Embarking on a trek is an exhilarating adventure, but it comes with the responsibility of staying hydrated in diverse environmental conditions. Proper hydration is not just about carrying enough water; it’s also about understanding your body’s needs, planning strategically, and making the most of available water sources.
Plan Your Trek:
- Know Your Water Consumption Requirements: Before hitting the route, understand the environmental conditions and estimate your water needs based on factors like temperature and terrain. This awareness is crucial for planning and ensuring you carry an adequate supply. Plan for consuming 1L of water per hour in strenuous or hot/humid conditions and 500ml/hour during moderate conditions.
- Identify Reliable Refill Points: Research and map out water sources along your route. We’ve highlighted potential water sources on our route for the Azadi Far Ride to the Murray 2024.
- Consider the Timing in Hot Conditions: To combat extreme heat, optimize your movement schedule by taking an extended break during the hottest part of the day. Travel from sunrise to 11am, rest, refuel and then continue from ~2pm. This minimizes water needs during peak temperatures.
- Prepare for Contingencies: Always have a backup plan in case you run out of water unexpectedly. Knowing alternative routes or how to find nearby water sources can be a lifesaver.
Staying Hydrated:
- Hydrate Before You Hit the Route: Begin hydrating well before you leave, with small, steady doses of fluids. Load up with at least 500 ml of water before leaving camp. This ensures you start your journey in an adequately hydrated state. This primes your body for the day ahead and provides a buffer against immediate dehydration.
- Maximize Water Sources: Drink generously at each water source to ensure you’re well-hydrated before moving on. If water sources are scarce, consider consuming 750ml to 1L before leaving each point to lighten your load.
- Prevent Dehydration: Taking frequent sips throughout your day is more effective than sporadically drinking large amounts. Aim for 200-250 ml every 15 to 20 minutes to stay consistently hydrated.
Options for Hydration
Hydration is key for any trekker, but finding clean water in the wild can be a challenge.
Boiling Water:
- Reliable: Boiling water is a reliable method to ensure its safety. It’s a practice I personally follow during treks, especially for cooking or making hot beverages – just heat and voila, safe drinking water.
- Effective: The process is simple yet effective, relying on the heat to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may lurk in untreated water sources.
- Fuel-Dependent: This method relies on having enough fuel for the entire trek, which can add weight and bulk to your pack.
- Time: Additionally, it demands time and patience, not always a luxury during a strenuous circumstances when hydration is of the essence.
Now, I’m a firm believer in the trusty boiling method. Bringing my trusty camp stove and patiently waiting for that reassuring gurgle has always served me well. But for my upcoming trek, The Azadi Far Ride to the Murray 2024, I’ve decided to diversify my hydration arsenal.
Water Filtration:
Enter this years Christmas gift, the LifeStraw Universal Adapter Kit. This kit is designed to turn your favorite water bottle into a powerful water filter, allowing you to transform contaminated water into clean, safe drinking water.
- Versatility: Portable water filters come in a range of options, from pump systems to gravity-fed options.
- Convenience: These devices work by physically trapping bacteria, parasites, and other impurities, ensuring that the water you drink is safe and clean. A process that allows you to access clean water swiftly without the need for heat, fuel or set-up and waiting time.
- Multifunctionality: The filtration option brilliance lies in its versatility. There are several options that not only removes microbiological hazards but also chemicals, microplastics and tackle bad odors or tastes.
My New Trail Mantra: Boil First, Filter Fast
Here’s how I’m planning on incorporating both methods into my trekking routine:
- Start with boiled water: I still plan to prioritize boiling my main water supply, especially for cooking and sharing with fellow trekkers. It’s the safest bet for prolonged treks and unfamiliar water sources.
- LifeStraw for the quick top-up: For those unexpected detours or situations where I’ve needed to use the boiled water elsewhere, the LifeStraw is my secret weapon. It’s lightweight, takes seconds to use, and ensures I always have a quick and refreshing sip at hand.
The beauty of the LifeStraw Universal Adapter is its peace of mind. Knowing I have a backup purification option tucked away in my pack adds a layer of confidence and preparedness to any situation.
Remember, hydration is key, and with the right tools, you can conquer any trail with confidence, knowing safe, clean water is always a sip away.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to pack a bandana or coffee filter for pre-filtering murky water before using your filtration system. This helps protect the membrane and prolongs its lifespan.