Dry stretch (no water)

Dry stretches occur when streams, springs, and other water sources are absent, seasonal, or too uncertain to plan around. In these segments, hikers must begin with enough water to cover all needs until the next reliable source, including drinking, cooking, and limited hygiene. The length of dry stretches can vary widely depending on route and conditions.

Information about dry stretches typically comes from official sources, guidebooks, maps that mark reliable and seasonal water, and recent reports from other hikers or trail organizations. Because precipitation patterns, snowmelt timing, and infrastructure maintenance can change, water information is often treated as time-sensitive.

Planning for a dry stretch involves estimating personal consumption rates in the expected temperature, terrain, and pace, then adding a margin to account for delays or miscalculations. Carrying additional water increases pack weight, which in turn can affect speed and perceived effort.

Dry stretches are a major planning factor in some long-distance routes, particularly those crossing arid or semi-arid regions. Many hikers adjust schedules to traverse the hottest segments earlier or later in the day, further integrating dry stretch considerations into overall trip planning.