Healthy Hydration Hack

Recently, I completed a series of three articles for The Tremblant Express in Quebec. These have since been packaged up into a guidebook of sorts available on Amazon. One subject within is of greatest importance, hydration. Often, I am asked what I take and how much on an outing. Consider this answer for a whole day hike and maybe, even longer.

History and experience have taught me to pack two insulated one-liter bottles. The kind that can keep liquid really hot or really cold. For me, it is for hot, that is, boiling hot water. Here is big advice, stop taking cold water and packing over-rated energy drinks. Hot water is best all four seasons for superlative hydration. Russians and Ukrainians have long known this fact. 

You are not going to chug boiling water. You are going to sip it over the length of the hike. It is amazing how, no matter the length of my hikes, that the hot water holds out. Hot tea works too. I have a few tea bags kicking around my pack for the option of adding later.

On a side note, I am reading a ton of old adventure guides and fiction concerning the great outdoors. There will be a post on that at some point. In the meantime, check out this quote from George Washington Sears. He wrote for Forest and Stream in the 1880s. He popularized what today is called ultralight camping and backpacking. Sears said, “I have often tried coffee, whisky or brandy, and long experience convinces me that there is nothing so restful and refreshing as green tea.” Early hikers steeped young hemlock needles for a satisfying brew (we have a post on that!).

Here is a second bit of big advice. One day last fall, I hiked 24 kilometers. Over 7 hours, I enjoyed hot chicken broth that both hydrated and provided energy. Here is my theory, one liter of hot water and one of broth could suffice for days, if necessary. I always feel more secure with those two liters on board. 

On a hike this winter, I was all proud of the turkey broth I made and carried along. For the first kilometer, I was amazed at how much the broth's pleasing smell accompanied me. The reason for this was discovered when I felt the broth warming one leg. A big thermos I had not used in awhile was leaking. Given this area is known for wolves, I was teasing them with "Jeff Soup". I ended up holding the thermos for a time before gulping down at a logical rest stop.

The old guides mentioned are a treasure trove of fun stuff. Consider this, early adventurers put a stone under the tongue, to keep the mouth moist, but that works only short-term. Instead, have those two liters close by.