How to Meet Your Hydration Needs on the Go

Written By Holly Fussell

Whether you're logging trail miles, roping up at the crag, or running errands on a warm West Virginia afternoon—staying hydrated is key to feeling good and performing your best.

At Water Stone Outdoors, we’ve stocked up on smart, field-tested hydration tools to help you stay ahead of the heat. Here’s what we’re excited about this season:🥇 Filtration vs. Purification—What’s the Difference?

Not all water is created equal—and neither are your water treatments.

  • Filtration removes dirt, bacteria, and parasites using a physical membrane. It’s ideal for most clear, backcountry water sources here in Appalachia.

  • Purification goes further, eliminating viruses too—usually with UV or chemical methods. It’s better suited for international travel or questionable water supplies.

✅ Good news: For most adventures around here, a high-quality filter like the LifeStraw Go Series is more than enough. See below for more info on LifeStraw!



— Gear Spotlight —

LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel Bottle & Personal Straw

This rugged, double-wall insulated bottle filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, and weird aftertastes—all while keeping your water cold.

If you’re looking for one of the most lightweight, affordable, and effective water filters on the market, the LifeStraw Personal Straw and Stainless Bottles stand tall as trail essentials. No batteries, no moving parts—just fill a bottle or dip straight from the source and sip clean water with confidence.


🔍 What It Does:

  • 99.999999% of bacteria (like E. coli)

  • 99.999% of parasites (like Giardia and Cryptosporidium)

  • Microplastics, dirt, and sediment

  • It meets EPA standards for safe drinking water and lasts for up to 1,000 gallons—more than enough for several seasons of hiking, travel, or emergency prep.


🌟 Why We Like LifeStraw:

  • Personal Straw is Ultralight & packable – Toss it in your bag, glove box, or emergency kit.

  • Zero setup – No squeezing, no waiting, no pumping.

  • Reliable backup – Even if your main filter breaks, the LifeStraw keeps you covered.

  • Affordable – Great bang-for-your-buck for first-time hikers or experienced adventurers.


⚠️ Keep in Mind:

  • It’s best used when water is accessible—you need to get low and sip directly or use it with a bottle.

  • It doesn't filter out viruses (which are rare in most U.S. water sources but worth noting for international use).


🛒 Final Take:


For fast-and-light missions, minimalist packs, or emergency kits, the LifeStraw Personal Straw is a no-brainer while the Stainless Steel bottle keeps your water chilled. Either option adds security to your outdoor kit!


🚨 Now available at Water Stone Outdoors—because you never know when you’ll need clean water on the fly!

LMNT hydration beverage in cans or water enhancer

LMNT available in our beverage cooler.

⚡ Now Carrying LMNT – Electrolyte Fuel That Works

Dehydration doesn’t always come from a lack of water. Often, you’re missing electrolytes—especially sodium. That’s where LMNT comes in.

This science-backed hydration mix was developed by experts and made famous through The Huberman Lab Podcast and high-performance communities around the world.

We now carry:

  • 💧 LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix Packets – Just add to your water bottle for fast hydration on the go.

  • 🥤 LMNT Sparkling Cans – Brand-new and ice cold in our beverage fridge. No sugar. No nonsense. Just clean, crisp hydration that hits.

If you're pushing hard outdoors (or even indoors), LMNT helps you stay balanced, energized, and clear-headed.


Holly Fussell
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