When the weather warms up and the days grow longer, you know that summer has arrived. For many, that means it is time to grab some fishing poles, dust off the tent bag, and get ready to go camping.
No matter if you prefer to go dry camping in an RV or van, or just grab a tent and really rough it out in the woods, summer is the ideal time to reconnect with nature and hit the reset button.
However, being out in the elements in the summer means that it is critical to ensure that you stay hydrated. While that might be easy when you are at home or the office, when you are at a campsite, proper hydration requires a bit of planning.
Here’s what you need to know to stay hydrated while camping in the summer.
Table of Contents
Plan Out Water Sources Beforehand
Before you leave for your trip, it is important to plan out where you will be getting your water and how much you will need. For instance, will you be stopping at the grocery store to pick up a couple of five-gallon jugs, filling up a few soft coolers or will you be relying on the water at the campground?
Additionally, it is wise to check out some maps of the area to spot any nearby lakes or rivers from which you can collect water to purify, if necessary.
Drink Before You Get Thirsty
When you are out camping, hiking, fishing and generally having fun, it can be easy to forget to hydrate. However, it is important to monitor your hydration habits while camping and to drink water often. The reason for this is that, according to Baylor College of Medicine, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to stay ahead of the curve and not allow yourself to become parched.
When it comes to how much water you should drink in a day, according to the Mayo Clinic, men should consume 15.5 cups of water and women should drink 11.5 cups. However, this is under normal conditions, which means that you will need more when camping.
Carry a Water Bottle
If you have a refillable water bottle close by, you are more likely to sip on it throughout the day than if you were to have to go and grab some water. Therefore, if you want to stay hydrated while camping, it is only prudent to carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go.
There are plenty of insulated water bottles available that will also help your water to stay cooler for longer, which is an added bonus to carrying a water bottle.
Hike with a Hydration Pack
Hiking is a common activity to partake in while out camping. If this is something that you and your group plan on doing, make sure that you take a hydration pack or water bladder with you to stay hydrated.
Hydration packs will hold a lot more water than a standard water bottle and can be easier to carry as well. Fortunately, there are a variety of great hydration packs on the market.
Get in Some Electrolytes
While staying hydrated with water is important, it can get a bit boring for some folks. If you are one of those people, then bring along some electrolyte powder to mix into your water bottle.
This is a great option as a tasty electrolyte-infused beverage will not only incentivize you to drink more often but it will also provide you with essential nutrients that are critical for remaining well-hydrated.
Eat the Right Foods
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Water and electrolyte powder aren’t the only ways for you to stay hydrated while camping in the summer. In fact, there are tons of water-rich foods that you and your group can snack on while hanging out under the summer sun. Some great options include:
- Watermelon
- Oranges
- Celery
- Coconut water
- Bell peppers
That said, this isn’t a replacement for drinking water.
Additionally, if you are going to have these kinds of snacks on hand (or any food available, for that matter), it is critical that you purchase a bear-resistant hard cooler to store your food safely.
If you don’t have one of these, you will need to ensure that your campsite has bear-proof containers for storing your food.
Staying Hydrated While Camping in the Heat
Camping in the summer is a fantastic activity for hitting the reset button and spending time with friends and family. However, given the increased temperatures, it is important to remain hydrated at all times, as dehydration can be dangerous.
Additionally, while it is critical to stay well-hydrated, you should also be versed in the signs of dehydration, just in case.
However, by following the tips outlined above, you should have no problem remaining properly hydrated during your warm-weather camping adventure.
