19 **************

Back to planning and packing.
Water bottle – There are lots of options here. There are collapsible ones, metal ones, hard plastic ones – and many of them have a carabineer on them so you can hook them to your belt or daypack. There are also carabineers made specifically to hold a regular water bottle (or soda bottle). They are very inexpensive and you just replace the bottle with a fresh one when it is empty. Many backpacks and belly bags also have a water bottle holder, too. If you are going to be doing a lot of walking or if it’s hot, it’s best to stay hydrated.

I might add a note here about flavoring. If you get tired of “plain old water”, several companies including MIO, Crystal Light, Dasani and Kool-Aid make a small bottle of concentrated liquid flavoring. Just squirt it into your bottle of water until you find the right strength and shake. They are small, convenient, and relatively cheap and will flavor many bottles of water from one small bottle. They even come in dozens of flavors.
[also see the re-0hydration drink in the first aid section- R] Depending on your preference for caffeine, check the bottle closely. Some are considered “energy” or “sports” drinks and have more caffeine and some don’t have much (or any) at all. Maybe high caffeine to get your engine started in the morning and the other for later on. You could take two or three of the little bottles in different flavors in your backpack and not take up much space or add much weight. There are also powdered packets of flavoring (Crystal Light) but they are pre-measured so if you like yours stronger or have a larger bottle, you might need a pack and a half – wasting the other half pack. They are lighter to carry, however.