One half canteen consumed each hour results in four canteens of water consumed over an 8 hour day. This, in addition to drinking one half canteen with meals and with an evening snack ensures consumption of the recommended quantity of fluids each day. Eating snow or ice for moisture is inefficient, may irritate the lining of the mouth, and may lower body temperature. It is better to melt snow or ice and purify it before consuming. Cocoa is generally a better beverage than coffee in the cold.
Cocoa is much lower in caffeine, high in needed carbohydrate, and is warming.
Consuming alcoholic beverages is detrimental in the harsh cold. Excess salt increases the body's water requirements since a person must drink more water to excrete it. Excess salt consumption without adequate water intake leads to or aggravates dehydration. Maintain Adequate Energy Intake 1. Eat an adequate amount of rations.