How much water do you carry in your pack ?

rclouse79

WKR
Joined
Dec 10, 2019
Messages
1,962
I know it all 'Depends". Lets you have a 7 mile hike hunt planned. No available water anywhere on the hunt route. Idaho in September archery elk. Elevation gain 2000' and hunt route is mostly at 9000'. Temperature 65* for a high. Partly cloudy skies. Light winds less than 10mph. I may have missed a few more variables.
If I chug as much water as I can before leaving the truck, I have found I am good to hunt all day in rugged terrain with 3 L of water. I always carry a steri pen in case I come across an unexpected water source.
 

Gerbdog

WKR
Joined
Jun 8, 2020
Messages
915
Location
CO Springs
I carry 3L of water i drink out of - gets me through a day hiking and hunting sunup to sundown - usually depleted by the time i get back to the truck

There is 1L of electrolyte mixed water stashed for elk down situation when the packing starts - need to at least get one load back to the truck to refill the above mentioned 3L

That said i also carry some tablets to purify water - if the plans all fell apart and things have gone real wrong its there to see me through another day or 2 in a bad situation
 

CMF

WKR
Joined
May 8, 2019
Messages
913
Location
Mississippi
Sep archery temps 10k in CO
1.5-2L on day hunt with with water in area, drink at truck or camp before and after, sometimes adding water during the day for lunch/coffee.
3L if I don't know where theres water
4L if I'm staying overnight and don't know where water will be. or more
Increase for warmer lower elevation temps...
 

Autiger95

FNG
Joined
Jan 8, 2025
Messages
2
No matter how short of a trip, I always take a 2L bladder and a 32oz bottle with me.
I keep a backup life straw with me as a worst case scenario situation
 

Dave0317

WKR
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
456
Location
North MS
I don’t think I’ve ever covered 7 consecutive miles in Elk country and not crossed a stream, spring, or at least a little seep. But, I’ve never hunted the farthest south west states either.

I find I use about 4L every 24 hours. I also found that like others have said, freezing can be an issue. One trip I had to fill up midday only. In the early morning single digit temps, the creek water would freeze as soon as it was in a bag or bottle and not moving.

I also make it a habit to top off when I do come across a little stream every few hours.
 

bz_711

WKR
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
817
70oz camelback, plus usually start day with 24oz shaker of energy mix/caffeine

Always have a sawyer squeeze or mini in pack as well.
 

svivian

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
3,302
Location
Colorado
since it hasnt been mentioned...

If im staying in the area and plan to hunt multiple days i would take and stash some water up there. Would suck the first trip up but better than running out when you need it.
 
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