How Much Water Should I Carry When Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

When backpacking, it is essential to carry an adequate supply of water. It is important to stay hydrated while out in the wild, and running out of water can lead to dehydration and a range of other health problems. But how much water should you carry when backpacking?

The amount of water you need to carry depends on a variety of factors, including the climate, terrain, and your activity level. Generally speaking, it is recommended that backpackers drink two liters (about 0.5 gallons) of water per day while hiking in cooler climates.

In hotter climates or during strenuous activity, you may need as much as three to four liters (about one gallon) per day. Additionally, it is always a good idea to carry extra water for unexpected situations.

Another factor to consider when calculating the amount of water you will need on a backpacking trip is the availability of clean and safe drinking sources along your route. If there are streams or lakes where you will be able to refill your supply, then you can carry less from the beginning of your trip and top off your bottles along the way. On the other hand, if there are no potable sources nearby, then it is best to bring enough for the entire duration of your hike so that you don’t run out before reaching civilization again.

Water Treatment: If there are no safe drinking sources along your route and you must bring enough for the entire duration of your hike, it is important to remember that untreated surface water contains bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. To make sure that any water you collect from streams or lakes is safe for drinking, it should be treated either by boiling it for at least one minute or using a chemical purification method such as iodine tablets or chlorine dioxide drops.

Conclusion: The amount of water needed when backpacking varies depending on many factors such as climate, terrain and activity level but can usually range from two liters per day in cooler climates up to four liters per day in hotter climates or during strenuous activity levels. Additionally, if there are no safe drinking sources along your route then it is important to treat any collected surface water with either boiling or chemical purification methods before consuming it.