How Much Water Should You Bring on a Road Trip?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a road trip soon? One of the most important things to consider when preparing for a long drive is how much water to bring with you.

Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and even affect your driving ability. So, how much water should you bring on a road trip? Let’s find out.

Factors That Affect How Much Water You Need

Before we get into specific numbers, it’s important to understand the factors that affect how much water you need. These include:

  • Your age and gender
  • Your weight
  • The weather conditions
  • The altitude of your destination
  • Your activity level

Age and Gender

Men generally require more water than women. Additionally, as we age, our bodies become less efficient at conserving water.

Weight

The more you weigh, the more water you need. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to drink half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight.

Weather Conditions and Altitude

If you’re traveling through hot or humid conditions or at high altitudes, your body will lose more water through sweating and breathing. In these situations, you’ll need to drink more water than usual.

Activity Level

If you’re engaging in physical activity like hiking or biking during your road trip, you’ll also need to drink more water. The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking 17-20 ounces of water two hours before physical activity and then consuming 7-10 ounces every ten to twenty minutes during the activity.

How Much Water Should You Bring?

Now that we’ve covered the factors that affect how much water you need, let’s get into specific numbers.

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. However, if you’re traveling through hot or humid conditions or engaging in physical activity, you’ll need to drink more.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends men consume about 3.7 liters (or about 13 cups) of total beverages per day and women consume about 2.7 liters (or about 9 cups) of total beverages per day.

So, if you’re on a road trip for three days and the weather forecast predicts hot and humid conditions, you should plan to bring at least nine liters (or about two gallons) of water for two people.

Other Tips for Staying Hydrated on a Road Trip

In addition to bringing enough water with you, there are other things you can do to stay hydrated during a road trip:

  • Avoid sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks
  • Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages
  • Eat foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables
  • Take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and drink water

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying hydrated during a road trip is crucial for your health and safety. Aim to drink at least half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight and adjust that amount based on the factors we discussed earlier. Bring enough water with you for the duration of your trip and follow the tips we provided for staying hydrated along the way.

Remember that proper hydration is key to enjoying your road trip fully!