Читать книгу Top Trails: Lake Tahoe. Must-Do Hikes for Everyone онлайн

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Water Never embark on a trail without carrying water. For most outings, you should plan to carry sufficient water to last you and your entire party the entire hike (including the return trip). At all times, particularly in warm weather, adequate water is of key importance. Experts recommend at least 2 quarts of water per person per day, and when hiking in heat 1 gallon or more may be more appropriate. At the extreme, dehydration can be life threatening. More commonly, inadequate water brings on fatigue and muscle aches.

If it’s necessary to make use of trailside water, you should filter or chemically treat it. You should regard all untreated water sources as being contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and fertilizers. There are three methods for treating water: boiling, chemical treatment, and filtering. Boiling is best but often impractical—it requires a heat source, a pot, and time. Chemical treatments, available in sporting goods and outdoor stores, handle some problems, including the troublesome Giardia parasite, but will not combat many human-made chemical pollutants. The most practical method is filtration, which removes Giardia and other contaminants and doesn’t leave any unpleasant aftertaste.