herbal tea- good hydrator?

I am trying to drink more water during the day so that I don't cramp up when I lift weights in the evenings. Does herbal tea hydrate as well as water? I know it should, but I always drink a grip of herbal tea all day and I haven't felt hydrated enough lately. Are there some kinds that are more hydrating than others?

It'll be marginally less hydrating than water, but only slightly. As far as cramping muscles go, you might need more electrolytes (potassium is the big one) found in bananas and potatoes (as well as most sports drinks; which also contain plentiful sodium and sugar)

see here for more potassium-rich foods:http://www.buzzle.com/articles/potassium-rich -foods-list-of-foods-high-in-potassium.html

how much is a "grip"?

In general, a lot. In this instance, about 80 oz per work day and about 40 oz on the weekends.