Pro tip: Hit 500 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail before I realized I was carrying too much water

I was doing the stretch through the Sierra last summer and kept filling up to 4 liters at every stream. After about 300 miles I noticed my pack felt way heavier than it needed to. Turned out I was carrying a liter extra almost every day because I never checked the next water source distance on my map. Once I started planning ahead and carrying just 2.5 liters I saved about 2 pounds of weight. Has anyone else figured out their own water carrying sweet spot on a long trail?

3 comments

3 Comments

xena18d ago

I dunno man, carrying 4 liters through the Sierra sounds like overkill but 2.5 seems light if you hit a dry stretch. I did the JMT a few years back and I'd rather have the extra weight than be caught thirsty. You're saying you saved 2 pounds but what if you miscalculate one time and end up rationing water for 8 miles? That's not fun. Different strokes I guess but I'd rather play it safe than sorry.

willow1142d ago

Hey @derek656, ever tried just drinking when you're thirsty and carrying a filter instead of guessing numbers?

derek6567d ago

Does anyone measure their sweat rate to dial in exact water needs?