Your body depends on water for its very survival. Water makes up more than half of your body weight. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, lubricate joints and is essential for good health.

  You lose water each day when you go to the bathroom, sweat, and even when you breathe. You lose water even faster when the weather is really hot, when you exercise, or if you have a fever. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to rapid fluid loss. If you don’t replace the water you lose, you can become dehydrated.

Staying Hydrated

• Keep a bottle of water with you when hiking or just going for a long walk. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle and filling it from the tap rather than purchasing bottled water. Keep a couple in your hydration backpack.
  
• If plain water doesn’t interest you, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your water bottle.
• If you’re going to be under exertion such as backpacking, hiking or when forced to grab your disaster kit and evacuate your home during an emergency,  make sure you drink water often.
• Start and end your day with a glass of water.
• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. The sensation of thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water.
  
• Respond to your thirst right away with small amounts of water or sports drink, but don't allow your thirst to build to the point that you're forced to guzzle down a full bottle at one time. Taking a few sips about every 10 to 12 minutes will help you stay hydrated and avoid stomach upset.

• Little or no urine, or urine that is darker than usual
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Headache
• Confusion
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Hydration Backpacks