A Hydration Bladder is a type of hydration system that is made of plastic. The bladder stores in a backpack and the hose comes out of the packs access points near the shoulders to provide hands free water sipping. Hydration bladders range in sizes from 1-3 liters.
While hiking, it is recommended to take at least 2-3 liters of water. Dehydration can be a serious issue. Even on short day hikes.
Simple Tricks to Stay Hydrated While Hiking
1. Carrying Water For Hydration
The obvious reason a hydration bladder is designed for is to easily carry water with quick access. You have a bladder bag that holds the water and a hose that connects to the front backpack strap. This is an easy hands free option to get water quickly.
2. A Sink Faucet
Not that this is a huge issue for most backpackers, but it could come in handy. Most hoses on the bladder are removable. If yours does, and does not have an auto shut off valve you can simply remove the hose when you are ready for some flowing water. Hang the bladder from a tree limb and you can wash your hands with some flowing water.
3. Shower
If you have walked the aisles of any outdoor store you have most likely seen they have showers and promote shower like products. For a backpacker this is not practical. However, just like the sink hack above you can make your own shower with the same concept. Hang the bladder high on a tree limb, and when you are ready for some water take the hose off and you have a bladder full of shower water. It’s not much and will only be a few liters of water, but it can give you a mental reset of getting a shower. You could take it a step further and warm up some water with a fire or your Jetboil. Just make sure its not boiling.
4. Eye Flush
If you are on the trail and something gets in your eye weather it be a bug, mud/dirt, or any type of grit. You can simply take the same approach as the faucet and shower method and have a constant stream to flush your eyes. Please make sure the water is filtered and purified. The last thing you want to do is fill your eyes with bacteria contaminated water.
5. Pillow
A pillow? That’s Right. You can blow air into the hose to fill an empty bag up to use as a make shift pillow. I would not recommend dumping your water for a pillow, but if you have a clear water source and are not in need use your empty bladder. You have the option to turn your bladder to a pillow for the night and filter water into the bladder the next morning.
Hope you enjoyed. Take these simple tips and apply them to your next backpacking or camping trip.
