All About Water for DAY HIKING - What I Pack, Why, and More *super important* (hiking essentials)

What are the key takeaways you got from this video? Comment below! ⬇️

I always try to carry the 10 essentials every time I hike food, water(sawyer mini is my preferred system), insulation, shelter, navigation, fire, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, and multi-tool.

YES! It's so frustrating when folks don't bring any or enough water on hikes. The best we can do is take care of ourselves and set good examples/educate. You explained all your points so well. I don't know how I ever hiked without my water reservoir that I acquired this year. I rarely get headaches anymore hiking in the mountains because I'm just constantly hydrated - I enjoy hiking more! And I love my Katadyn BeFree water filter. What a game changer for having a backup AND cold water on trail.

Don’t know if it has been mentioned without reading all the comments. One thing to keep in mind with the Sawyer. You cannot let it freeze. So in cold conditions put it in a ziploc and sleep with it. Cold days put it in your coat or shirt close to your body. Sometimes there is an obvious split on the outside when it has frozen. Other times you may see what appears to be a slight leak. It’s not a leaky seal, it’s damaged. As for bladders in hot weather. I learned that after taking a drink blow the water left in the tube back onto the bladder. This will save you from getting a mouthful of hot water. Great hydration video by the way.

1 liter smart water bottle with sawyer filter. Depending on water sources I carry additional bottles in pack. I don't like not knowing how much water is in a bladder until it's empty.

Great info! Thanks for doing so many safety oriented topics which others don't cover.

I day hike in desert environments with no water sources at all, I bring a full bladder and two water bottles and hope I don’t get lost. The concept of getting water on the trail sounds like a crazy dream!

Great video. I like that you pointed out that we should be mindful of what we put into our bodies before a hike. Also, the importance of bringing a backup system along. I would love to see more video's on preparedness.

Thank you! Love your channel. Your videos are always so informative. 😊

I love how diligent you are. Very helpful advice, thank you!

Love your channel! I've been hiking all summer but two weeks ago I messed up and didn't bring enough water and was so overheated after a large climb and almost passed out. Definitely made me rethink my whole setup.

It was 97° in L.A. yesterday. 2 people had to be rescued by the fire department, needing airlift out of our local hiking area, (they became dehydrated). Another case where someone's dog died on the trail. PLEASE, people, don't take your dogs out in the heat of the day!!

Thank you for this video! I’m a complete beginner so some of this stuff I just hadn’t thought about. So helpful & thanks for linking what you use.

Thank you Amanda, another great video. I am now looking into getting myself the Sawyer Squeeze as I am guilty of only taking a bottle of water out with me when walking my dog. I guess we are both not drinking enough !!! Thank you again for always being our voice of common sense x Keep up the good work x

All good points. A lot of people though, including myself, hate bladders with drinking tubes. I'm a 55 year old hiker that spends most of my time in the deserts of Southern AZ and 99% of the time am solo. While a very rare water source may be out there somewhere, I pretty much only have what water is on me. If I'm out all day then I've got a couple of water bottles on my pack and a soft 1.5l or 2l water canteen in my bladder pocket. I've got no problem taking a break and refilling my bottle when I need to. I also carry purification tablets just on the chance I need them and actually have a water source but that would be very rare. You touched some on mentality and in this environment in AZ, that is key to survival. Pre-hydrating is important, as you said. Don't hit the trail already behind the 8-ball. Keep your electrolytes up but don't go overboard with them. One absolute never-break rule if you have limited water is ALWAYS turn around and head back when half your water is gone. Never forget that you also have to get back to the car, and have some water in the car. It might be warm but if you pushed it a little too hard you'll be glad its there.

Good points, I’ve always carried a water bottle with water and one with bio steel. But I think the reservoir makes a lot of sense, I’m going to buy one! And a water filter, never crossed my mind, which as I write that doesn’t sound super smart on my part! Thanks for this, I 100% rethinking my water situation. And yes to electro light video. -Melodie

I fortunately have never experienced an emergency situation while hiking but always carry enough supplies to get me through a night. Food, water, stove and fuel, fire starting, first aid and other basic supplies. It's comforting to me to know that I'll be ok for a while if something goes wrong. Plus the extra weight means more exercise. Be safe out there and plan for extra. Thanks Amanda for all the helpful ideas.

Such goods tips. I'm going to add my Nuuns in my day pack! I've been a day hiker for a decade and it's only now as i'm starting backpacking that I'm realizing how much I was putting myself in harms way by not carrying enough essentials. I thought I was really prepared because I was comparing myself to others. I used to work for a national park in Canada and people are HORRIBLE at planning day hikes. They often would arrive at our destination with no plan, no map, no water, no backpack, no appropriate shoes.

Great video! I still prefer to use a water bottle because you can't tell how much water you have until it's gone unless you keep taking it out to check. Smart water bottles are big and skinny and the tip fits perfectly in the sawyer squeeze! Just keep it in a pocket you can reach, I always keep my water on the right since that's where I can reach.

Would love to see a video on your favourite electrolytes!