Summer Heat: We Asked Linemen How They Stay Hydrated. Here's What They Said.

Summer Heat: We Asked Linemen How They Stay Hydrated. Here's What They Said.

Summer Heat: We Asked Linemen How They Stay Hydrated. Here's What They Said.

When you're working on the ground, in a bucket, or climbing poles in the middle of summer, hydration isn't optional—it's survival.

The heat doesn't care how many years you've been in the trade. Every year, heat exhaustion and dehydration put hardworking linemen at risk. That's why we asked the Linejunk community one simple question:

"What do you do to stay hydrated during the summer?"

As always, the line community delivered.

The Top Hydration Tips From Linemen

💧 Water Is Still King

The most common answer was simple: Drink water. Lots of it.

Don't wait until you're thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already starting to become dehydrated. Drink consistently throughout the day, especially before, during, and after your shift.

🥒 Pickle Juice

Many linemen swear by pickle juice for replacing sodium and electrolytes after sweating all day. It's inexpensive, easy to keep in a cooler, and has become a storm bag staple for many crews.

⚡ Electrolytes Matter

Working in extreme heat means you're losing more than water.

Popular recommendations included:

  • LMNT sticks
  • Liquid IV
  • Propel
  • Nuun Salt tablets
  • BodyArmor
  • Gatorade
  • Coconut Water

These products help replace electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost through sweat and can help reduce muscle cramps and fatigue.

🍌 Eat Foods That Help You Hydrate

Many linemen reminded us that hydration isn't just about what you drink.

Foods that help include:

  • Bananas
  • Fresh fruit
  • Watermelon
  • Oranges
  • Vegetables
  • V8 Juice

These foods provide water, potassium, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to recover.

🥛 Don't Forget Recovery

Hydration doesn't end when the workday is over.

Several linemen mentioned:

  • Drink water after work
  • Have a glass of milk to help recovery
  • Continue replacing fluids throughout the evening

The goal is to start the next workday hydrated—not trying to catch up from yesterday.

🍺 Alcohol and Heat Don't Mix

One of the best pieces of advice we received was simple:

Skip the alcohol when you're working in extreme heat.

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose more fluids. It can:

  • Increase dehydration
  • Slow muscle recovery
  • Affect sleep quality
  • Reduce your body's ability to regulate temperature
  • Increase the risk of heat exhaustion the following day

After spending 10–16 hours working in the heat, your body needs fluids, electrolytes, nutrition, and rest—not something that pulls more water out of your system.

😴 Sleep Is Part of Hydration

Hydration and recovery go hand in hand.

Getting a good night's sleep allows your body to repair muscles, restore energy, and regulate hormones that affect hydration and performance. A rested lineman is a safer lineman.

The Bottom Line

There isn't one magic drink.

The best hydration plan is a combination of:

  • Plenty of water
  • Electrolytes
  • Healthy foods
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Recovery after work
  • Quality sleep
  • Avoiding excessive alcohol

Most importantly, look out for your crew.

If someone starts showing signs of heat stress—heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, confusion, nausea, or stops sweating altogether—take it seriously. Heat-related illness can become life-threatening quickly.

Thank You to the Linejunk Community

The best advice always comes from the people doing the work every day.

Did we miss your favorite hydration tip?

Leave a comment and let us know what keeps you going through the hottest days of storm season.

Stay hydrated. Stay safe. And let's make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day.

— The Linejunk Team

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