How Much Water Should You Bring on a Hike?

You may be so preoccupied with hiking and camping equipment for your venture that you forget the most vital component—water. A hike that lacks a water supply could be bad news for you and whoever is relying on you. Let us explain how much water you should bring on a hike so you’re never in a dire situation.

The Length of the Trails

You may not know how long it will take you to hike a mile if you’re a newbie to the activity. Depending on the terrain, your physical fitness, and who accompanies you, it could take 30 minutes to two hours to get a mile in.

Most trail guides highlight how long one is, giving you a general idea of what challenges lie ahead and how long it should take you. The rule of thumb is adults need two cups of water an hour, whereas children can get by with one. But if your child is moody or exhausted, they too might want two cups.

For example, if you plan to hike with your significant other and one child that lasts two hours, you will need at least ten ounces of water to keep everyone hydrated.

Are There Other Fresh Water Options on the Hike?

While researching the distances of trails, it’s worthwhile to investigate if other water sources are available as you hike. No, you’re not going to take a swig of river water or slurp up leftover rainwater, but there are sometimes reliable sources along the trek. You can always bring water purification goodies along for the hike, guaranteeing you fresh water if a bubbling brook is somewhere.

The Severity of the Weather

As much as we’d like every day to be 80 degrees with a cool breeze, the weather is ever-changing. You’ll always be at the mercy of Mother Nature no matter your trip’s length. You’ll also need more water if Mother Nature decides to be sweltering hot and uncomfortably humid.

You know how the weather will affect you best, so whatever advice you see or hear—including ours—it’s best to take caution and have more water than necessary. You can opt for large 35L backpacks to ensure you can pack more than enough without worrying about taking up space.

Your Overall Thirst

Regarding how the weather affects your thirst levels, it might be wise to calculate how much water you consume weeks before your excursion to know precisely how much you drink. Finding that number allows you to calculate and plan for the worst-case scenario safely. It’s better to have a little extra weight in a backpack if the other option is running out of water.

Now that you know how much water you should bring on a hike, you can plan a wonderful getaway, exploring the finest trails in the local area and beyond. WOLFpak has the backpacks and supplies you need to keep yourself hydrated and healthy as you rack up the miles.