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[Yosemite]

How much water do backpackers need?

Hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, rafting, and other human-powered activities in Yosemite National Park

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How much water do backpackers need?

Postby balzaccom » Fri Feb 20, 2015 9:09 am

How much water do you need to drink on the trail?

On our trip to Death Valley, we took what we hoped would be enough water for the two of us for an overnight backpacking trip: Slightly more than a gallon per person for 24 hours. In terms of water bottles, it was 14 quarts, and that turned out to be about right. We drank three quarts during our hike to the campsite (this was, after all, Death Valley) and then used another three quarts for dinner. And then used another two quarts for breakfast the next day…and drank two more on the way out. So we drank ten quarts (five quarts per person) over the 24 hours of the hike. We were a little under-hydrated on the first day, as we were hiking in the afternoon sun. And we had some water left over (which is not a bad thing in the desert). If we were to do it again, we’d probably take about the same.

In the Sierra, of course, you can fill your water bottles along the way. We generally only take four quart bottles for the two of us on those hikes. We always camp near water, so we don’t need to worry about carrying the water for dinner or breakfast. And we start the day with four full bottles---enough to get us through lunch and into dinner. Some people prefer to carry less weight, and may only carry one bottle per person---or even hike from stream to lake and drink what’s available. But we don’t like to take the time to pump and filter while we are on the trail—we prefer to hike. So we carry a little extra weight, and stop less often to pull out our water filter.

Either way works, as long as you keep drinking enough water.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby Grzldvt » Fri Feb 20, 2015 10:35 pm

Very familiar with Death Valley can I ask where you camped?
I go in every March, as I work a car show in Laughlin, NV and do a marathon training run, 10-15 miles in a new area every year in Death Valley. Very familiar with the park.
Steve
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby balzaccom » Sat Feb 21, 2015 8:05 am

We car camped at Texas Springs some nights, and then backpacked to Cottonwood Canyon overnight as well.

Of course, you can "dispersed camp" in many places in Death Valley...something we do as well. But not on this trip
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby Grzldvt » Sat Feb 21, 2015 11:46 pm

Cool....
This year I am going to a little know spot called Kaleidoscope Canyon. A little east of Ashford Mill/Mine.
Steve
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby balzaccom » Sun Feb 22, 2015 7:57 am

We were interested in that area as well...but in the Owlshead Mountains to the west. I'd love to hear about your trip when you get back...
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby Grzldvt » Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:54 am

Deal!!!!
Steve
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby Dave_Ayers » Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:51 pm

Thimble Peak is a fun day-hike climb from Leadville Road. Grotto canyon is also a very nice slot canyon hike with a bit of scrambling required in a few areas to get over the rock ledges.
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Re: How much water do backpackers need?

Postby balzaccom » Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:51 pm

Dave_Ayers wrote:Thimble Peak is a fun day-hike climb from Leadville Road. Grotto canyon is also a very nice slot canyon hike with a bit of scrambling required in a few areas to get over the rock ledges.



Yep. We hiked Grotto Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Golden Canyon, and Gower Gulch the last time we were there...a few years ago. Great hikes.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963
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