[pct-l] Water Consumption - desert

[Edward Anderson]

Over  the years I have noticed that, given the same amount of physical 
activity, some people sweat more than others - and some sweat a lot more. I have 
never been a big sweater. This is also true of horses. Primo, the Arabian that I 
rode on the PCT rarely broke a sweat - not even on long climbs.

Arabians are desert animals, perhaps they have evolved to cool with less water. 
Of course during an endurance race (Primo has won several) he sweats a lot to 
cool.  And I administer electrolytes, during the vet checks, to replace the lost 
salts. This is true of hikers too. If you sweat a lot be sure to replace the 
salt as well as the water. And also realize that the amount of water that you 
need to carry will vary from individual to individual. If in doubt and are new 
to long distance hiking, err on the side of caution and bring more.

MendoRider



________________________________
From: "dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com" <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com>
To: Pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Sat, April 2, 2011 8:51:22 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Water Consumption - desert

I live in the desert but have never really measured how much water I drink,
I always just have lots of it and try to not get thirsty and camp at water.




Today's test:



85 degrees at start and 90 degrees at finish.

Mixed terrain, good trail, moderate to easy elevation changes.

35 lb pack at start less water weight at finish

47 years old

Well hydrated at start

3 hours hiking

15 minutes resting

8.5 miles hiked

2.83 mph

Water consumed 71 oz.

8.35 oz per mile

21.8 oz per hour

2/3 of this was water and 1/3 was diluted Gatorade. 



I had no problems related to hydration. I was intentionally pushing the
fluid as usual and was never really thirsty.



The next number would be water consumed in camp to get a 24 hour
hiking/resting/camping total. 



I would like to end up with a number for 24 hours, 15 miles, 90 degrees.  My
guess is 2 gallons.



15 mi x 8.35 per mile = 125 oz

Camp = 32 oz

Dinner = 32 oz

Night - 16 oz

Breakfast/Pre hike hydration 32 oz

Total 237oz = 7.4 quarts

Est = 8 quarts or 2 gallons.



I don't know if anyone else has any good data but I would be interested if
you do.  Of course this can vary by individual and many other things. 



Ps. It was 66 degrees and overcast at mile 26 of the PCT at 9:00 a.m today





















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