Why Dehydration is Dangerous
A lack of water causes blood to thicken, impairing the supply of oxygen to organs and muscles. The first signs of dehydration are intense thirst, weakness, nausea, and dizziness. Urine becomes dark and concentrated, and skin loses its elasticity. Ignoring these symptoms leads to loss of concentration, impaired thinking, and, in critical cases, death. The golden rule: drink proactively, before you feel intense thirst.
Распространенное заблуждение — думать, что в холод пить не нужно. На морозе организм теряет много влаги через учащенное мочеиспускание A common misconception is that you don't need to drink in cold weather. In fact, in the cold, the body loses significant moisture through increased urination (a mechanism to conserve energy otherwise used to heat the fluid). Therefore, monitoring your hydration level is essential in any weather
How and What to Drink
The key is to take small, regular sips of water. Avoid sugary sodas and "energy" drinks: the sugar they contain increases thirst and offers no benefits. The best choices are pure water or trusted beverages like tea.
Finding Water in the Wild
If there are no obvious sources nearby (streams, rivers, lakes), water can be obtained through condensation.
* Above-Ground Solar Still. Place green foliage from a non-toxic plant into a clear plastic bag, tie it tightly, and leave it in the sun. Through evaporation, moisture will condense on the bag's walls. Set up several such devices to collect a meaningful amount.
* Underground Solar Still. Dig a hole about 60 cm deep and place a collection container at the bottom. Cover the hole with plastic sheeting, seal the edges tightly with soil or stones, and place a small weight in the center so the sheet sags over the container. Moisture evaporating from the soil will condense on the plastic and drip into the container. To increase output, you can line the hole with fresh vegetation.
Purification and Filtration: A Mandatory Step
Any water from a natural source, no matter how clear, can harbor dangerous microorganisms that cause cholera, typhoid, or dysentery. Therefore, water must always be purified.
* Boiling. The most reliable method. At sea level, one minute of a rolling boil is sufficient; add one minute for every additional 300 meters of altitude.
* Purification Tablets (chlorine or iodine). A compact and effective solution. Use neutralizing tablets to eliminate the chemical aftertaste.
* Filtration. If water is murky, it must be filtered before purification. A simple filter can be made from fabric (e.g., a trouser leg or sock) filled with layers: charcoal from a campfire (to remove odors), sand, then small and large stones. Filtered water must still be boiled or treated with tablets.
Important: All methods described are for freshwater only. Store purified water in dark or opaque, sealed containers.
Carrying Water: Bottle vs. Hydration Bladder
* Bottle. Versatile, but has a drawback: it often encourages drinking large amounts infrequently. This leads to rapidly depleting your supply and creates a false sense of hydration. When using a bottle, be disciplined: take small, regular sips.
* Hydration Bladder. Allows for frequent, small sips without stopping or unpacking gear. This maintains a consistent hydration level. The main downside is that the system requires regular cleaning with special solutions (e.g., Milton fluid) to prevent bacterial growth in the tube and reservoir.
Proper hydration is the foundation of safety and comfort on any hike. Listen to your body's signals, plan your water sources in advance, and always purify your water. Happy trails!
Next guide: "Iron" Rations: What to Take on a Hike for an Emergency Previous guide: How to Choose the Right Food for a Hike You can view the full list here: Survival Guides for the Mountains
