roots) near the tops of the dunes rather than between dunes, where the
only thing growing was brittle grass.
Given the sometimes radical temperature variations that can occur
in these areas, you also might be lucky enough to find condensation on
metal surfaces in the morning. Use a rag to absorb the water, then wring
the water out into an appropriate receptacle.
Boreal and Other Temperate Forests
These areas have primary water sources in abundance. Follow game trails
to valley bottoms or use topographic indicators to locate streams, rivers, or
lakes. Watch out for stagnant and still water, or areas potentially contami-
nated with animal feces such as those close to beaver dams.
The Arctic and Polar Regions (cold weather season)
Winter is the toughest time to convince people to keep rehydrating. It’s cold—
who feels like drinking cold water as well? Yet I have always found that I am in
much more need of drinking on winter treks than in tropical locations.
There are a number of reasons for this. Often your exertion level is
higher: walking in snowshoes or deep snow takes lots of energy. And when
it’s cold, the very dry ambient air sucks the moisture out of you in much
the same way that the desert wind does. I eat snow constantly while I work
and travel outside in the winter. Clear and regular urination is the reward,
indicating to me that I am properly hydrated. Dehydration in cold condi-
tions also hastens chilling, substantially increasing your risk of hypother-
mia and frostbite.
Luckily, you are surrounded by all the water you need, thought it’s in an
altered physical state. Melting it is your goal, but if that is not an option, eat
snow and ice, particularly in the morning or while you’re working hard.
Slush is best for melting because it’s mostly water anyway, followed
by ice, which is denser than snow, and then snow. If you’re melting snow,
pack as much into your pot as possible. Always retain some water in the
pot, as it will make your next melting session much easier.
If you’re not lucky enough to have a pot on hand, there are other
(though slower) methods. You can improvise a sack from an item of cloth-
ing or other fabric. Fill the sack with slush, ice, or snow and suspend it near
your fire. Place a receptacle under the sack to catch the drippings.
(^90) | Survive!