[Paddlewise] water consumption, was Re: water containers

For sailing I use the 1 gallon a day rule.
In temperate areas this even allows some water for cleaning.
In both the polar and tropical regions I use more water.

It is amazing how much water you exhale when in cold, dry air.

In the tropics, I can stay at or close to 1 gallon a day if I stay in
the shade (difficult on a kayak) and minimize my physical activity.
Most of the time I have been in the tropics, regular rain showers
provided the cleaning water. With care, rainwater can be captured and 
used for drinking (not practical on a kayak).
Don't rely on rain for survival, it is a bonus.

Excersize greatly increases water use.
Working outside here in central Florida, I will drink between 1 and 2 
quarts an hour, depending on temp, humidity and how hard I'm working.

Consider travel in the early morning and late evening, hiding in the shade 
during the hotest part of the day.

Remember also that different people have different water requirements.
I tend to drink more than most people so I carry more water. 
Some people drink a lot less.
It is a good idea to find out how much water you really need before
a big trip, especially if you have to go a long time without resuply.

michael

rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:
>
> But we went through water fast.  I can't imagine keeping water
> consumption down to a gallon a day per person in the tropics.  That is a
> minimum.  Whatever happened to that old adage about needing to consume a
> quart of water per hour of paddling?  That would take you over the one
> gallon threshold pretty quickly not including water at breakfast and
> dinner.
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************