Staying Hydrated While Hunting

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated while hunting will help keep you awake, mentally sharp and physically ready for the rigorous challenges of hunting. Your body requires a constant supply of water for optimal function. Mild dehydration can sap your energy levels, make you sleepy and impair your mental judgment. All of these side effects of mild dehydration can lead to an injury or a missed shot while hunting. Proper hydration allows your body to stay cool in hot weather and stay warm in cold temperatures. Hydration is an important safety consideration for any hunter.

What to Eat When Hunting

Many hunters prefer to carry along a few snacks like nuts or trail mix while out in the wild. These may be great for energy, but the high sodium content is detrimental to proper hydration. Sodium or salt pulls water from your body, leaving your organs dehydrated even when you take in adequate amounts of fluids.  Choosing unsalted nuts and low sodium trail mix is best.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can add fluids to your diet as well. Celery, water chestnuts, watermelon, peaches, and cucumbers all have a high fluid content.

Finding Water in the Wild

Most hunters know that it is not safe to drink water found in the wild. Special water purification tablets, straining cups and straws, and pots for boiling away parasites and bacteria in ground water are all available if you prefer to get water from your hunting zone. Drinking contaminated water can be deadly, so never drink untreated water while hunting.

Packing In Your Water Supply

Packing large amounts of water to a hunting blind or tree stand is generally inconvenient. This often results in a hunter limiting fluid intake on long hunting trips to reduce the load and reduce the frequency of urination. This is not wise.

While traditional water jugs are not ideal for hiking and hunting excursions, nalgene water bottles, hydration backpacks and canteens are created especially for the outdoorsman.

Nalgene water bottles

Nalgene water bottles are impact resistant and durable enough for years of hard use. Storing water bottles upside down in a gear bag in cold weather ensures that the bottom of the bottle freezes first, allowing you to drink from the top without breaking through a layer of ice. 

Hydration Backpacks

Hydration systems are available that allow you to pack large amounts of water on your back in a specially designed backpack lined with a bladder. A sipping tube runs from the bladder to allow easy access to the liquid without removing the pack.

Canteens

Canteens are a traditional hunting companion. They often have a carrying strap that can be worn over the shoulder, tied to a belt or hung from a backpack for easy access.

Containers with glass linings are not wise for use in the hunting environment. If the lining breaks, you could be left without drinking water and be forced to cut your excursion short.

Sip on water throughout the day to gain an edge over your prey. Proper hydration can mean the difference between coming home empty handed and bagging that trophy game.