Why You Need To Keep Hydrated!

Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity, but it's important to stay hydrated to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some tips & tricks to help you stay hydrated while hiking in the mountains:

~ Water regulates body temperature: When hiking in hotter weather, the body tries to cool itself by sweating, resulting in the loss of fluids and electrolytes. If you do not drink enough water, your body may not be able to regulate its temperature, which can lead to muscle cramps, general fatigue, dizziness, headaches, heat exhaustion, heatstroke.

~ Drink plenty of water before you start your hike: Make sure you're well-hydrated before you hit the trail by drinking water in the hours leading up to your hike.

~ Carry enough water: Bring enough water to last you for the entire hike, and consider carrying a water filter or purification tablets if you plan on hiking longer than 6-8 hours. I like to bring a minimum of 2 Litres of water on any hike longer than 3 hours.

~ Drink regularly: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Instead, take regular sips throughout your hike to keep yourself hydrated.

~ Eat hydrating foods: Bring snacks that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, to help keep you hydrated.

~ Use a hydration pack: Many hikers are turning to backpacks that have a built-in water reservoir that you can drink from through a plastic tube. This makes it easy to stay hydrated without having to stop to use your water bottle.

* We do not provide hydration packs due to the difficulty in maintaining them. Instead, you can rent an extra water bottle if needed.

~ Take mini-breaks and rest in the shade: Depending on your fitness level, it’s always a good idea to take regular mini-breaks in a shaded area to rest & avoid potential heat exhaustion.

So, how much water should you drink while hiking? It depends on a variety of factors, including your body size, the temperature and humidity of your environment, and the intensity and duration of your hike.

My rule of thumb is, as long as you continue to pee a clear non-yellow stream throughout your hike, you should be OK.