H2O, O2, Nutrients, Temperature

Ahh, the days are getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere...but
alas our postings cannot wax poetically of recent flights(for
the most part). The water and oxygen threads seem
to be running out of steam...perhaps that is a good
thing. However my two cents-

1.) Back in the days pre-CamelBack, the ever inventive
glider pilot would figure out some system to carry
water. Some decided they did not need water. Others
decided that water only needed to be intake-only while
flying. Watching bloated pilots struggle out of the
landed glider and immediately irrigate the runway surroundings
was considered normal. In this enlightened age....intake
and output of water is not a particularly difficult
affair to manage. Astronauts do it. Long range Air
Force pilots do it. Whether one chooses to fly in
a dehydrated condition then becomes personal choice.
Gliding all day in the hot sun is wearing. I suppose
one can practice for dehydration by working outside
all day in the heat without drinking fluids

2.) Oxygen also seems to create logistical or financial
issues for some. The altitude chamber rides avaiable
are a huge benefit in helping to asses ones reactions
to altitude. Do I expect ground crews at Telluride
to carry portable O2 tanks on their backs when density
altitude exceeds 10k'...of course not. But I would
suggest sustained, long flights over 10k' might be
a good time to think of using supplemental oxygen.
And I also believe that O2 system settings should
be set higher then recomended at first, to test ones
reactions. I find breath through nose, exhale through
mouth does make a difference.

3.) Food intake is also full of much lore...while
logistically we cannot eat fine pasta dishes...sandwiches
and non-messy fruits can be consumed. Those who choose
to fly all day without eating, if they are typically
not eating during their workday-more power to them.

4.) Temperature-Sun....I wear a curious mix of stupid-looking
fishing cap with Lawrence-of-Arabia side pieces, a
long-sleeved Solubra shirt that is vented, fisherman
hand solar hand protectors, and shorts. I always change
my socks just before getting in the ship. I hate sweating
on the ground pre-flight. I hate getting cooked by
the sun in the cockpit. I will take a chance with
sun damage to my legs and not abandon the shorts.
I carry a normal baseball hat in the cockpit, and
switch immediately upon landing as to not frighten
the civilians.