Backpacking Discussions

I'm planning a backpacking trip with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s, where finding water is not guaranteed, so I am going to end up packing it all in. How much water per day am I going to need. In the past I've used 1 gallon/person/day. Is this about the right amount Should I be drinking more or less? Thanks!

Three quarts per person per day is a good rule of thumb. Warmer conditions and/or rugged terrain may necessitate carrying more, so if you are backpacking in hot conditions with not much water, sounds like a gallon per day should be adequate. But bringing extra is always a good idea, especially in places you know water is hard to come by or it will be real hot.

Since I've been doing some more research, I think you are right. Sounds like 1 gallon per person per day should be good! Thanks!

I've had many experiences where I have realized I didn't have enough water to make it to the next water source, and had to drink only a quart for a whole day, and that wasn't too fun. I've also had trips where I think about that very experience I just mentioned, so I decide to bring far to much, and it just slows me down, and almost pointless to bring extra.

You know, you could die only after a couple days of not having water, but at least you don't have the weight on your back or you can play it safe and just carry a bit more than 1 gallon! I usually overdo it, but it's always better to be safe or... dead!

I usually overdo it, but it's always better to be safe or... dead!

Sounds good to me! I always bring more than I plan on drinking. Maybe something will happen to me where I'd need to stay longer than planned, or give water to another person.

One time when I was backpacking, I came across a group that had planned to do the hike in one day, but I was staying the night at a campground. They ended up taking a lot longer than they had planned to hike out, so I offered to let them stay in my camp. I gave them extra water, food, and clothes. I'm glad I brought extras!

Ya that makes sense. Bringing extra water is always good. The hard part is knowing when you are bring to much extra!

Wow I don't drink nearly enough then! It must be different for each person because I probably only drink 2 quarts a day, and feel fine. I've tried to drink more after several people told me I need to, but I would just get side-aches.

I hiked 15 miles this weekend in one day and I only drank about 1 quart. I was feeling great and I hiked a few miles with only stoping for seconds so it must be the person because I did great. Though it was pretty cool and even in the sun it probably only got to about 85 F

It really depends on your intake, but more is much better than less. Just don't overdo it

but more is much better than less. Just don't overdo it

More IS much better than less, and just like johnnymac said you should never overdo it. Being over-hydrated can do a lot of harm, and could ruin your backpacking trip. Excessive water intake can dilute levels of sodium in the blood. One technique for calculating how much fluid you need is to get a really accurate scale. Then, weigh yourself before and after a trip to determine how much water weight you've lost. If your weight drops by more than 2 percent, you haven't drunk enough fluid.

From my experience and a bit of research I've done, in general, I follow the following guidelines for water usage per day while backpacking:

Fall and Spring 2 - 3 liters
Hot Weather 3 - 4 liters
Winter, Cold Weather 3.5 + liters
High altitudes in all seasons Add additional 2 liters

During fall and spring, temperatures are average, and that is what the average person should drink daily. While backpacking in hot weather, you lose fluids from sweat and they need to be replaced. Contrary to what some may think, you need more water in winter than other seasons. You lose moisture through evaporation to the dry air and through respiration. When dry air enters the lungs, it heats up and is exhaled saturated with moisture. When you are traveling above about 8,000 feet/2,438 meters, your body loses more fluid, so add an additional 2 liters to the amount/day.

This are guidelines based on my own experience and research. Our bodies are all different - age, sex, physical condition, etc. - so be sure to bring extra water until you know the amount that you need to keep hydrated.

Those are great guidelines. Because of this thread, I did a little more research and discovered I should be drinking a lot more than I have been. I went on a treacherous, all day hike and I drank a little under 3 liters, and I really felt more energized then I usually do. I just have to get used to going to the lady's room a bit more often in the wilderness now!