How to carry water with you? This issue dates back to prehistory when one of our ancestors first had to travel from point A to point B; the idea of carrying water with oneself was born in response to a vital human need: thirst. The concept is simple, but its execution must have faced some setbacks. Jugs, amphoras, bottles, canteens... since the beginning of our era, the container holding our survival has constantly evolved, even in our time with the advent of the water bladder just 30 years ago.
There are millions, even billions of different containers today, but not all are equal, and only a few will meet the demands of a military operation. In this practical guide, we will review the different hydration systems available on the market, their advantages and disadvantages, and provide some tips to help you make the best possible choice for your missions.
A Little Science Reminder
The adult human body contains about 60% water, and a simple walk in the forest is enough to lower this percentage and make you feel thirsty. Know that a loss of 1% of your body weight in water leads to a 10% decrease in your physical abilities. So imagine when you exert significant effort over a more or less long period? Here are some tips for staying well-hydrated.
How much water should you drink?
Generally, it is recommended to drink about half a liter of water per hour of moderate activity at moderate temperatures. But this remains an estimate; the amount of water you need actually depends on several factors: your body type, your sweat rate, the intensity level of your activity, its duration, the weather, the altitude, and your age. In short, it depends on your physical capabilities and the demands of your missions.
Some tips for staying well-hydrated
To avoid a "drop in performance" in the middle of a mission, it is important to hydrate before, during, and after exertion. So always keep your hydration system within reach, whatever it may be, and drink small sips regularly rather than large gulps spaced far apart.
"Remember to replace your electrolytes." What does that mean?
This phrase is often heard in sports; it is the informal way of referring to the minerals present in the blood (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.); they play an essential role in maintaining our hydration level and metabolism. And you guessed it, the more you sweat, the more your electrolyte levels drop. Some athletes add an electrolyte supplement in powder form to their canteen, which dissolves upon contact with water, while others prefer tablets before exertion, etc. Without going to these extremes, keep in mind that an effort of one or two hours does not significantly change your blood electrolyte levels, and if it turns out to be the case, remember that your combat rations have been specially designed to compensate for this kind of deficiency. Finally, if you really want to play it safe, opt for an energy bar; it will be better and much more motivating than a pill or powder.
Special cases
Drink more at high altitudes. The higher you are in altitude, the less you will feel like drinking, yet your body will expend more energy. Same in cold weather, you won't feel like taking a sip of cold water at -10°C, but it is just as important to stay well-hydrated, so force yourself to drink regularly.
What are the signs of dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids (sweat, urine) exceeds the amount of water absorbed.
Early signs of dehydration:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Decreased energy
More severe symptoms of dehydration:
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of balance
- Dark urine
If you feel thirsty, it means that dehydration has already started; there is only one remedy: drink! Therefore, it is important to hydrate regularly even if you do not feel the urge to drink.
Beware of the overhydration trap
It is important to stay well-hydrated, but beware of overhydration (also called hyponatremia), which is just as dangerous as dehydration. The symptoms of hyponatremia are similar to those of dehydration (fatigue, headaches, nausea, etc.), which is why some athletes make the mistake of drinking more, leading to dramatic consequences.
The key to preventing overhydration is simple: monitor the amount of water you drink. Try not to drink more than you sweat. Weight gain during exertion is a revealing sign that you are drinking too much, for example.
Hydration Systems
In the military field, two hydration systems exist: the canteen and the hydration reservoir.
Canteens
Bottles or canteens, there are thousands of them; here is a list of the most well-known in the military field.
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US-type canteen: |
Stainless steel canteen: |
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Soft canteen: |
Insulated bottle: |
Water Bladders
The water bladder was created in 1989 by Michael Eidson, the founder of Camelbak. As he was about to participate in a bike race of over 160 km, he had the idea of filling an intravenous bag with water, which he then slipped into a sock and attached to his back, using a clothespin to "stick" the hydration tube to his shoulder. This was the first hands-free hydration kit.
Today, the water bladder has evolved significantly and has become widely used in both civilian and military fields.
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Hydration reservoir: . |
Water bladder: |
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Hydration pack: |
MOLLE-compatible water bladder: |
How to Maintain Your Hydration System?
Most plastic canteens are made of polyethylene (semi-opaque canteens), polypropylene (opaque canteens), or copolyester (transparent canteens). As for reservoirs, they are most often made of polyethylene. Over time, canteens and hydration reservoirs may develop unwanted odors and/or tastes, even with odor-resistant treatment. This usually happens when they are poorly stored or maintained.
The best way to keep a canteen or hydration reservoir in good condition is to rinse it after each use and let it air dry. Most odor and taste problems occur when these hydration systems are stored in damp areas or kept sealed for long periods with some liquid left inside.
If despite your care, your canteen or water bladder develops a strange odor or taste, try these maintenance tips:
For your canteen
- Add a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of baking soda to your canteen and fill it with water.
- Let it sit overnight.
- The next day, rinse it thoroughly or put it in the dishwasher.
- Then let your canteen air dry.
Tip: some tastes and odors can be eliminated simply by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
For your hydration reservoir
For a simple weekly cleaning:
- Add soapy water to your reservoir and scrub the edges with a brush.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Let it air dry.
For a more thorough cleaning, you will need to use cleaning tablets designed for this purpose. The easiest way is to get a cleaning kit specifically designed for hydration reservoirs, which usually includes cleaning tablets, a brush, and a special dryer.
In Conclusion
Which is better, a canteen or a hydration reservoir? Neither, because they are not comparable. Each of these hydration systems will be effective depending on the type of mission encountered. The hydration reservoir will be much more advantageous than the canteen if you have to go on a mission with a backpack, as you can drink while moving. Conversely, if your mission does not require a backpack and is of short duration, the canteen will seem more appropriate.