The human body is made up of 60% of water, and a large quantity of water is lost due to sweating. The sweat rate of a person is proportional to their metabolism, and an individual can lose approximately 4 liters of water per hour or over 10 liters per day.

Today, we'll talk about the importance of regularly drinking water to replace the amount lost while sweating during a hike.

Water Is Necessary to Keep Body Temperature Regulated

Hiking is a strenuous activity, and our body temperature can often arise when we're spending days outdoors, especially during the summer when the sun is very hot. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps keep the body temperature regulated, so a person doesn't become overheated or dehydrated.

It's essential to drink at least three to four liters of water for each day of hiking. Following safe hydration practices is crucial for a hiker so they can maintain optimal functioning of their body and enjoy their adventure.

Work On Pre-Hydration Before the Hike

When people wake up from sleep, they always feel thirsty as the body has been deprived of water for around 6 to 8 hours. Hence, it's essential not to wait until you start sweating during your hike to drink your first glass of water.

Instead, you should drink plenty of water even before you leave the house for your hike. If you've chosen a trek that has a higher elevation, then your body will need extra amounts of water to perform smoothly.

Replace Electrolytes and Nutrients That Are Lost During Sweating

It's natural to start sweating during any physical activity or exercise, such as hiking. When a person sweats, their body loses essential electrolytes and nutrients, such as potassium, sodium, chloride, etc.

These nutrients are important for the body's normal functioning, so you need to ensure you replenish them throughout your hike by drinking loads of water. You can even consider drinking fluids that contain rich amounts of electrolytes, such as coconut water.

The most important rule of a hike is to always carry a water bottle with you. We have a range of the most comfortable backpacks that you can use to take your water with you when you’re hiking. Buy our ultralight packs here.