Best Ways to Carry Water on a Backpacking Trip

Water. It’s heavy but essential. Sorry, there’s no getting away with not carrying water on your hikes. But the good news is that if you use the right method of carrying and accessing it, you can be comfortable, perform well, and truly enjoy the miles ahead.

As we walk into our "second hand full of decades," we understand the imperative of intentionality. We are zealous about what we put in our minds, and we must be just as zealous about caring for our bodies—the only form of transportation we have through this life. Hydration is not just about quenching thirst; it’s about lubrication for joints, maintaining energy, and preventing the kind of fatigue that leads to mistakes.

So, how do we intentionally choose the best water carriage system? Let's look at the three primary methods, weighing their advantages and burdens.

1. The Reliable Classic Bottle

For many of us who have been hiking for decades, the bottle system is familiar and comforting. This typically involves using hard plastic bottles (like Nalgene) or thin-walled disposable bottles (like Smartwater or Gatorade).

The Advantage:

• Clarity and Control: You can clearly see exactly how much water you have left, which eliminates anxiety about running dry between sources. This simple visual inventory keeps you honest about your consumption.
• Easy Handling: Bottles are easy to fill, especially from low-flow sources or when scooping from a stream. You can also easily mix electrolytes or a recovery drink in one bottle while keeping the other pure.
• Durability and Access: Placed in external pack pockets, they are tough to puncture and accessible without removing your pack. Ease of access is critical; the fewer excuses we have not to drink, the better.

The Burden:

• Accessibility often means an awkward reach to a side pocket, especially if you have shoulder mobility limitations. Finding a bottle holder on the shoulder strap (or simply asking a hiking partner for a hand) can mitigate this.

2. The Hydration Reservoir: Hands-Free Efficiency

The modern hydration bladder, or reservoir, is a soft plastic pouch stored inside the main compartment of your pack, connected to a long hose that clips to your shoulder strap.

The Advantage:

• Continuous Sipping: This is the ultimate system for accessibility and consistency. The tube is always right there. You can sip small amounts every few minutes without breaking stride. This allows you to keep going and concentrate on your footing, which is paramount on tricky trails.
• Balanced Weight: The water weight sits centrally and close to your back, often leading to a better-feeling pack balance.

The Burden:

• Inventory Anxiety: You cannot easily gauge how much water you have left, sometimes leading to a frantic moment of realizing the bladder is empty.
• Maintenance: Cleaning and drying the bladder and tube requires effort. Ignoring this leads to another "science experiment". This is the life lesson: convenience often comes with a hidden cost of maintenance.

3. The Flexible Flask

A newer, increasingly popular system—often used for carrying water in addition to a reservoir—is the soft, flexible plastic flask or collapsible bottle. These are typically designed to compress as you drink, minimizing bulk.

The Advantage:

• Minimalist Weight: Like thin walled disposable water bottles, when empty, these weigh almost nothing.
• Shoulder-Strap Access: Many packs now include front-access pockets on the shoulder straps designed specifically for these flasks, providing the most immediate, zero-effort access to water while hiking.

The Burden:

• Durability: They are susceptible to punctures if not handled with care, and the soft structure can be difficult to manage when filling from a water source. Some larger flexible bottles can be clumsy and may require both hands.

The Final, Intentional Sip

The truth is, there is no single "best" way. The best system is the one that allows you to drink enough water to keep moving with joy and commitment. Many experienced hikers—especially those focused on longevity—use a hybrid system: a reservoir for the primary volume inside the pack, and one or two classic bottles in the side or shoulder-strap pockets for easy access, electrolyte drinks, or filtered water.

Your body is your vessel for this magnificent journey. Be intentional about its care. Tip that scale in favor of your well-being. By choosing a water system that prioritizes easy access, reliable function, and your personal style of hiking, you are taking a crucial step toward ensuring that every turn you take, on the trail or in life, is worth it.