May 11th 2012, 5:42:29
Originally posted by Deerhunter:
The most important thing for you to remember is that whatever amount of water you THINK you need- double that and you got the right amount to take. There are many ways you can save weight but shorting on water should not be one. You never know what can happen and makine one mistake could be your last.
If i am going out for half a day i take 2 liters. I also carry a little pack of drink mix (something with electrolytes)in case i get dehydrated. One lastly important thing to remember, drinking water is not enough- you must eat something, even something small, at least every two hours while hiking to keep your body in check. Otherwise, you will not be able to hold your water. A snicker and a pack of crackers or trail mix is always a good bet. Stay away from beef jerky. Its not good for hiking. You do not need protein you need carbs and sugar.
Lastly, do not overlook the importance of carrying enough water. Trust me, i have not had enough before and been so thirsty, puking, dehydrated, ext. Do not take a chance. Bring 2x what you think is the most you'll need. On a personal note- i never wear anything hanging on my neck when i am in the woods. There are plenty of good lightweight back packs and wearing them you will hardly notice the weight of a extra ltr or two of water.
If i am going out for half a day i take 2 liters. I also carry a little pack of drink mix (something with electrolytes)in case i get dehydrated. One lastly important thing to remember, drinking water is not enough- you must eat something, even something small, at least every two hours while hiking to keep your body in check. Otherwise, you will not be able to hold your water. A snicker and a pack of crackers or trail mix is always a good bet. Stay away from beef jerky. Its not good for hiking. You do not need protein you need carbs and sugar.
Lastly, do not overlook the importance of carrying enough water. Trust me, i have not had enough before and been so thirsty, puking, dehydrated, ext. Do not take a chance. Bring 2x what you think is the most you'll need. On a personal note- i never wear anything hanging on my neck when i am in the woods. There are plenty of good lightweight back packs and wearing them you will hardly notice the weight of a extra ltr or two of water.
It sounds like I have been traveling pretty barebones on water.
As I have been carrying 1 liter with me on 2-4 hour trips. My pack I leave at camp or car, I keep 3l of water. In the car assuming we have planned it we keep 20 gallons or if it was unplanned usually still have 10gallons.
Like the Gatorade drink packets for electrolytes? I actually haven't been doing this but it sounds like I should be carrying something. For food we always have trail mix, and yeah already knew about not doing jerky also it's salty so just dehydrates you further.
Anyways this stuff is all pretty useful.
Originally posted by Deerhunter:
On a side note: Always have a belt or length of rope (can be used for a tourniquet or to fix things, pocket knife, compass/whistle, and it helps to carry a map or really know where your going beforehand (look at satellite image of the area) and leave a not in your car with a map of where you PLAN on going to in case of an emergency. And of course fire starter stuff/ water tablets.
I know its extra to carry but once you go without you'll find a few extra pounds is always worth a life.
I know its extra to carry but once you go without you'll find a few extra pounds is always worth a life.
Yeah, I do these already. All of which are pretty important.
I also learned the hard way that handheld gps units and cellphones are no substitution for physical maps. Another map related note I learned the hard way was keep your map in a waterproof sleeve.