Hydration Systems

Your body is like an engine, and it requires fluids to keep it cool, lubricated, and performing well. Whether you're ripping down a backcountry slope, paddling Lake Muskoka, or ice climbing along the Bow Valley Parkway, you need water.

Drink before you feel thirsty. A feeling of thirst usually means you've waited too long and you're already dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include headaches and fatigue. Also, check that your urine is clear; if it's dark yellow, you may be dehydrated.

Cold Conditions

You're just as susceptible to dehydration in cold conditions. When it's cold, your metabolism speeds up to generate more heat – you may need up to five litres of water a day to keep your motor running. Watch carefully for signs of dehydration, as you may be less aware of your thirst. There are many ways to stay hydrated beyond pounding litre after litre of water. Soup, especially if it's low in salt, provides good hydration. Herbal teas are another great (and soothing) way to consume water, particularly on chilly mornings and cold days.

Nalgene® and Sport Bottles

Nalgene bottles, are made of inert, high-density polyethylene or Lexan® polycarbonate. Polyethylene is porous and picks up odours and tastes. Lexan is tougher, more impact-resistant at temperature extremes, and does not absorb smells or tastes.

MEC has decided to stop selling polycarbonate water bottles and food containers due to regulatory uncertainty surrounding BPA. Learn more

Sport or bike bottles are convenient and inexpensive. However, they can be leaky, tend to pick up odours and tastes, and are not heat- or cold-resistant. All water bottles are, of course, bulky, even when empty.

Features and Use

• Compatible with water filters and purification systems. If you're treating or filtering suspect water, use two water bottles and alternate them to ensure you always have one bottle of purified water that's ready to drink.
• Durable and heat-resistant, when it's extremely cold you can fill them with boiling water and use them in your sleeping bag as toasty hot-water bottles.
• Useful for storing liquids, medical supplies, matches, or food etc.
• Can be clipped to the outside of a pack or onto your climbing harness.
• Square bottles won't roll away if you drop them.

Hydration Packs

Water bottles can be bulky and heavy when you're really cranking, so many people opt for hydration packs. Sport-specific models have evolved to meet the needs of bikers, hikers, riders, and runners. Hydration packs are compact and easy to store and transport. They can, however, be a hassle to clean, may pick up odours and tastes, and can be punctured or develop leaks.

Features and Use

• They encourage proper hydration because you do not need to stop to drink. Your body absorbs water more quickly and efficiently when you sip small amounts frequently.
• Liquids tend to stay cooler.
• One large reservoir is the equivalent of several water bottles.
• For trips in extremely hot weather, fill the reservoir half-full and freeze it overnight before you head out. Water will stay cold through most of the next day. Don't fill it full; water expands as it freezes and can burst the reservoir.
• Winterize them by adding an insulated tube-cover to keep water trapped in the drinking tube from freezing. On very cold days, fill with hot or warm water to prevent freezing. However, in extreme cold (-20 degrees or colder), it's very challenging to keep drinks from freezing.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Regardless of how you transport your beverages, keeping the vessel clean is critical. We recommend that you only fill your bottle or hydration system with water. Other liquids (pop, juices, alcoholic beverages) will stain it and may leave a strong odour and taste, in addition to encouraging mould.

Basic Cleaning

1. Use hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
2. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or open, invert, and allow to air dry.
3. Be sure you clean the mouth piece, cap, lid, or any surface that comes in contact with the liquid.

Tough Cleaning Jobs and Disinfection

If warm soapy water just won't get the job done:

The Organic Way:

1. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to 3/4 cup of water and shake for 30 seconds.
2. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice, shake for 10 seconds, and vent by loosening cap away from face. Mixing lemon juice and baking soda creates effervescence. Release the pressure by opening the cap away from your face.
3. Repeat shaking and venting twice.
4. Expel as much air as possible, then cap bottle, and allow to soak for 20 minutes.
5. Rinse thrice with hot water, and let dry.

The Old-Fashioned Way

1. Add one ounce of unscented household bleach to a litre of clean water. Mix for 10 seconds.
2. Fill the reservoir and drinking tube with solution and leave overnight.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.