Cool write up. Something I've learned along the way is that, at least for me.... drinking water straight up is a waste (when supply is limited). First straight water is harder for your body to process then water with something in it. That something could be coolaid, tea, whatever, that helps to break the surface tension of the water enabling the body to better manage the uptake of water in the intestine. I've noticed that in some early backcountry hunts that before long I was peeing out just the same (color wise) as what I'm putting in. Seemed like my body was just getting rid of it. I did some reading and thats what actually happens. I'm no scientist by I know at times the body does not like large amounts of water as it throws off the natural balance of salts. You can actually die from this (not in ways us backcounty hunters conduct business), but it happens. I do drink straight water out of my camelbaks but often throw in a nalgene bottles worth of cherry stevita (good stuff, a little goes a long way too) and I believe I'm able to stay hydrated better. I do homemade rehydrated meals for dinner and that's another nice way to get in some more fluids in ya.
Any of you guys seen the camelbak flow meter? That thing is sweet. I hate taking my pack off, opening the sleeve, to look in and see how much water I got left. This thing counts your water down for you in oz or whatever you set it to. It's pretty accurate, when you don't have ice forming in the line, lol.
