We spend a ton of time and money each year planning for these awesome adventures we want to go on. From getting new boots to a new weapon or even just new comfy socks, we are always thinking about how to better ourselves in the field. One thing that is always the last thing to cross my mind to worry about, although it should probably be one of the first things, is hydration. All summer long, I take care of myself and hydrate very well each day, from drinking three to four gallons a day and making sure I take the right supplements to keeping my body healthy and hydrated. However, for some reason when I’m packing for a hunt or hiking to a stream to trout fish, I never seem to worry about it as much. I usually wake up early the next morning with a minor headache and know exactly what the issue is – I’m dehydrated. One of the hardest times for me to drink enough is when it’s really cold. I seem to hardly drink anything when it’s cold outside. Hopefully after writing this and you reading this, we can all do better.
Here are a few symptoms to look for next time you are out to know if you are drinking enough or not:
· Thirst
· Dry Mouth
· Dark Urine
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Rapid Heart Rate
These are just a few early signs of dehydration and signs that you need to act fast to start recovering before things get really serious. Below are a few symptoms that will tell you that you are starting to get into the severe dehydration stage, which then becomes a medical emergency.
· Extreme Thirst
· Confusion
· Rapid Breathing
· Unconsciousness
All of this can be prevented with the right planning and preparation. Staying hydrated is not just a matter of comfort, but a critical component of safety and success on your next hunting trip, so let’s start treating it that way. Here are a few things to really think about before your next hunting adventure.
· Is it going to be hot? In hot climates, the risk of dehydration increases significantly. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to minimize sweat loss. Increase your water intake and take frequent breaks in the shade to cool down.
· Is it going to be cold? In cold climates, dehydration can be deceptive because you might not feel as thirsty as you normally do, so you won’t make yourself drink as much. However, you still lose water through respiration and sweat, especially if you are wearing warm, heavy clothing and moving around a lot. Depending on how cold it actually is, you might need to keep your water in insulated packs or have an insulated hose cover if you have a bladder system in your backpack to keep it from freezing.
· Am I going to be in high altitudes? At higher altitudes, the air is thinner and drier, leading to faster dehydration. Your body also is working way harder than you think to maintain proper oxygen levels, increasing water loss. When at higher altitudes, plan ahead to drink more than you normally would.
After figuring out where you will be headed and the climate you will be in, here are a few things to think about. First, will you be able to get water when you get to where you’re headed or will you have to carry your water in with you? If you have to take your water in with you, how are you going to do it? Can you carry enough along with all your other gear? Yes, you can get horses or llamas to help carry the weight, but remember that they have to drink as well. If there are water sources available to you when you get in, here are a few things to think about to make sure the water is good enough for human consumption. Don’t just get you a few good handfuls and start drinking. We have all heard the horror stories about people getting sick in the mountains from drinking bad water.
· Boiling water – Boiling water is probably the most effective way to kill pathogens. Make sure if this is your plan of attack to bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute or three minutes if you are at high altitudes. I have done this plenty of times in my Jetboil setup.
· Filtration Systems – I have used a Platypus Gravityworks water filter system for years and had great luck with this setup. I really like it because it has no pumping involved. It comes with a dirty back that you dip in the water source and hang in a tree or anything elevated. It filters down through a filtration system and into a clean bag, which is then ready to drink. It’s fast, simple, and packs down small. However, there are many good filtration systems out there for you to look into and decide what fits you the best.
· Chemical Treatments – This is probably my least favorite out of the three since it doesn’t always get the globs out, but I have for sure used it when I had to. Drop iodine tablets or dioxide drops into the water to kill the bacteria and viruses, but know that most of these tablets or drops do leave a little aftertaste in the water.
The bottom line is to make sure you have a plan for staying hydrated and drinking good healthy, clean water. Now that you know where you are going and have a plan to stay hydrated during your adventure, you are set, but you shouldn’t just be preparing to stay hydrated during the hunt, proper hydration is something that starts before the hunt and after.
· Pre-Hydration – Before you even set foot on the trail, it’s essential to start your trip well-hydrated. Begin drinking plenty of water at least 24 hours before your trip. This practice ensures your body is well-prepared to handle the physical exertion you are about to endure.
· Post-Hydration – After your hunt, continue to hydrate to replenish lost fluids. Water and electrolyte drinks are good options. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can further dehydrate you.
By preparing adequately, choosing the right gear, and staying vigilant about your water intake, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting trip. Whether you’re hunting in the heat of summer or the chilly winter months, making hydration a priority will help you stay at the top of your game. Pack your water, plan your hydration strategy, and head into the woods with confidence, knowing you’re well- prepared to stay hydrated and healthy.