Long Water Carry
Overview
A long water carry refers to a trail segment with limited or unreliable water sources, requiring hikers to carry large quantities of water between known points.
Key points
- Common in arid or high-elevation environments.
- Requires precise planning and monitoring of water reports.
- Increases pack weight substantially, sometimes by several liters.
- Can affect travel timing, especially during hot weather.
Details
Long water carries demand careful evaluation of seasonal flows, user-submitted water reports, and official land management advisories. Hikers often start long carries during cooler times of day to reduce dehydration risk. Strategies include carrying additional containers, using electrolyte supplements, and rationing appropriately while avoiding underhydration.
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.