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When out on the trail it is very important to stay hydrated.

Water is the one thing you have to have to stay alive — even more than food. No water means no life.

Recently, while on a climbing trip I under-estimated how much water I would need. I was out on the rocks in Quartz Mountain, and my good friend Michael and I ran out of water. Of course, all we had to do was climb down and refill, but the feeling of needing hydration with none available is not a good feeling, especially in the afternoon heat.

Its best to always over estimate the amount of water you will need while out on the trail. There is nothing more dangerous than finding yourself lost and without ample hydration! It’s just not wise to be out on any length of hiking trip without water. Even if its just a stroll around the trail, you have to pack water. The simplest situations are usually the ones that get off track fast and land you in one of those worst-case scenarios you imagine are never going to happen to you.

Packing extra water is always important, but so is being prepared for the situation when you know you will need to collect water or, worst-case situation, run out. The simple solution is water Iodine tablets. They’re very inexpensive and pack light. Just take your collected water and add the suggested amount of tablets to make it safe for drinking. I found them on various Web sites ranging from $6-$10 dollars. Inexpensive and easy.

If you’re like myself and love new gadgets, head to your local outfitter and get the SteriPEN. This tiny little tool weighs only 3.6 oz with batteries. This makes it ideal for backpacking where every ounce counts. It’s the only portable water purifier that uses ultraviolet light to destroy waterborne microbes. Just wave the wand in the water in your collected container, and like magic the water collected is safe. This cool new gadget lets you make your water safe while channeling your inner Luke Skywalker. Now, the SteriPEN does cost more than the tablets, ranging from $90-$140, but the simplicity of it makes it worth the price.

If collecting water from a source that has leaves and particles, be sure to run the water through a piece of cloth or mesh screen to remove the loose particles. Make sure to do this before purifying it, regardless of what method you use to do so.

The bottom line is that water is a necessity to insure a happy time on the trail. With the Oklahoma heat already kicking above 100 degrees — and its not even July — you have to stay on top of your hydration! Happy trails.

You can follow Jacquelyn Farris’ continuing adventures in her Girl vs. Wild blog, which is now fetured in the “Know It: Travel” at http://newsok.com/vacations..

have spent most weekends except for the random few in the wild since last October, and I have loved every bit of it. This also means I have grown quite accustomed to eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Lets see, if I ate at least three pb&j’s a weekend, that adds up to about 100 peanut butter jelly sandwiches since last October. Thats a lot of peanut butter and jelly.

I am striking against my basic camping meals of pb&j. Don’t get me wrong. I have a very special place in my heart for peanut butter and jelly, but it’s time for some exciting dining in the woods. I have realized that just because I am roughing it, this doesn’t mean I have to settle for a simple sandwich. Recently I have whipped together some fancy meals in the woods and thought I would share my Girl vs. Wild chef secrets with you.

With these three tricks you won’t have to settle for the typical pb&j dinner any longer. Unless you want to!

Chicken & rice tinfoil dinner
Take 14-inch square of foil.

Add 1 chicken breast to each piece of foil. This recipe yields 4 servings, so have 4 chicken breasts ready.

Mix 1 (10

-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup and 2/3 cup uncooked instant rice together and divide among the 4 packets.

Add spice for desired seasoning.

Wrap securely in foil, rolling up the edges, and place on grill 5 inches from hot coals. Cook about 40 minutes or until done, turning once.

Serves 4.

Campfire biscuits
Before hitting the trail, mix 2 cups biscuit mix, such as Bisquick style mix, and cup powdered milk in a large zip seal plastic bag.

When ready to prepare add 2/3 cup water to bagged mixture — just enough to make a stiff dough.

Next, collect sticks about inches in diameter and 2 feet long. This is your cooking utensil.

Form the dough around the end of the stick, making ball-shaped biscuits about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.

Toast the biscuits over the campfire until golden brown.

Last, slip biscuit off the limb and you’re ready to eat.

Serves 4-6.

Apple pie on a stick
Take a large red or green apple and push a stick through the center.

Turn the stick over the coals of a campfire. This is just like roasting a marshmallow. When the apple peel starts to loosen, carefully peel the skin off.

In a bag, mix together equal parts cinnamon and sugar.

Roll the roasted apple in the mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

Lastly, roast the coated apple over the fire for a few more minutes.

Let the apple cool and enjoy!

You can follow Jacquelyn Farris’ continuing adventures in her Girl vs. Wild blog, which is now featured in the “Know It: Travel” at http://newsok.com/vacations.

Here in Oklahoma, we’re no strangers to severe weather. In fact, we seem to be on a first-name basis with our favorite local weatherman.

Think about it. Other than family, who else is able to yell at you in times of danger? That’s right, the weatherman. When heading into the great outdoors this Memorial Day weekend you can’t pack your big TV or the weatherman, but you can be informed, prepared and have peace of mind.

Here are a few weather safety tips to use on your next big outdoors adventure:

• Before you leave home, check the weather several times. Check and double check various weather sources to make sure you have the most up to date — and accurate — predictions before you head out.

•The most important item you can have outdoors during severe weather season is a weather radio. Having a weather radio can take the guess work out of predicting if severe weather is approaching.

•While traveling to your destination pay attention to road signs that have the area’s weather station posted. Dial into the station in your car to hear weather projections.

•Just look to the sky. Do your best to pay close attention to the weather patterns that could be developing above.

•If you get caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a low-lying area that is protected by thick growth and small trees. If caught in an open area, get to the lowest point possible, such as a ravine or valley.

•When lighting strikes, it usually hits the tallest point in an area. Stay clear of tall trees. If you can get in a car, do so. Roll up the windows and do not touch anything metal. If a cabin or trailer is close, get inside but do not touch any electric appliances.

•If caught in a wooded area your tent will be a safe shelter. However, if your tent is in an open area leave the tent and move to low ground. If your tent is the tallest point around, leave it.

•If you find yourself outside with a tornado approaching, do not go for shelter in your camper or car. These both are dangerous spots to seek shelter.

Try to find the nearest man-made structure, such as a concrete restroom or camp shelter. If that is not possible and you are in an open area, get in the lowest spot and lie as flat as you can.

Pay attention to your senses and trust your instincts, and remember to stay calm so you can think and react clearly.

By Jacquelyn Farris, Girl vs. Wild