Portable Hydration Solutions For Active Summer Lifestyles

Most of us are well aware of the benefits of staying properly hydrated, particularly during the summer months when we lose more bodily fluids through perspiration. This seemingly simple healthcare task can be surprisingly difficult to achieve however, especially when we are on the go and making the most of the warmer weather. 

In the winter when we tend to spend more time indoors and are less prone to perspiration, hydration may not be so much of a challenge. However, in warmer weather, hot sweaty commutes or a brisk walk or cycle can soon leave us at risk of dehydration. This can lead to a dip in energy levels, poor concentration, dizzy spells, and headaches.

Water is required for almost every part of our bodies to function optimally, from our digestive systems, joint and muscle lubrication, temperature regulation, and cognitive ability. The importance of drinking enough water is hard to overstate, yet often we neglect this basic part of our daily routine when we need to stick to it the most.

One of main stumbling blocks to adequate hydration in summer is simply having a convenient method to hand that fits into our daily routine and lifestyle. Hydration tablets are a useful standby, but it’s still essential to ensure you have a water source that is easily accessible.  Here is a quick guide to some handy portable hydration methods. 

Reusable water bottles

For a convenient and environmentally friendly choice for on-the-go hydration, a reusable water bottle is a must-have solution. They can easily be stowed in a backpack, tote bag, or attached to a bicycle frame so they are always to hand when you need them. There’s a huge array of sizes, styles, materials and functionalities available to suit your needs. 

For example, a plastic reusable bottle is ideal if you want a lightweight option for light to moderate levels of activity, such as a short walk to work or stroll around the park. It’s also handy to take to the gym, or just to simply sit on your office desk to remind yourself to take regular sips of water, especially on hotter days.

However, in summer many of us may prefer to drink chilled water. In this case, look for an insulated water bottle that may be made of glass or stainless steel, and will keep water from the fridge chilled. If you don’t want to invest in a more expensive bottle, look for a plastic bottle with a wide neck that is easy to add ice cubes to.

Another option for keeping water chilled in an uninsulated bottle is to pop it in the freezer for a couple of hours before you go out, so that it gradually defreezes during the day and remains pleasantly cool for a few hours. However, take care not to let it freeze solid if you need fast access to your water!

For a really high-tech hydration option, you can even buy smart water bottles that contain automatic water filters and measure how much water you drink, with programmable reminders to ensure that you take in adequate amounts of fluid throughout the day. 

Hydration packs

For longer or more intense periods of activity, such as mountain hiking, cross country runs, or long distance cycle rides, a hydration pack may be the best solution. These are built to be worn as a backpack or waistpack and contain a ‘reservoir’ made of rubber or flexible plastic to store water. 

 

The reservoir is attached to a valved hose so the water can be accessed hands-free, without the need to unfasten the pack or unscrew a cap. The packs are usually intended to carry between three to ten litres of water depending on your needs and environmental conditions, and most are usually designed to be easily integrated with an existing backpack or daypack. 

 

Portable water filters

If you are travelling or unable to carry all the water you need with you, then you will need to ensure that you have access to a fresh source of clean and safe drinking water. It is possible to buy portable water filters that do not require plumbing or an electricity supply, making them ideal for camping and other outdoor activities.

The filters are capable of removing harmful bacteria and more advanced models are capable of filtering out water borne viruses, which is an important consideration if you are travelling to certain overseas destinations.