Hydration Packs

Camelbak M.U.L.E.
100 oz. Hydration Pack

So first, decide what you want to use your pack for - there are *general use* hydration packs, and then there are those specifically made for biking, backpacking or snowboarding.

If you're like me, and want to use your hydration pack for everything (hiking, biking, snowboarding, festivals and concert events), then a medium-sized pack might work best. This way, you can conveniently carry food, wallet, camera, bike tools, cell phone, sunscreen, chapstick etc (along with your water) without hauling around a huge bag - And the pack is small enough to comfortably wear under or over a snowboard jacket if you just want to use it for your water source.

It's important to try on different hydration packs to really know which one is the most comfortable on you. If you're interested in storage, check out the packets - some packs have one big pocket, and others have lots of little pockets - again, what will you be using the pockets for?

The water bag is important too. It's best to get one that doesn't leak, simply because you don't want it to leak. Keep this in mind when you're looking at those super cool *cheap* hydration packs - you may get what you pay for.

Click here >> Choose from over 75 Hydration Packs

How to Get Better Exercise Results by Improving Hydration

2 or 3 glasses of water for every hour (or part of an hour) of exercise is not too much. This is an area where you must take precautions, especially if you are older, or not used to vigorous exercise. If the weather is exceptionally hot, try to exercise during the early morning, or later afternoon, when the temperatures will be cooler, and when the sun will be less intense.

But the main thing you must do is make sure you are taking in an adequate amount of water, and take steps to keep from having too much water go out. Remember, you will be losing a lot of fluid not only through perspiration, but also through hard breathing while exercising.

Having water with you is an easy habit to get into. A friend who lives in Arizona says he can always tell the natives in a crowd at a museum or sports event. The natives -- knowing how easy it is for the body to lose water in the heat and dry air -- are the ones with water bottles.

And don’t get fooled into thinking that you have to buy a water bottle every time you want to use one. We re-use our water bottles, washing them after every use, re-filling them with tap water, and putting them in a special place in the refrigerator. That way, the bottle is ready for use next time we need it.

But road trips aren’t the only time water bottles are a good idea. Carry one along when you’re hiking, playing sports, biking (any biking shop will have excellent carriers for your bike) or just on your daily commute.

Internal water is not the only thing to remember when exercising. If you aren’t used to exercising, or if you are getting older, or if you have some health compromises, consider using water to be the area where you exercise -- in a pool! Not only is the water easier on joints and muscles, it’s also the perfect spot to work out in very hot weather because while your body will get hot, the water will serve to temper that internal temperature rise.

Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is http://www.NetworkForNurses.com and his health blog is at http://www.shababa.blogspot.com