How much water to carry on C2C?

[Reego]

How much water do you all carry on your way up?

[AlanK]

How much water do you all carry on your way up?

I usually take 3 liters or so. The most I've taken is 4. I tend towards the low side, but I've always had water left when I arrive at Long Valley. A lot depends on hiking speed and, of course, temperature.

[zippetydude]

Hi Reego. I also carry about 3 liters, but I'd mention to you that the factors Alan mentioned are significant.

If you're really fit and can move fast for a few hours, the hike is going to require less water than it would for a beginner who may be on the trail much longer. Same for a cool day versus a hot day.

If you're new to this, and especially if it's not a cool day when you're going, plan on maybe twice as much.

Remember, if you get to Flat Rock (about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way time-wise) and find you have tons of extra water left, it's easy to pour some out. If you get to Flat Rock and run out, you'll probably survive, but you're going to be hatin' life for a while and may even need a SAR call.

Good luck out there on the trail. The best weather is just around the corner.

z

[AlanK]

I would simply not do this hike without having some experience on lesser outings in places that are hot and involve a lot of climbing. That experience gives on a basis for judging one's personal water needs. I'd then err on the side of more water. I would never base my water supply decision solely on what someone else carries.

[Reego]

im planning on carrying 4 liters of water while i hike and pounding about 1-2 liters in the parking lot before i get going

[asabat]

I would simply not do this hike without having some experience on lesser outings in places that are hot and involve a lot of climbing. That experience gives on a basis for judging one's personal water needs. I'd then err on the side of more water. I would never base my water supply decision solely on what someone else carries.

Alan brings up a good point. How much water you need and how much water I need can be very different. I need more than most people. Some people don't bring enough, apparently preferring (or at least not minding) being dehydrated so they don't have to carry the weight.

That said, I often as others I'm hiking with how much they are carrying. This both lets me know who is not prepared if I think it's too low, or, if everyone has much more or less than me, tells me I need to rethink for myself how much to carry.

For out and back hikes, I often drop 2-liters part way up and pick it up on the way down. It saves hauling 5 pounds to the summit when I don't need it until the return trip.