Hydration is essential while hiking, but sometimes it’s difficult to carry a few gallons of water with you on the trail. Fortunately, you’ve got several options for combining your food and hydration needs. Here are five essential hydrating foods for hiking to help you stay hydrated on your next adventure.
1. Grapes
At around 80 percent water, grapes are a delectable hydrating food for hiking, whether you’re climbing a mountain or strolling around the neighborhood. These juicy berries come jam-packed with antioxidants, as well as vitamin C. Grapes are also one of the best portable fruits because they require no preparation other than a bath under the faucet.
2. Cucumber
Loaded with vitamins, cucumbers could also be given the name “crunchy water” since they’re over 95% H2O. Cucumbers also come in handy if you happen to get a sunburn while hiking as they work just like aloe to soothe sunburned skin. Remember to keep the skin on when you slice the cucumber as it contains healthy vitamin A.
3. Apples
The crisp crunch of an apple is a delicious way to take a break and stop for some hydration on a hike. Apples are made up of somewhere between 80 and 90 percent water, so they’re one of the best hydrating foods available. Apples also happen to be one of the best foods for antioxidants, according to the USDA. If you like sweet apples, try a Honeycrisp. If you like sour apples, go for a Granny Smith.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli seems dense, but it’s actually filled with water. As a “super food,” it’s something you should eat often; however, it’s also a pretty terrific way to hydrate. Try a vegetable trail mix of broccoli along with some carrots and cauliflower, which also have high water content.
5. Watermelon
The very name of watermelon inspires thoughts of H2O, but high water content isn’t the only reason to take this food along. Watermelon also features healthy salts and potassium which help maintain your electrolyte balance. Cut some watermelon into cubes and add it to a bag of grapes for a super pair of hydrating foods for hiking.
Featured Image from Edgar Castrejon/Unsplash
