Distillation

I usually carry a Katadyn vario microfilter when I hike.That and a little common sense like not using tidal flats for water (don't laugh I've heard of it).has worked well so far.
 
kgd said:
I agree Brian, but this would be a rather unusual case where severe amounts of perspiration was lost (Salts + water) and only compensated by drinking water (lacking salts). If you are eating regularly and not losing massive amounts of water to perspiration I doubt you would run into this kind of problem. The small amount of minerals found in mineral or spring water don't really contribute to the osmotic pressure of your blood. Sodium is the main factor regulating total blood osmolarity. Drinking iso-osmotic fluid would be the best, it actually tastes salty - like the blood from your bleeding lip. A lot of sports jocks/meds recommend gateraide diluted by half as a near optimum formulation of water + salts + sugars.

[Edit] - one area where distillation could be useful is when encountering brackish or salt water. Distillation could be used to make this water drinkable, albeit at a cost of fuel and time.
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I agree with this and excellent post, except I've seen the beginning stages happen enough times in hot climes that I think it may be more common than we believe. It happens in high school and college sports a little, but in arid and desert climes, if you are moving and burning huge amounts of calories and not feeling the sweat (salt loss) because it evaporates instantly, it can be especially a concern. Also, in a high stress situation where you are burning even more calories due to activity and stress, plus being distracted by the crisis at hand, it can sneak up on you.

Good points, all.
 
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