How much water?

I'm going to do about a week's worth of the Appalachian trail (mainly through New York) in a couple weeks. How much water should I plan to carry along with me?

Enough - same as any other trail.

Ok, sorry for the smart reply. You'll need to pull out the maps and locate water sources. Once you know that, you can use your hiking speed to determine about how many hours it is between sources. Then, knowing how much you drink, you can figure out how much water you'll need for that amount of time.

There is no hard and fast rule, and no way anyone can tell you how much YOU need - if they've hiked the same trail, they might be able to tell you how much THEY need.

As an example, when I started out as an assistant Scoutmaster, I was told (by supposed experts) that I should always carry at least two quarts of water at all times. A couple of places we went, that was true (it was also the ONLY place my "experts" ever went.) But, when I started going to other places, I found that I would take my regulation two quarts from one source, and still have a quart and a half left when I arrived at the next source. Now, if it's about 3-4 miles between sources, I leave source A with a quart of water.

Of course, you'll want extra if you're going to camp between sources, or if you're going to need water to cook lunch between sources. How much? Depends on what you're cooking, whether you plan to use some of it for a sponge bath, etc.

Nice try, but we can't shortcut your planning for you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

So beginners posting in the beginner forums should expect snarky replies here? Good to know.

No, and Glenn's reply isn't particulary snarky. He told you exactly what you need to do, even if he did add a bit of cheek.

New York is a big place and the AT covers a lot of ground. How could anyone here know the answer without knowing exactly what part of the trail you intend to cover?

If you had said "I'm going from point A to point B on the AT" and posted your question in the long-distance forum, you might have gotten a more detailed response.

Vague questions get vague answers. Sorry, but that's usually how it works.

The AT Conservancy sells the official guidebooks that have info such as water sources.
AT Conservancy

You can also find AT information on www.whiteblaze.net which is an AT hikers forum

Call me snarky, but, I found this information in less than two minutes using Google.

I don't necessarily stop at every water source to refill, so I like to leave camp with about a liter and a half in my pack. I would have drunk close to a liter for breakfast, so I'm pretty well watered when I start. That 1.5 liters usually gets me to lunch or a little farther.

This works well along the AT in the South in spring, when the springs and creeks are running. In late summer, that may not be true. This time of year, it's possible for the springs and creeks to be running pretty well one day, and dry the next -- it all depends on where the last line of thunderstorms hit. If you have a specific itinerary, you can call the local maintaining club, or post a question on an AT-specific forum like Whiteblaze.net.

If you know things are dry, then you have to carry a lot more water.

about a gallon per day
Jim YMMV <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

That is what I was going to say, "a gallon a day, plan accordingly".

Well, I see people saying a gallon a day. I personally think that's a little high but of course that depends on the individual really. Also depends on water along the trail. If water isn't too much of a problem along the trail and you've got iodiine tabelts or a filter of some sorts, you could probably make due with carrying less than 2 liters, filling up as needed along the way. Obviously though, if water is scarce along the section you're on, a gallon is probably your safest bet.

Have fun.

I think what they're saying is to drink at least a gallon of water per day, not necessarily carry a gallon with you. As has been noted, it all depends upon water sources along the way, climate and, for me, whether I'll be hiking solo or with friends.

If I'm hiking with friends and there is water on route I might carry a liter and a half to start. Hiking the same route by myself and I'll probably start with as much a three liters. When hiking solo in the desert I usually carry at least two and a half gallons. Too many variables to answer this question in a simple manner.

Alaska Matt

We'll forgive you this once. No this is not like Alaska - its a DESERT. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That means its really dry - really dry, like its around 10% humidity where I live in high desert and the grand canyon is dryer than that. So for 5 days carry 5 gallons of water, less if you think you can find some thats drinkable.

ONE problem that is never mentioned - the water coming from the canyon walls is so hard from dissolved rock that it forms crystals (Travertine) around sticks in streams and it has the same effect on you as drinking milk of magnesia. You may find water but wish you hadn't had any. In fact any camp ground in Arizona can have water that can really make you sick and ruin your trip, and you ALWAYS drink bottled water in the desert when four wheeling. I carry a 5 gallon jug in my truck. I learned the hard way. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Did I miss something? OP asked about the Appalachian Trail, not Grand Canyon, right? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Or do you mean that the AT in that section at this time of year is like a desert? I've always assumed (yes, I know what THAT does) that it's wet back east in the summer - it always is when I've traveled there!

Wow Jim! Thats 40lbs of water (plus the container weight).

I live in the Sonoran desert and 7-8mos of the year its 85'F + almost everyday. Wanting the ability to haul enough water for several days is actually a reason I keep thinking I need one of these:
Cabela's Outfitter Pack Frame

5gals is just enough water for a 4 day hike. Two days out & two days back plus 1 gal spare for emergency.

But really, when it's 95'F +, and I'm being very physical, 1 gal/day is waaaaaay insufficient. When it's 110+ I can step outside, and be busy in the sun for 5 min. and start feeling dehydrated. I'm not sure 1 gal/day is enough for anything but slower dehydration when it's truly hot.

I've felt a 120'F day here one time back in the 90's and I purposefully stayed outside with the sun at high noon for 30 minutes or so just to feel it.
When I angled my head to let the sun shine through my ears they hurt.
I blew my breath on my hands and the 98.6'F air felt nice and cool.
I could feel my skin sunburning, in just a few minutes.
Heat like that is dangerous to be in, but people do it.

I have sympathy for the guys in Iraq where they are facing 120'F + everyday.

If anyone on the board is backpacking lots of water how are you doing it?

DK
sorry - I got confused with another thread, I though he was going to the GC for 5 days.

I've carried two 1 gallon plastic water bottles in my pack in dry country. 16 pounds of water and worth every ounce when yer tounge is dried out and yer lookin fer water. If you don't over exert yourself and use it only for drinking you might last 4-5 days with 2 gallons of water.
Jim
Can't you die of thirst on the AT? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Heh - s'okay, you wouldn't believe how many times I had to re-read the thread and still wasn't sure I hadn't missed something <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Better than a sudoku puzzle...

Summary and maybe clarification:
1. know the trail. Use guidebooks (I like The Thruhiker's Companion, ATC) for general water availability on any particular day's walk, but springs and rills go dry late in the summer, so get up-to-date info from hikers you meet as well as Whiteblaze. Thruhikers have a spooky grapevine, and can usually tell you if the next 10-15 miles has water or not, even if they have not been there yet themselves. That said, you will probably pass more than one water source during the day. Just make sure you stock up in anticipation of need.

2. Your water demand during the day is something you have to learn. A good idea is to drink your fill (more than you think) before leaving camp, then plan on using at least two liters during the day. Dehydration drains energy as fast as starving and lots of hikers don't drink enough. The rule is: By the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink early and often.

3. Your water demand at camp is also something you have to learn. Desert adapted wilderlings make every drop count, but that involves learned skills. Most folks waste lots of water. If you plan to make a dry camp, you really ought consider having at least 3 to 4 liters if you plan to cook 2 meals. Remember, you will also need enough water to last until you reach a source on the next day.

4. Plan ahead. A dry camp is no problem if you can tank up a few miles before you camp and can walk to the next water source the next day before you run short.

5. Consider alternative strategies. Shelters are often near the only available water. Some wilderlings (your's truly included) don't like to camp in or near shelters. I like stop at a shelter to cook supper (and socialize), tank up on water, hike 3-5 miles in the evening, and then hike to the next water to make breakfast in the morning. When I can do that, I dry camp with, usually, 2 liters. I'll polish one off in the night, and drink the other down in the morning.

6. Rehydration mixes restore electrolytes and make your water go farther. I prefer artificially sweetened ones because I hike better on complex carbs instead of the sugar found in most mixes. My favorite hydration mix is not sweet at all: unsweetened lemon Koolaid mix, table salt and salt substitute (for potasium). A swig of that perks me right up.

No one here can accurately answer that question without knowing at least the following:

1) The distance and terrain between water resupply points. Or more accurately the time span between those points.

2) How much water your personal metabolism requires under varying conditions.

3) The weather/air temp during your hike.

And the only person who can supply that information is you. And even you won't know #3 until your trip begins.

The correct answer to your question cannot be obtained online or from a book. It comes only from personal experience. Start out by carrying way too much water and pare it down from there.

I drink about three liters a day for temps into the 70's and reaching camp by about 5 PM. Liter #1 by noon, liter #2 by 5 PM, liter #3 used for evening meal and the rest drank the next AM. After reaching camp, if by around 5 PM, I only use 1 cup of liter #3 for my meal so I am not up at night peeing. For hotter weather, I may add another liter during the day.

Drinking over a set period of time is more effective for complete rehydration. Rapid replacement (cameling up only at water sources with little drinking otherwise) of fluid stimulates increased urine production and reduces body water retention.

Store bought electrolyte powders are overly expensive and mostly useful for competition (when you may not eat solid foods) since you get those electrolytes in your meals/snacks.

“My favorite hydration mix is not sweet at all: unsweetened lemon Koolaid mix, table salt and salt substitute (for potasium)”

That is a Kool idea! And I don’t care if there’s a pun in there. This even sounds like a good mix for bikers.
What is the mixture ratio you use?

Thanx,
-Barry

My hydration mix is:

1 packet unsweetened koolaid in 2 liter container
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon Morton's Lite salt

My favorite hydration mix:
1 liter water
1 packet unsweetened KoolAid (lemon or lemon/lime)
2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp salt substitute

This is probably the best advise I have seen on this thread.

My new favorite way to hydrate is by eating Cliff Shot Blocks at a rate of about one per 15-30 minutes of hiking and down it with water. This way no mixes foul up my water bladder. They taste good and some have caffeine. They're chewy, sort of like jello but more firm. They don't seem to melt at under 100F or so, and you can eat them one at a time without touching them with your hands by squeezing them out of the package. I have noticed a real difference in my energy for hiking while eating them. I also didn't seem to need as much "real" food as I was both hydrated and had consumed a few hundred extra calories along the way.

So far I've tried lemon-lime, orange, cola (caffeinated) and strawberry and liked them all.

And to stay on topic, I drink around 1 liter for every 4 miles or so unless I'm sweating a lot.