Hydration solutions provide an essential way of staying refreshed on any hiking, trekking or trail running adventure. Hydration packs and bottles offer great hydration solutions.

Oral rehydration solutions provide an effective treatment for diarrhea-related dehydration. Containing the right ratio of water and sugar, they replenish lost fluids and electrolytes that have been lost through diarrheal episodes.

Oral rehydration solutions should only be used correctly; otherwise they could lead to dangerous amounts of salt toxicity and should only be done so after consulting your physician first. Before making your choice, seek medical advice first before using one.

Water Bottles

When it comes to selecting the water bottle you need for outdoor adventure, many options exist. Bottles can be made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel and some even feature built-in filtration systems which enable direct drinking from natural water sources directly through their wide mouth or are even insulated to maintain temperature for hours on end.

Considerations when purchasing a water bottle include size, shape and material considerations. A bottle with the ideal proportions makes it portable and easy to carry around. Also keep in mind whether you intend on placing the container in the dishwasher; any linings may transfer flavors or smells; look out for containers labeled BPA free as this could affect how well they function.

Plastic and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles are resilient and shatter-resistant, yet these bottles often contain toxic chemicals like ethylene oxide and benzene that leak out during production, polluting air quality and waterways.

Water Filter Bottles

Most water bottles on the market focus solely on transporting your beverage; bottle filters go beyond this by offering the ability to drink directly from stream and river waters with their integrated filtering component, improving taste by filtering out silt and other contaminants while remaining BPA-free.

These heavy-duty options require more work, as they rely on sucking or squeezing to power their internal membranes. Some, like Grayl’s GeoPress, claim you can dispense 24 fluid ounces in 8 seconds and meet all agency standards for drinking water on international travel or backcountry camping trips.

Other models, like the LifeStraw Go Series, use carbon filters that remove chlorine and particulate matter from tap and reservoir water, microplastics, organic chemical matter, odor and cloudiness from tap water as well as microplastics, organic chemical matter odor and cloudiness from cloudiness. They meet US EPA drinking water standards while coming equipped with carabineers so you can attach them easily to your backpack.

Hiking Poles

Many hikers swear by trekking poles as a support system when traversing rugged terrain, relieving knee, hip and ankle pressure and helping maintain an even stride on uneven surfaces like snowy hillsides or crossing streams.

Poles come in many different shapes and sizes, but comfort should always be of primary concern when selecting one. Some models feature wrist straps to keep hands in their natural positions while others may feature cork or foam grips for improved control and support. Some even boast shock-absorbing rubber tips while others feature metal spikes to dig into uneven ground to provide stability on rocky or rooty terrain.

Shaft materials to consider when purchasing trekking poles include aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum provides a durable, affordable option and withstands heavy use while carbon fiber offers lightweight yet sturdy support. Pole length also plays a pivotal role; shortening poles when climbing uphill helps maintain balance while longer ones provide added support when descending, helping avoid eccentric muscle contractions that could leave your legs sore.

Hydration Backpacks

Hydration backpacks are specifically designed to transport water more comfortably than traditional backpacks with water bottles, typically featuring built-in water filters, an insulated hose and reservoir as well as extra pockets and compartments for gear storage.

These packs can range in size from less than five liters – ideal for running and ultralight hiking – up to backpacking packs that hold everything necessary for an entire festival weekend, such as sleeping bag, tent, warm layers and snacks. Before making your selection, be sure to thoroughly review its gear capacity so it can accommodate your desired setup.

Other key considerations when purchasing a hydration pack include its ease of drinking, filling and cleaning capabilities as well as its comfort and storage capacities. A great pack will feature an intuitive bite valve equipped with an anti-spill feature to prevent accidental water spillage; portals to position tube over either shoulder for comfortable positioning; as well as clips that secure its place.