Hydrate or die. How true it is. The human body can survive for many days without food, however, water is needed daily to stay alive.  Dehydration is one of your worst enemies.  It is recommended by most emergency preparedness organizations that you have 1 gallon of water per person per day.  While this is a good general guide, you need to consider the environment and activities that you will be doing while relying on your emergency gear. When using the emergency pack for foot based evacuation you will need a way to carry the water. With the weight and size limitation of the evacuation pack 3 liters seems to be the max amount of water that can be carried. There are many companies that sell water bladders for use in packs. Bug Out Bagz includes the MSR version with in their packs. Remember that if  you are hiking in high temperatures you will most likely need more fluid so be ready to adjust what you carry for the type of environment you will be in. 

An electrolyte replacement powder is a good addition to your water. Hammer Nutrition has done many studies with athletes and has found that with the right sugars and minerals added to your water there is an increase in the adsorption rate of the fluid. The electrolytes replace essential minerals that are lost through sweat and the sugars provide some additional fuel.  I have been using HEED for my

cycling activities for the last 4 years and like taste and I respond well to it. The added sugar makes the fluid a little more palatable which helps improve fluid intake. I carry a few packages of HEED in my pack so I can mix the drink when needed.

 

In many cases we will already have lots of water along for our adventures. Be sure enough water is easily accessible so it can be grabbed at a moments notice to be able to charge your emergency pack water containers. I normally use a trailer during our adventure trips and there is always a full 5 gallon container at the rear of the trailer and easy to access.

So remember hydration is critical for your health. Once dehydration sets is your ability to help your self will end.