Proper Hiking Hydration

Proper hiking hydration and a fueled body is required when on a walking holiday to keep you going in spite of the long hours of vigorous physical activity. Today we will take a look at hiking hydration.

For proper Hiking Hydration, Water or Sports Drinks?

People often ask whether drinking water or sports drinks are better during a walking holiday. Well research has shown any athlete under the sweltering sun when provided with water as a means of hydrating themselves only replaced one and half to two thirds of fluid loss, while those who were given sports drinks have shown to hydrate nearly to hundred percent. Sports drinks are only better if they cause you to drink more, otherwise stick with water particularly on a backpacking journey.

Hydration packs such as the  Camelbak Alpine Explorer can ensure you are adequately supplied and carry your trekking poles and lunch as well.  Meanwhile, the Camelbak Day Star is designed for woman. Most traditional backpacks also have outside pockets for your water bottle.

We lose electrolytes when we sweat. Dizziness, muscle cramps, extreme exhaustion, and irregular heartbeat are the results of electrolyte loss in the body You lose then lose endurance due to low level of electrolytes. So for proper hiking hydration you need to have a drink regularly during while walking.

Be sure your sports drink has less than 8 percent in total solids which includes both carbohydrates as well as electrolytes. If you go with something that has more, it is not as easily absorbed into your body, delaying any benefit it may have. You can dilute sports drinks up to 50% if they contain over this amount.

Elevensies

The English have a custom when on a walking holiday called elevensies, where they always take a break around 11 a.m., and perhaps in a tea room along the trail if convenient. Taking a break to recharge is a must. Not so great is that we sometimes have a delicious pastry along with a cup of coffee (particularly North Americans), not the healthiest option. Although this is also a social part of the hike, consider something a little healthier if planning a long or difficult walk.

Tea rooms and restaurants are common along many trails in England and Europe but rare in North America where your elevensies break will consist of what you carried along in your packsack. However, in North America you will find tea rooms (or similar)  in some of the National Parks for a more relaxing hiking hydration break.

Click here, for other information on hiking nutrition.

If you want proper hiking hydration consider  Camelbak Alpine Explorer or some sort of hydration system.