When you’re out surviving in the wild there are three basic needs most people focus on: Food, shelter, and water. We often don’t think or hear about the third when researching survival tips, and yet it is the most vital of three. Your body can survive a few weeks at most without food, but only a few days without hydration. So what happens when you’re forced to live off the land and need a good source of hydration
Don’t Sweat It
The first step is to avoid perspiration. If you’re in a hot climate dress for it. Don’t over exert yourself physically or allow yourself to become stressed out or panic as these may also cause sweating. Sweating will only cause you to lose water faster so avoid it in any way possible.
Water from The Leaves
In many cases leaves will gather morning dew or retain a few drops of water after the rain. This will not be a rich source of water but it may just enough to keep you going.
Follow The Animals
If you can’t find a source of fresh water the beasts of the wilderness may be a good reference point, guided by their instincts you may find what you need.
Food Sources
Fruits and vegetables are especially rich with water. The water inside of coconuts is especially refreshing and pumped full of hydrating electrolytes, the milk however may cause you to lose water by acting as a mild, natural laxatives, so take heed. There are many other fruits and veggies you may be able to find in the wild as a safe and natural source of water.
Snow
Snow is a great source of water once it has been melted. You simply need to raise the temperature above freezing point for safe and clean hydration. Freshly melted snow is usually safe, however, may contain bacteria that while inactive when the snow is frozen awaken once more when it’s melted, so practice caution. You can melt snow using a fire, but it may not be necessary. In some cases you may be able to find a sunny spot to do the job for you.
Mud
If you get desperate you can squeeze water from mud by using a cloth as a filter and a tool to squeeze it out.
Purification
Most water from wild sources is not suitable for humans to drink due to the potential presence of bacteria, parasites, and other impurities that can cause disease. Running water is generally regarded as safer and cleaner than still water (drinking from a river verses drinking from a stagnant lake or pond) but it is no guarantee. As a precaution you may boil or distill your water, or add common water treatment chemical to purify it. Chlorine dioxide is a common one found in many of these water treating agents.
