[pct-l] Electrolytes for the Desert

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, all,

The expanses of S. California desert may seem daunting and potentially
deadly, but a hiker should be OK if they have reasonable sense, if they
stay on or near the trail, and if they have maps and a water report.

Replacement of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, is very
important because they are essential to health and activity, and because
they are lost so regularly and copiously.  The photo at
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=258181 well illustrates the salt
loss after a few days of hiking.  In the desert, hats, shirts and underwear
become crusty with salt from perspiration.  That is a natural thing to
happen, but it indicates that regular replacement is necessary.

Most hikers replace electrolytes by eating salty foods, and/or using drink
additives that contain electrolytes.  If I add salt to cooked food, I use
Morton’s Lite Salt
http://www.mortonsalt.com/for-your-home/culinary-salts/food-salts/3/morton-lite-salt-mixture
.  It is a mixture of sodium and potassium which I think is better for
electrolyte
replacement than pure table salt, and it all tastes the same to me.

Steel-Eye

-Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/