Here are some of our nuggets of experience mixed in with some important and commonly known tips for staying hydrated while on your backcountry adventure:

• Begin your trip fully hydrated. Start hydrating before your scheduled departure. Even days before!
• Avoid diruretics – reasonable amount of coffee, tea and caffeine drinks are okay.
• On warm days, keep your body covered from direct sunlight.
• Don’t over-dress on cold days – you will sweat more.
• Take small frequent sips of liquids throughout your day. Drinking a liter of water when you wake up is not going to keep you hydrated all day. Your body can only absorb so much liquid at a time.
• Drink liquids with meals.
• Avoid alcohol – although a small sip of scotch is often required kit for any trip.
• Remember, at higher elevations your body needs more liquids
• Electrolytes are an important part of keeping hydrated. You need salt.
• Drink before you are thirsty.
• Pace yourself if possible to avoid over-heating. Long steady pace is what wins it for the Hare!
• Don’t over-hydrate. Too much water can potentially lower your appetite, plus you will be up all night heading to the biffy.
• Drink fluids at the end of your activity. This is essential to maintain your hydration-level for the next day.
• Consider using a water filter or some other purification process if you are relying on rivers, streams or lakes to refill your water bottle. Even glacial fed streams can contain bowel-disrupting bacteria. Diarrhea is the ultimate dehydrator.

Planning for proper  hydration in the backcountry is critical for physical performance, and it is essential for your overall experience and success!