When you are getting ready for a Backpacking trip, one of the important things is how much water to bring when backpacking. It is very simple to just pack a few bottles of water, but your water plan can make a difference in how your trip or hiking goes. If you can bring too little, then you could suffer from dehydration and get tired quickly. Our team of experts says that you can face serious problems like heat exhaustion. On the other hand, if you can carry too much water, then your backpack will be heavy, which can slow you down and use more of your energy.
Here we can answer your common questions that hikers have, like how much water they need, how to plan for refills, and what things affect your water needs. What are the best ways to carry and clean drinking water? Overall, if you are a hiker and go hiking in the desert, forest, and mountains, then you can find the right balance and stay healthy on the trails.
Backpacking Hydration Rule of Thumb
A widely accepted hydration rule among experienced hikers is:
- Carry 1 liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking.
This is based on your actual water needs and may vary depending on:
- Weather conditions (hot, humid, dry, cold)
- Terrain ruggedness and elevation gain
- Body size and fitness level
- Backpacking intensity and pace
How to Plan Your Water Carry Strategy
Map Out Water Sources
Before your trip, study your topographical map, guidebook, or GPS app to locate all-natural water sources (streams, lakes, springs). Identify:
- Distance between sources
- Elevation gain/loss
- Reliability of each source (seasonal or year-round)
Calculate Hiking Time, Not Just Distance
Use time-based estimates to determine how long it will take to reach the next water source. Here’s a standard formula:
- Average hiking pace: 30 minutes per mile
- Add 30 minutes per 1,000 feet of elevation gain
Factors That Influence Water Needs While Hiking
Temperature & Humidity
Hot, sunny, and humid conditions lead to faster water loss through sweat. In such environments, double your intake:
- Mild weather: 4–8 oz every 15–30 mins
- Hot weather: 8–16 oz every 15–20 mins
Elevation and Terrain
Higher altitudes and steep trails demand more exertion, increasing your body’s need for hydration. Plus, drier air at elevation promotes faster dehydration.
Body Size and Fitness Level
Larger individuals or those carrying heavier packs tend to sweat more and require more fluids. Likewise, beginners may dehydrate faster due to inefficient exertion.
Before the Hike: Hydration Starts Early
Pre-Hike Hydration Tips
Drink 17–20 oz of water 1–2 hours before starting
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (tea, soda, coffee)
- Eat water-rich foods (fruits, oatmeal)
- Starting dehydrated is one of the worst mistakes
During the Hike: Staying Hydrated On-Trail
Regular Sips Over Gulping
- Drink 4–8 oz every 15 minutes
- Use a hydration bladder with a hose for easy access
- Set reminders to sip frequently
Electrolyte Replacement
When hiking in the heat, plain water isn’t enough. You also lose sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Gatorade powder
- Nuun tablets
- MiO or LMNT water enhancers
Common Dehydration Symptoms
- Headache
- Dry mouth or lips
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Dark yellow urine
Best Methods to Carry Water While Backpacking
1. Hard-Sided Bottles (e.g., Nalgene)
Hard-sided water bottles are made by Nalgene, and these are very popular among hikers and backpackers. These bottles are known for being super strong among all because they can handle rough use and even survive if dropped on rocky ground. They are also great for the cold weather because they safely hold hot water, which makes them useful for warming up or putting inside your sleeping bag at night.
- Pros: Durable, great for winter use (can hold hot water)
- Cons: Heavy, takes up space
2. Soft Plastic Bottles (e.g., SmartWater)
Soft plastic bottles, which are also known as Smartwater Bottles now they are now very popular with ultralight backpackers. They are slim, light, and work well with many water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze. Now you can directly filter the water. They are also cheap and easy to replace if they break. However, they don’t keep your water hot or cold.
- Pros: Lightweight, compatible with Sawyer Squeeze filters
- Cons: Not insulated, can crush under pressure
3. Collapsible Water Bottles
Collapsible bottles are specially made to save space. When they re empty, you can roll them up or fold them, so they take up almost no room in your backpack. This makes them perfect for multi-day trips, especially when you only need to carry extra water between far-apart water sources. They are also lighter than hard bottles, which is great for keeping your backpack weight low.
- Pros: Ultra-light, space-saving
- Cons: Fragile, prone to punctures
4. Hydration Bladders (Camelbak/Platypus)
Hydration bladders are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to drink water while you are hiking. They can come with a hose that goes from the water pouch inside your backpack to your shoulder strap. Then it will help you to sip water without using your hands. This makes it easier to drink often, which helps you to stay hydrated, especially on hot or difficult hikes.
- Pros: Hands-free sipping, convenient on the go
- Cons: Hard to monitor water levels, difficult to refill/clean
Conclusion
Water is the heaviest item in your backpack, but it is also one of the important for your health and safety. If you can carry too little water, then lead to dehydration, headache, tiredness, and even heat exhaustion, especially in hot weather or at high altitudes. If you can carry too much water, then your bag is too heavy, and it will slow down and make the hike harder than it needs to be. You should learn how much water to carry takes practice and experience. If you are a hiker, then you should understand your body’s needs, the weather, and the length of the hike. A smart hiker always checks the map and knows where he can refill the water and carry the filtration tools to make water safe to drink from streams or lakes.
You can use water filters, collapsible bottoms, and hydration bladders that can help you carry water more comfortably and efficiently. You should plan well and still well hydrated without carrying extra weight. Our team of experts makes a hydration strategy that can keep your energy levels high and prevent health issues.
