The Importance of Staying Hydrated in the bush. Tips to wet your whistle!

When you're out in the wild, hydration is one of the most critical factors in survival. Water is essential for keeping your body functioning—fueling your muscles, maintaining body temperature, and aiding in mental clarity. Whether you’re out on a planned hike, practicing bushcraft, or suddenly find yourself in a survival situation, knowing how to stay hydrated could be the difference between life and death.

As the Bible reminds us in John 4:14 (KJV), *“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…”* While this verse speaks of spiritual fulfillment, it’s also a fitting reminder of how water sustains our physical bodies.

Here are some key tips to stay hydrated when in a survival situation:

Purification Methods

Finding water is just the first step—ensuring that it’s safe to drink is just as important. Here are some common purification methods to use in the field:

- **Boiling**: The most reliable method to kill bacteria and parasites is to boil the water for at least one minute. Make sure it reaches a rolling boil, especially if you are at higher altitudes where the boiling point is lower.

- **Water Filters**: Portable water filters, such as the **Grayl Geopress**, offer an excellent way to quickly purify water while on the move. This system filters out bacteria, protozoa, and even microplastics, making it a great option for bushcrafters and hikers alike. You can special order the Grayl Geopress directly from *The Prepared Man Outdoors*—it’s a must-have for any serious adventurer.

- **Purification Tablets**: These tablets are lightweight, easy to carry, and effective in neutralizing harmful contaminants. Just pop them into your container of water and allow a few minutes for them to work.

- **Solar Still**: In desert or arid conditions, a solar still might be your best option. This method involves digging a small hole, placing vegetation inside, covering it with plastic, and allowing condensation to collect in a container. Though slower, this technique can extract potable water from the environment.

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Here are some practical tips to stay hydrated in the wilderness:

- **Drink Regularly**: Thirst is a sign that you're already dehydrated. To prevent this, aim to sip small amounts of water throughout the day, rather than waiting until you’re parched.

- **Avoid Overexertion**: In hot weather, pace yourself and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Overexertion speeds up dehydration, which can be dangerous if you have limited access to water.

- **Carry a Hydration Kit**: Always pack more water than you think you'll need. Your hydration kit should include water bottles, a hydration bladder, and a portable water filter like the **Grayl Geopress** for purifying any water you might find along the way.

- **Eat Hydrating Foods**: Eating foods with high water content, such as fruits, vegetables, and certain nuts, can help keep your water levels in balance. If you’re foraging, focus on plants that are rich in water to supplement your hydration.

A Spiritual Connection

Just as water is essential for survival in the wilderness, so too is the word of God essential for spiritual survival. In Psalm 42:1 (KJV), we read: *“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”* In the same way a deer seeks water to stay alive, we must seek God for spiritual nourishment. Without it, we risk spiritual dehydration just as surely as we risk physical dehydration in the wild.

The connection between physical and spiritual hydration is clear: both are vital for survival, and both require intentional action. Just as you must find and purify water in the wilderness, you must also make time to seek God’s word and allow it to refresh your soul.