Wilderness Backpacking Survival - Hydration and Your Water Supply
A good friend of mine talked me into driving out West to do a backpacking trip into the heart of the Grand Canyon. It was the middle of June with temperatures already soaring above 100. This would be my first backpack excursion into a harsh environment under strenuous conditions. We consulted an outfitter and park rangers on survival under the conditions of the canyon. Due to careful planning, it turned out to one of the best experiences of my life, even with scorpions, rattle snakes and black widow spiders lurking in the shadows.
The day before our descent, a S.W.A.T. team member, in excellent condition had to be taken out of the canyon by life-flight due to dehydration. He did not heed the advice of drinking water even if you do not feel thirsty. You lose body fluids quickly due to perspiration and evaporation. By the time your thirst mechanism kicks in, you are on the way to being dehydrated, which will hinder your performance and can also lead to serious problems such as: electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, coma, shock, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and more. If dehydration is severe, it can easily lead to death.
We were told that at times water pipes into the canyon are shut down, and to prepare as if the water you carry is your only supply. We each carried enough water for our 3-day trip, and I packed iodine tablets, a backpacker stove, and waterproof matches. Looking back I should have also taken a backpacking water filtration device. We were also advised to hydrate before the hike and drink plenty of water along the way. The key was not to reach the point of thirst.
It is absolutely critical to keep ahead of dehydration in a wilderness environment, especially under hot arid conditions. Know the "Rule of Three"-you can live 3 minutes without air, 3 weeks without food, and only live 3 days without water. Calculate how much water you will need to carry with you for the duration of your trip. Check to see if there are sources like streams, lakes, or springs near the trail that could provide water for purifying or filtering.
In a pinch, you could also look for food sources that have high water content, such as berries, cacti, and other plants. First, make sure they are not poisonous. It is a good idea not to ingest anything with caffeine in it or alcoholic beverages both of which are diuretics and can contribute to dehydration, i.e. this would defeat the purpose of staying hydrated.
A good friend of mine talked me into driving out West to do a backpacking trip into the heart of the Grand Canyon. It was the middle of June with temperatures already soaring above 100. This would be my first backpack excursion into a harsh environment under strenuous conditions. We consulted an outfitter and park rangers on survival under the conditions of the canyon. Due to careful planning, it turned out to one of the best experiences of my life, even with scorpions, rattle snakes and black widow spiders lurking in the shadows.
The day before our descent, a S.W.A.T. team member, in excellent condition had to be taken out of the canyon by life-flight due to dehydration. He did not heed the advice of drinking water even if you do not feel thirsty. You lose body fluids quickly due to perspiration and evaporation. By the time your thirst mechanism kicks in, you are on the way to being dehydrated, which will hinder your performance and can also lead to serious problems such as: electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, coma, shock, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and more. If dehydration is severe, it can easily lead to death.
We were told that at times water pipes into the canyon are shut down, and to prepare as if the water you carry is your only supply. We each carried enough water for our 3-day trip, and I packed iodine tablets, a backpacker stove, and waterproof matches. Looking back I should have also taken a backpacking water filtration device. We were also advised to hydrate before the hike and drink plenty of water along the way. The key was not to reach the point of thirst.
It is absolutely critical to keep ahead of dehydration in a wilderness environment, especially under hot arid conditions. Know the "Rule of Three"-you can live 3 minutes without air, 3 weeks without food, and only live 3 days without water. Calculate how much water you will need to carry with you for the duration of your trip. Check to see if there are sources like streams, lakes, or springs near the trail that could provide water for purifying or filtering.
In a pinch, you could also look for food sources that have high water content, such as berries, cacti, and other plants. First, make sure they are not poisonous. It is a good idea not to ingest anything with caffeine in it or alcoholic beverages both of which are diuretics and can contribute to dehydration, i.e. this would defeat the purpose of staying hydrated.
- Consider the environment you will be in.
- Bring enough drinking water with you to hydrate yourself before you start out, enough for your hike, and some in your vehicle or base camp for your return.
- Find out if there are sources along your journey that you can purify if needed.
- Drink as you hike. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
- Filter and or purify all back country sources of water.
- Get advice and knowledge from experts in wilderness training and the manufactures of water purification devices.
To get more knowledge on survival information, supplies, plans,
kits, tips and more visit: [http://www.survivalnowonline.com], and on
water purification and filtration visit:
[http://www.survivalnowonline.com/page/waterpurification]
Gail Maimone invites you to her website to learn more on survival.
Gail Maimone invites you to her website to learn more on survival.
