Been dehydrated twice.

The first time was as a Junior Ranger in the Cochrane Ontario area.  Thumbs down for the camp co-ordinators for not ensuring everyone had water.  I did get off work duty for that day!

The second time was 100% my own damn fault.  I did a big lake crossing without any water.  4 hours on a summer day without a drop.  Then I started the 1.3km portage.  About halfway through I decided to take a nap.  Then I realised what the problem was.  Hucked my pack into the abs canoe and dragged it to the end of the port where I gulped down a lot of questionable water.  Then I made for the nearest campsite, led there by minnows jumping at the bow of my canoe singing "This Way, This Way".  Halucinations not uncommon from dehydration.

Since then I'm very aware of my water-in-urine-out.  Low or brightly coloured output means I chug a L & plan to finish another L over the next little while.

I pack electrolytes, but save them for when needed.  Long hot days while I'm working/sweating.  Not for every day.  I much prefer to maintain via diet than supplements.  Salt is so easy to get in practically everything we eat.  Typicaly a tube of this lasts 2 years for me.    (You need to Login or Register