Water Cache
Overview
A water cache is a supply of water intentionally stored along a trail for later retrieval. Caches are common in remote desert environments with few natural water sources.
Key points
- Requires transporting water ahead of time or coordinating with others.
- Subject to environmental regulations and ethical considerations.
- May be tampered with or used unexpectedly by other hikers.
- Provides safety margin in long dry stretches.
- Must be packed out after use to avoid litter.
Details
Water caching involves pre-positioning water at road crossings or designated areas. While helpful for long dry stretches, caches come with risks: they may be disturbed, depleted, or inaccessible.
Some land agencies discourage or restrict caching to prevent environmental impacts or wildlife attraction. Responsible caching includes labeling, securing containers, and retrieving empty jugs after use.
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Illustrative hiking footage
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