Leg cramps can occur in many sports, but hiking is perhaps a sport where they cause the most surprise. If your cycling or running you are probably training and more aware of the various factors that can effect your performance. However, many people hike occasionally without really training or preparing.
The most common place for cramps to strike when you are out hiking is either in your thighs of calves. And they can be horribly painful! But the cause will often be overlooked, or put down to a lack of 'fitness'. Well in many cases simply ensuring you are properly hydrated will prevent this problem in the first place.
Cramps can usually occur due to either dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, or just plain old muscle fatigue. The later could certainly be the case if you have been pushing yourself; perhaps on steep inclines where calves could be taking an unusual amount of the strain. However, dehydration is often atleast partly to blame and often overlooked.
The answer is to make sure you think about hiking hydration both before and during the trek. In the hours leading up to the hike, its so easy to make sure you are properly hydrated. Drink water or sports drink until you are regularly passing almost clear urine frequently. This indicates you are well hydrated to start with. You should start this process 3-4 hours before you leave. Unless you want to be running behind a bush after 10 minutes of hiking, you might want to stop taking in fluids in the hour directly before you leave.
Once out hiking take regular sips of water or a sports drink. Many sports drinks contain electrolytes which are essential for normal hydration. Whilst electrolyte imbalances are unlikely to be an issue, you might prefer a sports drink.
Also Consider a hiking hydration pack. Many walkers keep their fluids in a bottle in their backpack. Taking a drink means taking off your backpack. Consequently, they often don't drink regularly enough. Many good backpack hydration packs are available from brands like Camelback, Dakine, Deuter etc. Platypus and Camelbak (as well as others) also do hydration pack inserts, which you can put inside your own back pack. Whichever you choice, a hiking hydration pack will allow you to sip regularly (every 5 minutes) ensuring you are constantly rehydrating.
Backpack hydration: http://www.hydration-pack-world.co.uk/hiking-hydration.html
http://www.Hydration-pack-world.co.uk is a specialist in providing equipment to ensure your sports performance doesn't suffer.
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