Dehydration And Water

Hey forest Family! As always we hope this information adds to your outdoor journey. We appreciate your support and if you find the information helpful feel free to pass it on to someone else who may find it useful.

Products used in the pictures: The Grayl

6 Reasons you need water

• Water is a sensory aid. It keeps cognitive functions working at full capacity. 

• Water is essential for digestion. If dehydrated its best to eat less as you rehydrate. 

• Water is vital for waste removal from the body. 

• Water cools and moistens the lungs

• Water keeps muscles and joints loose

Staying Hydrated

• Drink water several days before you hike.

• Avoid Alcohol and caffiene before and after your hike. Caffiene hiking drinks should only be used in hard times.

• Make your water easily accesible. Keeping your bottle in exterior pockets or use a water bladder suitable for hiking.

• Avoid sweating.  Remember “its better to ration sweating than it is to ration water”.

• Do not trust thirst. Thirst is not a reliable indicator that your body needs more water. 

• Remember to keep drinking even when your not hiking. Such as during meal times and when resting. 

What to do if signs of dehydration show

• Use oral rehydration powders. Measure the mixture using the marks on your bottle and keep track of your water intake. If no oral rehydration solutions are available add a pinch of salt to your water. 

• Do not exert yourself for several hours. Sit down and if warm stay in the shade.

• Sip instead of gulping 

• Do not drink cold water. Instead sip water close to body temperature.

• Watch the colour of your urine.  An hydrated person should have almost clear urine. If urine is straw coloured or darker stay hydrating. If it proceeds to darken call for rescue.

• When hydrated urinating should occur every 2-3 hours. If your urinating less than this its important to rehydrate.