How much water?
In these hottest days of summer, it’s a good time to think about that most essential element: water. On nearly every hike I take, I notice people short on water, adults and children alike. Not only do people bring inadequate water for themselves, but also for their kids. Being thirsty is miserable; kids will remember that experience the next time their parents want to go hiking and they’ll balk. Aside from that, it’s dangerous.
Losing two quarts of body fluid without replacing it can reduce the body’s efficiency by 25 percent. Symptoms of dehydration are: dizziness, fatigue, a slowing pace, headache, fever, emotional upheaval, slurred speech, confusion, and sleepiness. A loss of 25 percent of the body’s fluid can be fatal, so taking enough water is not a joke.
On a hot day, the average person can lose up to two or three quarts of water per day; increased activity and higher temperatures can increase that amount. Being smaller, children lose less and require less water; however, that doesn’t mean a 12-ounce bottle of water will cut it.
So how much is enough? First of all, it depends on how long you’re hiking. I usually take two or three quarts for any hike longer than an hour. Yes, that means I usually have extra water, which is the point; I’d rather have extra that I can use to water my plants when I get home rather than run out and be thirsty on the trail. My daughter has a hydration pack that holds 64 ounces of water, or two quarts. We can always pack an extra bottle in our pack if we need to, or clip one to our belt loops, too. We don’t do this for an afternoon hike, but if I were taking a long hike through the Black Elk Wilderness, I would.
Finally, it’s important to be well-hydrated before you leave on your hike. This will ensure that the water you take lasts through the hike. This is especially important for children who may quickly feel thirsty when they begin strenuous activity. Making the outdoors fun means having the necessities of food and water available so everyone has a good, safe experience.
July 25th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
This is certainly pertinent,now. I just got back from a long hike,and it was amazing how the newly hot weather,just dried me out.
One thing I would disagree with you on,is to drink just plain water. If you are sweating profusely,you need a sports drink of some kind,or an electrolyte additive to your plain water.
I have suffered needlessly, with cramps and weakness,before I figured this out. If it was REALLY hot,I would even go so far as to add extra salt,and potassium tablets,to the mix. Obviously,don’t take too much,as both can be detrimental,if you do.
But,just keep this in mind…….remember those MRE’s that the military hands out to troops in the field? Each meal has,on average 2GRAMS of salt in it. Maybe more. Salt is your friend……not the enemy……on a hot,sweaty day. Just remember to drink a lot,along with it.
I certainly agree with you,on the lack of fluids,that most people take with them. I can’t remember how many time I have seen a family climb Harney Peak,with just a bottle of water,and maybe a candy bar,for each person. I’m sure that’s a fun night, back at home,or in the hotel room……..Have a wee bit of a headache,do you?
October 20th, 2009 at 2:40 am
I just drink around the usual 8 glasses per day (or a bit more). I’ve never really experience dehydration…but maybe that’s because I don’t smoke or drink coffee too much.