Fluids.

Drink up!

Staying hydrated out on trail is SO important. Staying hydrated doesn’t mean only drinking water, although you should be drinking lots of it. There are lots of choices both hot and cold out on trail. Below are a few ideas and I would love to hear any of yours.

Drink ideas.

  • Alcohol.

    I don’t drink or recommend alcohol out on bushwalks but quite a few of my friends love a nip or two. In fact, once I even walked with a guy who used to put diluted whiskey in his bladder! If you are going to take alcohol, keep it social guys and never drink enough that you might place yourself in danger in the bush.

  • Electrolyte Sachets

    I buy lots of different flavors and these make a nice treat on a hot summers day. Pop a sachet in icy cold water from a stream and enjoy. Taking an assortment of flavors also means they don’t get boring. Remember to stick to the limits recommended by the manufacturer.

  • My own protein shake.

    I am a little addicted to what I call a strawberry milkshake! I mix 1 Cup of Strawberry/chocolate NesQuick , 1/4 Cup Sustagen and 1/2 Cup Vanilla Protein Powder together and store the powder mixture in a glass jar. Simply transfer some to a zip lock bag to put in your pack. Out on trail I pop a few teaspoons into a cup with cold water and relish every drop!

  • Coffee.

    I am an out-and-out coffee addict. Instant, expresso whatever I am in! Well except Blend 43 cause that tastes pretty awful! I carry instant coffee and milk powder on trail but also a few coffee bags and single serve sachets.

  • Coke

    I have gradually broken this habit over the years but man does an icy cold coke taste good when you get to camp. I still occasionally sneak a mini can into my pack. I leave it in a tarn and then drink it up with glee on my return during hot summer multi day trips!

  • Iced tea.

    Another refreshing drink out on trail is an iced tea. Grab any of the huge choices of flavor at the supermarket. Pop a bag into your water bottle and enjoy sips of iced tea as you wander.

  • Lemon, lime and orange.

    I often slice up lemons and limes when in season and dehydrate the slices. I store them in a large bag in the freezer. I love a slice of lemon, lime or orange chucked in my water bottle. Just a hint of flavor that also makes me feel refreshed.

  • Soups.

    Soups are a great drink out on trail during cold winters. They are quick to prepare and nutritious. Whether you make and dehydrate your own, or buy packets of soup they are a drink that ticks all the right boxes.