| In most sports we tend to think of hydration as | | | | as hiking were dehydration could be less obvious. |
| critical. If you are engaged in physical sports, you | | | | If you're planning a full days hike, make sure you |
| are sweating and its very obvious that you need | | | | take a enough fluids. They needn't be sports |
| to replace the fluids which you are losing. | | | | drinks. Water is generally the best hydrator |
| However, hiking or trekking are activities where | | | | although you do need to be mindful of the body's |
| the body actually losses a significant amount of | | | | requirement for electrolytesand salts should you |
| fluid, but over sometimes prolonged amounts of | | | | be out for a long time. |
| time. This means the hiker is often less aware | | | | There are many suppliers of hydration equipment |
| that they are starting to suffer the effects of | | | | but amongst the leading manufacturers are |
| dehydration. | | | | Camelbak and dakine. Camelbak supplier a range |
| Taking on board water or a sports drink is simple | | | | that cover a number of sports. Small, waist |
| enough, and there is no shortage of equipment to | | | | mounted running hydration packs through to |
| help. Hydration packs and water bottles are very | | | | larger back mounted packs. They also cover |
| available, but the key thing to bear in mind is not | | | | bladders which can be fitted into existing back |
| to wait until you feel thirsty before you start | | | | packs. Dakine have a specialty in back mounted |
| drinking. Especially when enjoying an activity such | | | | packs so well worth a look. |