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Hiking and camping are two of the Carolinas’ most popular outdoor activities, thanks to the area’s many hiking trails, scenic mountains, and beautiful, well-maintained campsites. These activities are great ways to experience nature up close and personal, but it’s important to be prepared, which includes staying hydrated. 

Before You Go

Hiking up and down the mountains is bound to make you sweat, which causes you to lose important minerals called electrolytes. These minerals are vital to your hydration, so to stay safe, always pre-hydrate before taking a trip through the wilderness. Pack electrolyte gummies or powder to mix into water, rather than sports drinks, to save space and energy on your adventure.  

For shorter trips, pack enough water for the entirety of the trip and plan your route ahead of time. Because a 16 oz bottle of water weighs just over a pound, consider lighter, space-saving ways to collect water while on the trail if you need to carry a lot.

On the Trail

On longer trips, it’s not practical to carry an entire trip’s worth of water with you. Instead, use natural sources of water such as creeks, lakes, and streams, but never drink from these sources without treating the water first. They can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and other harmful substances. 

Choose where you collect your water wisely. Avoid collecting water downstream of possible contaminants such as other hikers and campsites, chemical plants, or livestock. Flowing water is safer than still water with its higher oxygen content and ability to flush away microorganisms. Collect your water from the surface and from the clearest spot where there is the least amount of dirt or sand to clog your filter. 

Portable water treatment options include straw filters, reservoir kits, chemical purification such as chlorine dioxide, and UV light. Always carry more than one water treatment option with you on your adventures. Because all treatment options have their limitations, do your research on which treatment option best suits your needs. If you don’t happen to have any of these treatment tools, boiling water in a pot will kill most contaminants, but it will not rid the water of chemical contaminants nor improve the taste. 

It’s also important to practice good hygiene while on the trail. When treating water, always wash your hands throughout the process so you don’t contaminate your freshly treated water. 

Hiking, backpacking, and camping are all fantastic activities to enjoy nature and all it has to offer, but exploring the environment does not come without its risks. So remember, to enjoy nature, you must keep yourself safe and healthy throughout your adventures. Be prepared and above all, have fun!

Find Out More

For more information, check out these great sites: 

“Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025”,  CleverHiker

“The Best Water Filters and Purifier for Hiking, Backpacking, and Thru-Hiking”, Erin Exploring

 

Written by Mason Blount