Drink

There are lots of things to drink on kayaking trips.

• Water
• Coffee - some paddlers can't live without it. There are mini-espresso makers for the really keen camper. Caffeine is a diuretic - see Drinking water for info on effects.
• Tea - real tea or infusions - either is suitable for many paddlers.
• Milk - Dried, powdered milk is not bad - it is compact and just has to be mixed in water to get milk. Skim milk powder is common, but whole and partially skimmed milk may have a better taste - these are available in some health food stores. Sterilized milk is sold in tetrapak boxes. You can find one liter and little quarter liter boxes in most supermarkets. An alternative to milk is soy milk. This is also sold in tetrapaks and is available in plain, vanilla and chocolate. If you like milk, but not soy, try the vanilla soy - it's a tolerable milk substitute.
• Hot chocolate - powdered mixes just require the addition of hot water. Some are quite good, but rather sweet to drink often. Nice at the end of a cool day.
• Rehydration drinks - Gatorade, Powerade and other brands are readily available. In powdered form, it is convenient to bring on a long paddling trip. Sometimes, these are just right - more of a "pick me up" than water but not as sweet as a fruit drink or soda.
• Fruit juices - In frozen form, these can be carried in a cooler for a day or two and then mixed with water. Less bulky than ready-to-drink. Good sources of vitamins. OJ is vital for breakfast - more important than coffee for some.
• Drink powders - Cheap and tolerable. Some are actually good. Convenient to bring on a trip.
• Soda or pop - Bulky and sweet. A lot of paddlers can't take the gas when paddling.