How To Carry Water In A Backpack When Hiking
Different Methods Of Rehydration While Trekking
Feb 25, 2009
There are different ways to carry water while trekking. Some come incorporated within the backpack itself, while others require the user to add bits and pieces to secure their water supply.
Hiking Water Bladders And Hydration Packs
Water bladders, or hydration packs, are fairly common for hiking. The concept is simple: a water bladder held in the backpack with a hose over the shoulder the hiker uses for rehydration during the walk. They can come as a separate hydration pack with pockets to carry those bits and pieces for a day walk. Or a separate water bladder can be slipped into a purpose-built sleeve in the main backpack.
Some backpacks are supplied with their own water bladder; while others have only the pocket which can cater for a range of water bladders.
There are a few things to watch out for in both styles. First off, the hose must be easy to access and easy to use. The hose entry into the backpack must be designed to keep rainwater out when hiking in a downpour.
The backpack must allow for easy refilling of the water bladder. The water bladder should be able to slip in and out of the backpack without having to empty half the backpack’s load.
Usually a hand is needed to locate the hose. This can be awkward if hiking with two trekking poles, as it is difficult to wave the pole around while locating the hose.
External Pockets For Carrying Water While Hiking
External pockets on the side of the backpack to hold water bottles have been around for a while. Fill the water bottle, slip it into its pocket and head off on the track.
The main problem is that the pocket needs to be reached without removing the backpack. A hiker should be able to reach around and slip the water bottle from its pocket for a drink or to re-fill. If the pockets have not been well designed, a bulging backpack can force the water bottle out of reach.
Separate Carrier For Carrying Water While Hiking
A separate water bottle carrier works in the same way as the in-built external pocket. A carrier, with a range of buckles and clips, can be bought at the local hiking shop. This is attached to the main backpack. The main advantage is that the separate carrier can be placed on the backpack wherever the hiker needs to access the water bottle.
Some hikers put them on the side, using the backpack’s compression straps to hold the carrier in place. Others hang the water bottle on the chest in front.
Carrying Water Bottles In The Backpack
Having a few water bottles in the backpack is the oldest method of carrying water for hiker rehydration while hiking. This is adequate when carrying water from the water source to the campsite, such as Granite Beach campsite on Tasmania’s South Coast Track, Australia. However, this is awkward when wanting quick access to water when hiking.
The bottles need to be tough and don’t leak. The worst thing to happen would be bursting the bottles when pulling on the compression straps of the backpack.
Water bottles in the backpack are useful when water is not available and needs to be carried. Depending on a trekker’s water consumption, this occurs when crossing the Maguli Range on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
There are a number of ways of carrying water while trekking. The ones to use are dependant on personal preferences and the design of the backpack. A combination could be used for the optimum arrangement.
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