What Do You Do for Water When Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking is an amazing way to explore and experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer journey, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for anything.

One of the most crucial aspects of any backpacking trip is making sure you have enough water. Water is essential for staying healthy, hydrated and energized, so it’s important to know how to get it when you’re out in the wilderness.

The first step to making sure you have enough water when backpacking is to bring your own. It’s important to bring enough water for the entire trip, as well as extra in case of emergencies.

A good rule of thumb is to bring at least two liters per person per day. If you plan on carrying your own water, make sure that your bottles or containers are lightweight and easy to transport.

Another way to make sure you have adequate water supply while backpacking is by utilizing natural resources such as streams and lakes. Before relying on these sources for drinking, make sure that they are safe and free from contaminants such as bacteria and chemicals. Additionally, bringing a reliable water filter or purification system can help ensure that your water is safe for consumption.

Rainwater catchment can be another helpful way of getting potable water while backpacking. This involves using tarps or other materials to collect rainwater, which can then be filtered or boiled before consumption. This method can be effective in areas with high rainfall, but make sure that you don’t collect any contaminated runoff from nearby sources.

Finally, if all else fails, look into purchasing bottled water at stores or convenience stands along your route. While this is usually more expensive than other methods of obtaining water, it could be necessary if all other options are unavailable.

No matter where your backpacking adventure takes you, it’s essential to stay hydrated by having access to clean drinking water throughout the trip. By planning ahead and utilizing different methods such as carrying your own supply or finding natural sources of potable water, you can ensure that you will stay healthy and enjoy your journey!

Conclusion: What do you do for water when backpacking? The answer depends on what supplies are available in the area and how much time and effort you want to put into gathering drinking water during your trip. The best way to make sure you have enough potable water during a backpacking trip is by bringing your own supply plus extra in case of emergencies; utilizing natural resources like streams and lakes; collecting rainwater; or purchasing bottled water if necessary.