Fall is here and yes, with the lack of rain, water can dry up.
Here are some reminders on what you can do when water is low on the trail -
Here are some reminders on what you can do when water is low on the trail -
1. Try to schedule your hike when there has been
rainfall. Easier said than done when you can only go at a certain time. But if you
have flexibility, do it. Check in with hiking social media to get updates if
possible. If need be, alter your hiking plans to a different area that has better
water availability. Some areas also institute burn bans due to fire danger. Check ahead of time for these issues before you leave.
2.
Take an updated guidebook that will tell you when
sources are reliable or unreliable. For instance AWOL’s AT Guide for the Appalachian
Trail tells you when source are reliable. And those not marked this way for me
were dry. Also, you need guidebooks of potable sources in towns etc. On the
heels of this, take a map or use a map app on your phone. Maps can identify water sources – esp. springs, streams, etc that may not be in your guidebook. Or it will let you know if a water source is
flowing from a beaver pond or a field or a road, of which you then need to
treat with care. It will also tell you where you might want to camp that night.
3.
Take extra water containers. When in a dry section,
you may need to tote water for a considerable distance. Take extra Platypus
containers, empty water bottles, etc. Adjust your pack weight and how you carry
items in your pack to adjust for the extra water (a liter of water weighs about
2 lbs).
4.
When you see a water source, fill up. Hydrate
too. Check your map, if it has been very dry, you may need to err on the side
of caution and take an extra few liters with you. Plan your mileage accordingly
if you need to carry extra weight.
5.
Plan non cook meals. This will use less water.
6. Make sure you have adequate water treatment (chemical, Sawyer squeeze, Steripen, Pump)
7. If things get tough, don’t be afraid to ask a
neighbor, business, even a home for water. Sometimes you need to do what’s safe. If all else fails and
there is none, get off the trail. Better to be off and hike another day than
get dehydrated or worse.
It can be tough trying plan for water conditions, especially when
there has been no rainfall. But with some planning and flexibility, you can make
it through the driest of times.
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Lauralee,
ReplyDeleteGood information, I being a desert hiker can affirm the importance of water on the trail. Although it can be excess weight, it is so important.