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Hydration: Specifically

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Hydration is essential when embarking on any outdoor activity. The problem is water is heavy to carry. So, a light, easy to use filtration system can get you close to what is needed. Size and weight of a filtration system will be commensurate on the amount of water needed over time. But water is only the beginning of what we need to keep healthy and energized.
Two absolute necessities when working hard for 3 hours or more at a time are calcium and sodium. For those going longer and possibly minimizing food intake due to activity, electrolytes are also a must.
The best drink, imho, to handle just about all that is needed in this context would be chocolate milk. But again, if you are a long distance runner or hiker, the weight and freshness of chocolate are major issues. Chocolate milk is great, if it does not have to be carried and as long as it is kept cold and fresh.
Why chocolate milk? It provides calcium and sodium, the two main things we lose when we sweat. And it also has carbohydrates to give us energy as well as protein to help repair damaged muscles.
So, if out in the backwoods, a hydration system is essential. However, included in that hydration list must be sodium, calcium, a few carbs and protein to ensure your body lacks for nothing.
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idoc72
1181
Mar 16, 2018
Since you also need the calories while backpacking, I carry a ziplock of trail mix (usually salty nuts, raisins, and M&Ms) next to my water bottle and grab a bit whenever I stop to drink or refill (and I try to hydrate at regular time and/or distance intervals). Technically speaking, there are probably many better products available for electrolyte replacement, but it works for me.
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