Re: Backpacking Water?
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Tue, 25 Mar 1997 11:36:34 -0700
It is well to carry a supply to "dehydrated water" in case of emergency
<g> (just kidding, but you can actually buy "cans" of dehydrated water;
Makes for an interesting conversation piece).
On the subject of dehydration and backpacking, water needs will vary from
individual to individual, but some standard indicators for dehydration
include monitoring the frequency of urination and the color of urine. If
a person is sufficiently hydrated, urination will occur relatively
frequently and will be nearly clear or only lightly amber- tinted. If
dehydration is present, urination will be infrequent and
the color of urine will be dark which
indicates that the kidneys are concentrating waste products and conserving
water.
Perspiration in low humidity environments may not be noticeable
due to the rapid evaporation which occurs. Additionally, substantial
water is lost through breathing. This is especially true in winter
activities where relative humidity is typically very low and dehydration
occurs very rapidly.
Thirst may not indicate dehydration until it becomes
substantial. You can be one or two quarts "low" on fluids and not
necessarily feel thirsty. So it is very important to educate Scouts that
they need to drink small amounts of water and/or electrolyte "sports
drinks" such as gatorade frequently. This way, the loss of fluids is
being balanced by equivalent replacement on a regular basis. Waiting
until the end of a trek and then drinking large amounts of fluid can cause
nausea and is not nearly as effective as frequent rehydrating when it
is most needed.
If you are using powdered sports drinks, dilute
them at half-normal strength with water since they have glucose or other
sugars which require water to metabolize. With heavy exertion or high
temperatures, it is not unusual to consume 10-20 ounces of water per hour
or sometimes more. Of course avoid highly sugared drinks or soda
except perhaps with meals for the same reason. The electrolyte drinks are
important because consuming large amounts of water without some
electrolyte replacement can result in muscle cramps and heat exhaustion.
Oral rehydration with electrolyte drinks is highly effective in preventing
or treating these problems.
Dehydration is somewhat insidious because when it is present, accompanying
symptoms and signs may include fatigue, chest pain, irritability, malaise,
dizziness and indigestion. Most folks who are dehydrated don't associate
their symptoms with the cause, and therefore don't take steps to reverse
it. They often just assume they are "tired" and that sleep will fix the
problem. Unfortunately if they go to bed dehydrated, they will wake up
just about as tired as when they went to bed, so it becomes a "vicious
circle. Additionally, there is a good chance they will experience muscle
cramps in the legs while sleeping, again due to dehydration and
electrolyte deficiency. So it is again very important to rehydrate before
going to sleep, even if it means waking up and "finding a bush at
'o-dark-thirty'."
Taking frequent mandatory water breaks
can often forestall the onset of dehydration and make for much "happier
campers" on a backpack trip. Most backpackers will take water filters
for purifying water found on their itinerary. It is difficult to carry
sufficient water along on such a trip to meet individual needs without
adding substantial weight to each pack. Sometimes you have to make sure
that you know where potable water can be found along your itinerary so you
don't run into a supply problem. In any case you should always have a
"reserve" supply in case of an emergency or unanticipated supply problem.
Distribute extra water bottles among the crew just for emergent
situations.
It is really important to educate the Scouts and Leaders on watching
themselves for signs of dehydration, and also checking each other
especially if someone starts getting grumpy, feeling tired, getting
cramps, etc. It is amazing how quickly consuming water and/or electrolyte
drinks will turn around these symptoms.
For those folks going to National Scout Jamboree, avoiding dehydration is
extremely important and should be continuously emphasized due to the high heat
and humidity of the locale. Each participant has been asked to carry two
water bottles in a day pack and to be sure to take frequent water breaks.
Hope this helps..
Bob Amick, EMT-B, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72,
Boulder, CO/ and Medical Technician, Subcamp 9, National Scout Jamboree
On Tue, 25 Mar 1997, Wayne Hill wrote:
> Hi all,
> I'd like to hear your opinions about how much water a person needs a day
> when backpacking. Even after what I would consider an exhausting day, some
> of the boys still have enough energy to run around. Does this mean they
> need to have more water? What's your experience with water needs and how
> much do you carry for emergencies..like a dried up spring?
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
