This is not to say that dehydration itself is not equally dangerous. Everything from heat stroke to kidney failure can occur when we get severely dehydrated. Water is obviously essential to all of your bodily functions. Less water decreases the volume of blood flow and its ability to carry oxygen and other life-supporting fluids.

Prevention is the key.

        Your entire outdoor adventure should always be planned around how much water you will carry and where your next water source is. Most outdoor accidents are a result of not planning to manage a constant water supply. Water is a priority over any gear when it comes to pack weight.

        It is important to remember that our bodies can only process a certain amount of water over each unit of time. Drinking a gallon of water in the morning is not going to help you all day. How much your body can absorb over a given time period is open to debate with the experts. I recommend a consistent and regular interval of gulps here and there. I also believe it is a good idea to "camel-up" at every water source. When at a water source, (while filling your containers) drink as much as you can before departing.

        The most common way hikers resupply with water is from flowing water sources; like springs, streams, rivers or man-made facilities. NEVER pass up the chance to top-off at a water source. The use of maps can be a good aid; however, do not entirely rely on this data. Water is not guaranteed to be flowing when you get there. This could be a horrible surprise if you are a half day's walk to the next source. Plan multiple sources as a backup.

        Have an adequate supply of pure water and drink every 15 minutes or so depending on your physical activity and the outside temperature. Never assume water is pure and free from organisms. Have a way to purify water. Boiling, purification chemicals or filters are the most common ways to get clean water. Some hiking filters can even clean water out of stagnant puddles if needed.

        What is adequate? This varies greatly by many factors and people. The best sign is clear urine. Dark yellow urine should raise a flag of alarm. As a rule of thumb, I plan on two liters (plus any water needed for meal preparation) every three miles. But that's just me. All of us are unique. Plan on having more water when it's hot, if you plan big elevation changes, or intend to linger at high altitudes.

        Never underestimate your need to stay hydrated in the winter. This is an area where I see the most denial and ignorance displayed. Besides the normal body functions you need water for -- think of your body as having hot-water heat. Keep enough water in you to keep the capillaries, in the tips your fingers, full and flowing with warm blood. It's not just about gloves & mitts. Even drinking cold water is smarter than allowing dehydration to creep in.

        Not only monitor yourself; but always be wary of dehydration in your companions. Set an example by stopping for water breaks together and make sure everyone else is drinking. Water bladders are great; but having that tube by our mouths makes it hard to monitor one another's water intake. Especially children - they rely on you to stay hydrated.

        Children do not have the same water reserves in their bodies as we do. Their metabolism is higher and their kidneys don't conserve water like an adult. Kids loose water quicker.  Children need to be taught the importance of drinking regularly. Teach children to carry their own adequate supply. Teach them the importance of the next water source down the trail.

   To sum it up: Have plenty of pure water and drink regularly. Know where every water source is. Stay hydrated while being alert to the early signs dehydration. Never continue activity until you have properly re-hydrated. Some experts say that it can actually take a day or more to recover from dehydration. The importance of prevention is critical.