Drinking water is essential when you’re out on the slopes. It might be cold, but you’re exercising and expending a lot of energy and fluids, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
But how can you carry water while skiing and snowboarding? What are the easiest and most effective solutions for carrying water and staying hydrated?
How Do You Bring Water To Snowboard?
There are a few things you need to think about when carrying water on the slopes.
The first is weight and size. It should be small enough not to become a nuisance and light enough not to weigh you down, but it may also need to carry a lot of water, so that’s not an easy problem to solve.
Secondly, it should be functional, and when you’re moving at speed in ice-cold conditions, that can be tricky.
Price also plays a role. Snowboarding equipment is very expensive as it is. You don’t want a costly water supply adding even more digits to your credit card bill.
With those things in mind, here are the best options for staying hydrated while snowboarding and skiing.
Water Bottles
Water bottles are the simplest solution for carrying water. They are also the cheapest.
Any water bottle won’t do, though.
Avoid using glass bottles. Not only are they rigid and difficult to store when you have finished with them, but if you fall with them in your pockets, they could break and cause injury.
Look for a collapsible water bottle. It’s easy to fill, easy to carry, and very cheap. It’s also durable and you can carry a few of these bottles in a backpack or in your pockets.
Of course, using a water bottle means you’re limited with regard to how much you can carry. Collapsible water bottles take some of the strain away as they can be collapsed when you’ve finished with them, but they’re cumbersome when they are full.
The Best Collapsible Water Bottle for Snowboarders
The Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle is perfect if you need a low-cost, high-quality water bottle to take on the slopes.
This portable bottle is made from silicon and can be reduced to a fraction of its size. It’s available here from Amazon and comes in a few different color options.
If you’re looking for a more premium bottle, check out the 25 oz HYDAWAY, a super-portable bottle that you can take anywhere. It’s leakproof, well-made, and it looks great. Pick it up here from Amazon.
Hydration Packs
Hydration packs are bladders that fit into backpacks and have a tube attached. Just put the tube in your mouth and take a drink when you need it.
Hydration packs are more expensive than carrying a few water bottles, but they’re easier to carry and you can take more water.
The only issue with hydration packs is that the tube can freeze in very cold weather. You shouldn’t have an issue if you’re skiing or snowboarding in the spring or fall; in winter, cold temperatures could render them redundant.
The Best Hydration Pack for Snowboarders
The CamelBak Classic is an excellent hydration pack that can be filled with up to 70 oz of water and worn over the back. It’s comfortable and durable and there are some additional pockets for your keys, phone, and other accessories
Buy this hydration pack here.
For something a little cheaper that can fit inside your backpack, check out the CamelBak Crux, a 2-liter water reservoir you can buy here.
How Do You Carry Water When Skiing?
The solutions mentioned above for snowboarders are also suitable for skiers.
Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, you need to stay hydrated and have limited space and options to do so.
Can I Eat Snow To Stay Hydrated?
You probably know not to eat yellow snow, but the truth is that all snow should be avoided.
Snow can contain harmful bacteria, along with dirt and pollutants. If you’re on a ski resort, there’s a good chance the snow is loaded with wax residue, as well.
Eating snow will reduce your body temperature and force your body to expend more energy just to keep you warm.
It’s true that snow can help you to stay hydrated in an emergency situation, but only if it’s boiled first, thus reducing it to a hot liquid while killing off those harmful bacteria.
How Much Water Do You Need When Snowboarding?
You should drink when you feel thirsty, as that’s your body’s way of telling you that it needs water.
If you’re snowboarding or skiing, it’s recommended that you consume around 12 oz of water every hour, but it depends on how much energy you’re exerting, what the temperature is like, and how much water you consumed before you hit the slopes.
Use the 12 oz as a guide, drink when you’re thirsty, and if you run out of water and haven’t drank for some time, it could be time to call it a day.
Drink water before and after your session and avoid drinking alcohol. Not only can it impair your judgment and reaction time, but it will also dehydrate you.
To avoid too many awkward bathroom breaks, use the toilet before you start snowboarding.
Sufficient water intake will help to prevent muscle cramps and fatigue. It will also stimulate blood flow and keep you agile and reactive on the slopes.
If you lose too much water, you’ll become dehydrated and may feel tired and sluggish. The longer you are deprived of water, the worse you will become until, eventually, your organs begin to shut down.
You’re probably not going to reach those levels of dehydration by spending too long on the slopes, but you can definitely dehydrate enough to impact your performance and judgment.
Summary: What Is The Best Way To Carry Water?
Carrying water bottles is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stay hydrated on the slopes but a hydration pack won’t weigh you down as much.
Check the products listed in the above guide to find the best solution for your needs and budget. And remember, don’t carry glass bottles, avoid eating snow, and remember that proper hydration is essential in any weather!
