Drinking While Hiking

Hikers have the advantage over other sports that they are not usually hiking against the clock and therefore trying to drink without stopping. That said, of course, there are plenty of walking and trekking events that are against the clock.

Essentially you probably have two options; water bottles or hydration systems. The bottle is the traditional method, and many hobby walkers will simply fill an old juice bottle and use that. However, as you would expect there are an array purpose made hiking water bottles on the market.

The other method is a hydration backpack or bladder. Ideal if you don’t want to stop frequently. The other advantage is that you are likely to be better hydrated with a hydration backpack simply because it’s so easy to take regular sips. With the tube clipped to your shoulder of front, there is none of the hassle of tacking off your back pack to retrieve your water bottle etc.

Water to put in it is a matter of choice. How far your going and your likely lose of fluids. You may decide for example to fill your hydration pack with water as a main and constant source of fluids, but take a couple of bottles of sports drinks to ensure you don’t start to feel the effects of electrolyte loss. The energy delivered through a sports drink might also be beneficial.