Backpacking question for TBH

[trooperjd]

Ok as in previous thread I'm scheduled to go on a backpacking/hiking trip next month in Big Bend. The issue is the trail taken will force us to pack our water for the 3-4 day hike. So now weight has become an issue, so going as light as possible in every aspect to accommodate the water. Will need water for Monday thru Thursday. My water will mainly be used for drinking and small amount to cook dehydrated soups in the evening.

So what is the most efficient and economical way (if possible) to pack 3-4 gallons of water in a pack? I'm new to these types of hikes as stated before. I do have a 3 liter camelback with quick release hose that I can remove bladder from to haul some water in. Any other ideas?

[Tower43]

Have you already ruled out a water cache drop off at a middle point? That's what most people do

[huntingfanatic]

So I am assuming you don't know of any water sources along the route

[doppelganger]

Backpacking question for TBH

I was wondering about your water requirements and the weight from your original post. 8lbs/gal. Ain't light

Could always see about supplementing some water with more electrolyte nutrient liquids. Could save some space and possibly some weight

Is there water around the hiking paths? Get a "Life straw" or some other filtration system.

[trooperjd]

We had a trail picked out with water cache spots but they closed that trail. They did shorten the length we are going to hike a day due to having to pack our water. Now we are only going to go about 3-4 miles a day. It's going to be a lot shorter and less demanding per day than originally planned due to part of the trails being closed and water. I know of no additional water sources, but electrolyte supplement drinks makes sense.

Some guys said they are going to just take gallon water jugs but that seems awfully bulky and would seems hard to pack. Maybe I'm just unfamiliar with backpacking that I'm having trouble visioning the water situation. Everything else I've just about got figured out, but the water situation threw a kink in my planning.

[Tower43]

You are really going to notice that much weight of all that water. I would avoid it at all costs. But if you have to I think Rei has some soft bladders that would mix in with the other items in your pack.

Strap a gallon to your dog?

[Tower43]

I think a gallon a day is a little much, as long as it is this time of year

[DRT]

If you have water sources, i.e. streams or springs, and they aren't to turbid you don't need a filter. Just get some purification tabs and closely follow the directions. We use them on scout back packing trips.

If you have to pack water for the whole trip I hope you are stout. You will easily drink a gallon a day hiking. Figure another quart for cooking easily. They sell collapsable cubes that you can use at Academy. If you plan to use the a lot you can buy good bladders that handle longer term use better but are fairly expensive.

[DRT]

I think a gallon a day is a little much, as long as it is this time of year

I dont. The dry air out there will dehydrate you just from breathing. Backpacking is a sweat sport even when it's cool outside.

[DRT]

Look up Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron New Mexico and they will have some good info on things to pack, how to prepare.

[Texas276]

You may look into one of those single wheeled hiking carts if the terrain will allow.

[Tower43]

I dont. The dry air out there will dehydrate you just from breathing. Backpacking is a sweat sport even when it's cool outside.

It does depend on how much elevation change is in your hike. But I myself have a lot of time in the desert, I would use a gallon a day in the summer and about a liter or so in the winter (not including cooking). I suppose it depends on the person.

[Tower43]

If you have to do it you better make everything else as light as you can and forget bringing the "just in case items" or comfort items. Maybe team up with someone else carrying a two gallon container and pass it back and forth to get some relief

[Shane]

Take all the water you can carry. It is WAY better to have extra water than not enough. And the water will get lighter every time you take a sip. You may start out with a lot of weight, but you'll be empty by the time you get to the other end of the trail.

The collapsable bladders are great. Get at least one tube with a bite valve on it to make it easy to drink without unpacking everything to get the water out.

[Maui-diver]

To carry that much weight you will need a serious pack/frame. The one I have been using will do what you need, but it will cost you some $$$ Go to Kifaru website and look under the rhino den. Get the older duplex frame and a set of compression straps. Maybe find a used cargo panel to use for the duplex. You can also attach any size dry bag you need to that frame.