Info on hydration back packs

What �s the purpose of a hydration backpack?

Hydration back packs are a great boon to sportspersons engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

These portable hydration kits are designed for avoiding dehydration when engaging in activities that require your hands to be free, like cycling or mountain climbing.

Briefly, they are single or multi-purpose backpacks with a container for potable drink that has a specially designed straw. You place free end to mouth and sip - �look ma, no hands.�

Do you need a hydration backpack?

Depends. If you are exercising or engaging in some vigorous activity outdoors and have easy access to a water bottle that is large enough for your needs, then a backpack hydration is not absolutely necessary.

If you are engaged in activity where having your hands free is a must - cycling, motor cross, mountain climbing - and you will be engaged for several hours, then hydration back packs are a must.

If you are engaged in activity that doesn�t absolutely require having your hands free, like hiking, but plan on being engaged for many hours, then a hydration backpack would be very helpful & highly recommended.

Here�s why.

Intense exercisers don�t consume enough fluids. Despite encouragement to drink enough water, most people simply do not do so. When exercising for long periods of time, especially in warm weather, you will lose more fluids than you can possibly take in and absorb.

You will be dehydrated by the end of the activity. It�s just a question of, how much.

However, research shows that convenient hydration back packs encourage drinking. No matter how well intentioned you might be, it�s unlikely that you will sip from your water bottle or water fountains enough to minimize dehydration.

Yes, that includes you.

Remember, that when exercising for long periods of time, especially in warm weather, you need about a quart of water per hour. A very difficult target to reach if you don�t have a convenient hydration backpack kit.

As a sportsperson and for your own safety, consider hydration packs and ease any possible concerns you might have. Oh and remember to drink lots of water days before activity and at least a quart 1 hour before.

Also, if exercising for a long time, be sure you consume something other than water or you could suffer from water intoxication which can be deadly. Eating some trail mix or filling up your kit with a diluted electrolyte drink would be advisable.

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Pages on their specific hydration backpacks will be posted soon.

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