Hydration 101: Your Guide to Water While Hiking

Written by Korrin Bishop

Water is one of the unsung heroes of backpacking and hiking trips. Humans can only survive about three days without water, and our need for it increases with our activity level, as we lose fluids through sweat. But it can be hard sometimes to gauge just how much we need. If you’re newer to backcountry travel, you might also have questions around where to source your water or the best way to carry it.

Well, never fear! Our Hydration 101 blog is here to help answer all of your questions about water on the trail, including:

  • How much water should you drink while hiking?
  • What is the best way to carry your water while hiking?
  • What water is safe to drink in the backcountry?
  • What are the signs of dehydration?

Let’s dive in!

LAST UPDATED

February 10, 2025

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Gossamer Gear

Media Mentions from Gossamer Gear

Improving trail experiences by providing lightweight hiking gear to people from all around the world.

We make backpacks, shelters, trekking poles, sleeping pads and hiking gear accessories. Our products have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, National Geographic Adventure Magazine, and New York Times.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

When I’m going to be walking in tall grass and weeds, I wear my snake boots which I’ve sprayed with Sawyer’s permethrin. Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/article308242365.html#storylink=cpy

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
Executive Producers and Hosts, "The People's Pharmacy

Media Mentions

Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent: Top-pick bug repellent

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

Water purification technology has reached new heights with the Sawyer Squeeze System, delivering 0.1-micron absolute filtration that removes 99.9% of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and cysts.

Camping Survival
Website