overload your pack. Nevertheless, take water with you right from the start of your hike. It is also recommended that you start hydrating one or two hours before the actual hike. The rule here is: only water is water. Coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks do not count. These drinks actually dehydrate the body even more.

Once you have determined how much water you should take with you, or how much you are likely to need for the hike, you can think about how to transport the water. Here is an overview of the three most common options:

Tip: Combine several systems – a hydration bladder for on the go and a robust bottle for reserve water or for cooking.

Sometimes the water you bring with you is not enough, or you want to lose the weight of the bag. Then it makes sense to use water from directly from beautiful mother nature. As already mentioned, it is worth thinking about whether there are any water sources along the route where you can replenish your water supply before you set off on your hike. However, in that case there are a few things to bear in mind.

Not all water is safe to drink. Here are a few criteria for safe water:

➤ Flowing rather than stagnant – choose sources such as rivers or waterfalls. Stagnant water in ponds or puddles carries higher risks.

➤ Away from people – Water near campsites or pastures can be contaminated.

➤ Close to the source – The closer to the original source, the cleaner.

➤ Signs of life – Plants and animals often indicate a reliable source of water.

Even clear water can contain dangerous microorganisms. That's why you should always treat it. There are also different methods for doing this.

For maximum safety, it is worth boiling the water a little longer or even combining it with the tablets and filters.

As mentioned, water weighing one kilogram per liter quickly becomes relatively heavy. Especially if you're planning on a hike that's going to take a little longer. It is therefore essential to think carefully about how much you should take with you. But then it's also about using every drop efficiently. Here are a few tips:

➤ Drinking strategy: Take small sips regularly instead of going thirsty for long periods.

➤ Reduce sweating: Wear breathable clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade in the heat.

➤ Optimize hygiene: Use wet wipes or disinfectant gel instead of water to clean yourself.

A well thought-out strategy is therefore essential in order to provide the body with enough water in the best possible way and to have a good hiking experience. However, it is important to remember that it is better to take too much water with you than too little. Even more should the rest of the equipment you take with you for the hike be as light and minimal as possible. Especially if you want to plan a picnic or a leisurely coffee break during the hike. There are now clever solutions for using water resources efficiently: one of them is no normal coffee, coffee in a tube. It is actually the first coffee that you can not only drink, but also eat. It is ideal for when you need an energy boost but want to save water on your hike. You can eat it directly from the tube or put it on a piece of bread, chocolate or banana.

Curious? Get yourself a tube of no normal coffee today for your next hike!

Water is your most valuable companion when going on a hike. With the right planning, suitable equipment and a conscious approach, you can ensure that you always stay hydrated without carrying unnecessary weight. In the end, the decisive factor is how well you plan your water supply. In other words, how much water you take with you at the start, where you find good water sources and how optimally equipped you are. The equipment also plays a role in making the experience on your hike as optimal as possible.

We wish you a great next hike!

References

1. Golm. (n.d.). Richtig trinken beim Wandern. Retrieved from https://www.golm.at/de/Blog/Richtig-trinken-beim-Wandern_bba_163197
2. Hiking New Zealand. (n.d.). How much water to take on a hike. Retrieved from https://hikingnewzealand.com/blog/how-much-water-to-take-on-a-hike
3. Mountain House. (n.d.). Finding water on the trail. Retrieved from https://mountainhouse.com/blogs/backpacking-hiking/finding-water-on-the-trail?srsltid=AfmBOorDRAR-4vTj2BXCyAGSfTDWtwUPVSM3pu06mnEuFD6LgXtsGNVk
4. Salomon. (n.d.). How to stay hydrated when hiking. Retrieved from https://www.salomon.com/de-ch/outdoor/outdoor-advice/how-stay-hydrated-when-hiking
5. Voyageur Tripper. (n.d.). Camp coffee. Retrieved from https://www.voyageurtripper.com/camp-coffee/