Hydration

Mannlicher

Mannlicher

Joined
Nov 19, 2008
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I went with a few others, guys and gals, this past Saturday, on a 10 mile hike through the Juniper Wilderness area of the Ocala NF.
Temps were in the mid 80's, the sun was bright, and there was virtually no shade. We did the 10 miles in 4.5 hours.
The trail is sugar sand, which makes hiking twice as difficult. Picture walking on the beach.
Two of the group ran low, or ran out, of water. We all started with at least 4 liters, and we had the ability to re supply out of natural ponds at the halfway point.
The pond was down, and very turbid, making filtering a real challenge. At the end, there was some minor suffering, but no distress.

In the hot summer months, it sure helps to have plenty of water, and to hydrate fully before setting out. Proper clothing, a good hat, and sun block are pluses.
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It's a wonder that the caped back nylon flats fishing shirts seem to be worn only by Fla boys....mine are usually long sleeved... nice pictures
 
I need to visit Florida some day, very interesting country

hydrating well before one sets out is a great strategy for day hikes, also for multi-day hikes (assuming you're camping at a water source)- I try to drink two liters before hitting the trail

I know a lot of folks that hike in the desert SW use an lightweight umbrella routinely for sun (works for rain as well :))
 
Hydration is big issue. It’s the most important thing for us to carry with us on hikes, but it is also the heaviest. As mentioned, ya gotta be good and water-logged before you head out. :D
 
I water up myself several hours before going on long hikes/skis into the bush. Take several glasses of water over a long period of time, rather than all at once. Your body will hold the water better rather than expel it. Carrying water is heavy, better to carry it inside the body when possible.
 
Juniper is a nice spot. I used to go wheeling/car camping there back when it was allowed and I had my jeep.
 
as a carpet steam cleaner i've found that one should start drinking well before even leaving the house, & continue to take water before you think you need it. in bad hydration one cannot put fluids in their system fast enough to prevent electrolyte depletion.--dennis
 
I certainly agree with that Dennis,

As I mentioned, the half way point has always been a source for a water re fill, but NOT THIS TIME. Even if you know the area, you cannot always be sure things will be the same, the next time you come through.

Along with my water, I take a nalgene bottle full of GatorAid or other electrolyte drink.
 
^ that's a good idea too :) I carry two gatorade packets (for mixing w/ a 1/2 liter) per day- one consumed at midmorning, the other midafternoon- no scientific evidence, but it sure seems to help me when racking up the miles
 
humidity must be extreme in florida, high humidity with no breeze & sand crunching add up to a killer sweat. just looking at that area makes me cringe since i've been in emergency 3 times for saline insertation .--dennis
 
DennisStrickland said:
humidity must be extreme in florida, high humidity with no breeze & sand crunching add up to a killer sweat. just looking at that area makes me cringe since i've been in emergency 3 times for saline insertation .--dennis
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Hydration is critical and you really need to know your own body in order to avoid dehydration and identify the initial symptoms of heat exhaustion. Humidity is a butt kicker, but you will notice lack of sweating easier than when it's the hot, dry heat like that in central/west TX and AZ. I actually loved hiking all over central TX, but the sweat dries so fast you don't get the same feedback. As Dennis mentioned, once you start noticing the symptoms, it’s almost too late. The danger in humid areas is that you know you're perspiring, but you don't realize how much and hydration is something you need to do even when you don't think you need it. Always a good reminder:thumbup:

ROCK6
 
rock6 is totally correct about fast drying sweat since one might not realize how much depletion you are experiencing. even hard exertion in the winter requires one to hydrate. i never worried about snakes as much as heat exhaustion & foot placement in the mountains & deserts. electolyte depletion sneaks up on one & i remember my brother having to go to the hospital while training one summer for the track team in west tex.he vomited so hard he tore his rectum loose & needed surgery. i often mention 2 things to newbies moving from new england to austin; flash flooding & heat exhaustion. this part of country has no soil , mostly rock & 1/2 in. quick rain can flood low water crossings. newbies working in the summer lawns wonder while they are starting to get dizzy when noon temps hit 102.--dennis
 
Down here, its even worse as there is little-to-no canopy overhead. Factor in the temperature and humidity, and you're dehydrating fast. I dehydrated real bad on a 10 miler during the summer. It was a bitch. Never again.

Now, I carry an average of 3-4 liters of water and electrolyte supplements that I pop every hour.

To the OP, have you tried carrying coffee filters to pre-strain the water going into your filter? Works great. Wrap one around your intake strainer and tie it with a rubber band. When done, put it in a plastic bag to carry out.
 
Second the coffee filter suggestion. I keep piece of one around the prefilter on my PUR Hiker with a rubber band.

ROCK6 said:
The danger in humid areas is that you know you're perspiring, but you don't realize how much and hydration is something you need to do even when you don't think you need it. Always a good reminder:thumbup:

ROCK6
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We talked about this some on here last year. Since we don't get evaporative cooling in high humidity, our bodies sweat more and more as they try to cool off.
I got to go out west a few weeks ago, and just like last year's trip, got hip deep in snow in a short sleeve t-shirt. The effect of humidity on perceived temperature is fascinating to me, and I still have lots questions about whether acclimatization is a factor, if it affects the temperature I can use a sleeping bag at like it does what I wear when active, and things like that. There wasn't a hint of condensation in my eVent bivy out there, while I've had a damp sleeping bag a couple of times, and once even a little puddle in the same bivy around here when the temperature was below freezing, but the humidity was over 80%.
I've read that under 15 degrees it becomes a dry cold, but we might get that cold for a nighttime low a few times per year around here.
Interesting stuff...
 
I find that coffee and other caffine drinks really dehydrate me. In the desert, or in Florida, I have to cut down on coffee during the hottest times of the year.
Small cups only while on the trail.
 
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