How Do You Store Water When Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

When you’re on the go and backpacking, it’s essential to have access to a reliable, clean supply of water. Knowing how to store water when backpacking is important for your health and safety, as well as for the environment. There are several different methods and tools you can use to store water when backpacking, all of which have their own benefits and drawbacks.

The most basic way to store water while backpacking is with a water bottle or canteen. These are light-weight containers designed specifically for carrying liquids. Water bottles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Metal bottles tend to be durable and long-lasting, while plastic bottles are lightweight and easy to carry. Plastic bottles may not last as long as metal ones however they are much cheaper. Both types of bottles should be leak-proof and easy to fill up at any location that has running water.

Another popular way of storing water when backpacking is with a hydration reservoir or bladder.

These are large plastic bags that come with a tube attached for drinking out of them without having to take off the pack or stop moving. The main advantage of these reservoirs is that they can hold large amounts of liquid at once so you don’t need to refill them as often. They also come in different sizes so you can choose one that best suits your needs. The downside is that they can be difficult to clean properly and if not cared for correctly can become contaminated with bacteria over time.

If you’re looking for an even more lightweight option, then consider using a collapsible water container. These containers are made from silicone or plastic and can be easily folded down into small size when not in use so they don’t take up too much space in your pack. They’re great for short day trips where weight is an issue but aren’t suitable for longer trips due to their small capacity. Additionally, they don’t always hold up very well in cold temperatures so make sure you check the product before using it in colder climates.

In addition to these traditional methods, there are also other ways you can store water when backpacking such as using water purification tablets, boiling your drinking water over a fire pit or stove, collecting rainwater in containers or tarp shelters, etc.. With all these methods however it’s important to remember that there may still be some risk involved so make sure you read the instructions carefully before using any method of purifying or storing water while on the go.

Conclusion:

Storing water when backpacking is essential for both your safety and the environment’s health – but thankfully there are many tools available which will help you do this effectively! Water bottles/canteens, hydration reservoirs/bladders and collapsible containers are all great options depending on your needs – but do remember that there may still be some risk involved with each method so make sure you read instructions carefully before use.