Hiking is an adventurous outdoor activity which involves walking and trekking day and night. Getting lost or stranded in the wilderness is something that could happen to just about anyone. When you are trapped in the wilderness the single most important thing you need to survive is water. An adult can survive without food for many days but only a few days without water.

Finding water is, therefore, one of the most important wilderness survival skills otherwise dehydration will inevitably occur. Here are some techniques to find water in the wilderness whether you are in desert or in forest:

• First look for surface water such as streams, rivers and lakes. If you are not familiar with the area, then check the map for blue squiggly marks. Those marks indicate presence of streams and creeks. Animals and birds always know where the water is. So, be on the lookout for wildlife or animals tracks and birds flight paths. Lush green vegetation is also a sign that the water is nearby.

• Search beneath the surface of gravel washes and dry creek beds, even in the desert. These are the places where you can get water. Dig down a few feet.

• Rain and dew: Rain and dew water is safe for drinking and only needs collection. You can collect morning dew by soaking a cloth in long, wet grass. When the cloth is soaked squeeze it out directly into your mouth or container.

• Look for large tress and bushes or thick vegetation. This indicates seep nearby or beneath them. Dig down a few feet to get water.

• Transpiration technique: You can also collect potable water from tree and plants roots through the transpiration technique. Tie a plastic bag over a growing branch, which is exposed to the sun. Be careful not to puncture the bag. Keep a corner of the bag hanging low to collect water. Evaporation from leaves will produce condensation in the bag. This is an easy way to get pure drinking water.

In most part of the world, surface water is seldom pure. After finding surface water always purify it before drinking to avoid parasitic infestation. However, water collected from rainfall, ground, or from plants has enormous advantage of always being pure. Apart from this carry fruits like watermelon, coconut or pineapple when you are on hike these fruits will not only provide water but also necessary vitamins and minerals.