Just checked the water weight for a 3 day trip and it shocked me

I was planning a route through the Uinta Mountains and sat down with my gear list. Figured I'd pack 3 liters for a day's hiking. But I looked up the actual weight of water and did the math. 3 liters is over 6 pounds. For a 3 day trip that's nearly 20 pounds just for drinking. That's without cooking or washing. I saw a stat from the USGS that says the average person needs about a gallon a day in hot weather. So I was looking at carrying dinner and shelter but also basically a small child's weight in water. Made me rethink my whole route and where I can refill. How do you guys handle water weight on long stretches without resupply?

2 comments

2 Comments

ray_mitchell1mo ago

Uinta's got plenty of water if you plan right. Ditch 2 liters and filter from the streams.

lane.angela1mo ago

Ray's right about the streams up there but check the flow first cause a dry creek can mess up your whole plan.