I'm so confused! i keep having people tell me that clear urine means your well hydrated... then i have people telling me that light yellow urine is what you want to strive for. which one is it??

clear urine does indicate that you are well hydrated. you can be well hydrated with light yellow urine too. Urine color depends also on what we eat or medicine we take. Do not pay attention to a lot of people giving medical advice with good intention but without medical knowledge for they will confuse you or give you wrong advice. Ask a Physician.

When you drink a lot of water, the color pigments in your urine are diluted so the color sometimes can be like water. However, patients with advanced kidney disease but urine output is high, their urine can also be like water and not smelling like urine and that is abnormal urine. Bottom line: you do not need to drink a lot of water for your health, drink if thirsty, less trip to bathroom.