3-4 days, I’m assuming you have water sources along the way or at a destination? Hiking in the extreme heat and humidity of the southeast, I consume about a 1.5 liters every two hours when backpacking on the trail. I only carry about 3 liters on my person when backpacking, so it gives me an average range of about four hours of backpacking or roughly eight miles (terrain dependent).
Now, our routes often have springs or other water sources, so we tank up at every opportunity. We’ve run dry a couple times (which I hate), but knew there was a water source within the next mile or two. There have been times where the maps will show a much greater distance between water sources…this is where planning and having additional containers comes in handy. Water weighs a ton and you want to carry the minimal amount safe, but there are times where you may need to carry extra because of the limited sources for resupply.
There have been times where we know we wouldn’t make the camp site with a water source or if we push beyond it for a few miles to get some extra distance. Both those situations occur frequently and require us to tank up as more water than normal as that water will be used for cooking and washing for both the evening and morning. We won’t be carrying the extra water very far, but it’s important to have that extra amount.
Once in camp where a water source is nearby, we fill up on water for various tasks of topping off our hydration bladders and water bottles along with enough water to cook, clean up or wash up.
My water setup has been an evolution and just gets slight refinements, but I’m pretty happy with it.
Basic proponents are:
2-3 liter hydration bladder (right now it’s the lightweight 2.5 liter Osprey)
One liter SmartWater bottle with the squeeze top added (a very functional addition for cleaning tasks)
1.5-2 liter Platypus or Evernew collapsible container (empty except for camp or carry extra water)
Two Sawyer 2-liter squeeze pouches. One is a backup, but both can be used to transport water if needed
Sea-to-Summit Sil-Nylon (recent upgrade) 10-liter collapsible buck; handy to transport water short distances
Excluding the bucket, I could easily transport 9-10 liters of water; a ton of water for backpacking (actually way too much to carry any significant distance). For more arid conditions or lack of water sources, water management becomes more critical, which is why much depends on location and season.
I’m considering an upgrade (downgrade as it’s slightly heavier) to the new 750ml Vargo BOT with handles as it would serve as a cook kit but also give you another container to transport water.
ROCK6