How Much Water To Bring Backpacking

Bringing Water on a Backpacking Trip

A backpacking trip can be a great way to get away from it all and experience the outdoors. But, as any experienced backpacker will tell you, packing the right amount of water is key to a successful and safe journey. Knowing how much water to bring backpacking is an essential part of any outdoor excursion.

How Much Water to Bring Backpacking?

The amount of water you should bring on your backpacking trip will depend on a few factors, including the length of your trip, the environment in which you`re traveling, outside temperatures, and the level of physical activity you plan on undertaking. But as a general rule of thumb, you should plan to bring one liter of water for every hour of activity.

For example, if you`re planning on being active for four hours, you should plan to bring four liters of water. This doesn`t mean the entire four liters will be used during that time; it`s just a good guideline for how much to bring. If you`re only out backpacking for a few hours, you generally won`t need to bring too much, as you can usually make it back to a water source to refill.

In hot or dry climates, you`ll likely need to bring more water than you would in cooler or wetter climates. If you`re traveling in an arid region, you should also be sure to bring water-purifying tablets to make any non-potable sources of water safe to drink. Additionally, if you`re traveling off-trail or in an unfamiliar area, it`s a good idea to bring a dedicated water filter.

How Much Water to Carry Backpacking

Once you know how much water to bring on a backpacking trip, it`s important to think about how to carry it. It`s generally best to use either a specialized backpack designed for carrying water or a hydration system like a water bladder. Both of these will keep your hands free while ensuring you have a steady supply of hydration. It`s also a good idea to bring along an empty water bottle or two that can be refilled along the way.

No matter how much water you bring, you`ll want to spread it out in multiple containers so as not to overload your pack. Walk your gear around your house a few times to see how the weight feels. If possible, try out different setups to find the one that works best for you.

Conclusion

Packing the right amount of water is essential for any backpacking trip. The amount of water you should bring will depend on several factors, but a good guideline is one liter per hour of activity. Additionally, you`ll want to have a plan for how to carry the water you`ve brought, such as using a dedicated backpack or a water bladder with a few empty water bottles. By following these tips, you can make sure you`re prepared to stay hydrated on your next backpacking adventure!