Tag: Outdoor safety

According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 249 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2022, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Given the health risks, many seek natural prevention methods, but does taking B12 prevent mosquito bites? The simple answer is no, despite decades of anecdotal claims.

Despite a common misconception that freezing purifies water, research shows that many harmful microorganisms like *E. coli* and *Salmonella* can survive freezing temperatures. This reality directly addresses the question, 'Is ice river water healthy?', with a firm emphasis on the dangers of relying on its seemingly pristine nature.

While most forest water sources require purification, some trees naturally produce drinkable sap, a fact known to survivalists and foragers for centuries. This guide addresses the question, "Can you drink the water from a tree?" by exploring the safe methods, potential risks, and best tree species for collecting hydrating, mineral-rich sap.

According to Washington State University, only about 10% of white and yellow wild berries are edible, while 90% of purple, blue, and black ones are generally safe. However, relying on color alone is dangerous, as some common toxic berries, like deadly nightshade, can deceive the inexperienced forager.

With the human body being 55-60% water, maintaining proper hydration is crucial, especially during physical exertion like hiking. However, simply drinking water is not enough, as active hikers sweat out vital minerals. This is precisely why you need salt when hiking, as it plays a central role in maintaining your body's fluid balance and preventing dangerous conditions like hyponatremia.

Up to a quarter of Australian pharmacists have recommended thiamine (Vitamin B1) as a repellent for travelers, perpetuating a decades-old myth. While the idea of an internal bug repellent is appealing, scientific evidence overwhelmingly concludes that no oral supplements prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects.

Dehydration can begin after a person loses just 2% of their body's water content, affecting mood, concentration, and physical performance. This fact underscores the critical importance of proactive hydration, especially in the extreme conditions of a desert, where fluid loss is significantly accelerated by heat and dry air.

According to one estimate, a 160-pound hiker on moderate terrain can burn over 400 calories per hour, highlighting the need to properly refuel and rehydrate during physical exertion. This makes the question, "Should I bring food on a hike?" incredibly important for safety, energy, and overall trail enjoyment.

A single seed from the tung oil tree (*Aleurites fordii*) can be fatal if ingested, according to the University of Florida's Plant Directory, so the fruit of the tung oil tree is not edible. This highly poisonous, invasive species from China presents a significant health risk to people and animals.

According to seasoned hikers, a general rule of thumb suggests consuming about half a liter of water per hour of moderate activity. Based on this, a typical 8-mile hike, which might take around 4 hours, would require a baseline of 2 liters of water, but this estimate changes dramatically based on a number of crucial factors.