How to Carry Water When Walking or Hiking – Nomad Life. Full-time Travel (2024)

Carrying water is the most important decision you’ll make when walking and hiking. Whether you’ve got a short little 1-miler around the neighborhood or a 5-day trek into the woods, water is the critical element. For me, since I do all types of walking and many different lengths, I have a whole closet full of water carriers. Here’s how to carry water when walking or hiking based on how long your walk or hike is. We also review several types of water bottles and water bladders. You will know how to carry water while hiking once you finish reading this article. I even recommend the best water bottle for hiking.

What is the Best Water Bottle Carrier for Short Walks and Short Urban Hikes

Walking in the city or around the neighborhood for 1-3 miles only requires one bottle of water for me. But since I always have my keys and my phone with me, I like for my water bottle holder to also carry these items as well. I prefer the Nathan water bottle holder pictured above because the curved water bottle is perfect. I can even go without the belt and put the water bottle in my back pocket if I have the right shorts. I also like it because I can use a larger water bottle in it. When I want a bigger bottle, I prefer this Polar water bottle which comes in a gazillion colors. The best way to carry water when on a shorter hike is with this bottle. If you do want a water bottle set that is good for hiking and includes both the bottle and the belt, I love this set. The water bottle also fits perfectly in my back pocket of my hiking shorts, so I can even do without the belt sometimes.

What is the Best Water Bottle Carrier for Longer Urban Hikes and Walks?

When I want more than one bottle of water, which is often here in dry Colorado, and I also need to carry a few snacks, my keys, and my phone, I prefer this Osprey water carrying bag (which my husband got me, and I love him for it!) This is the best way to carry water when walking a bit longer walk. You want to carry a liter of water for each 3 miles you walk, weather dependent.

When to Use a Water Bladder versus a Water Bottle

When my walks and urban hikes turn into longer jaunts, like over 5 miles, I prefer to use a bladder. Or, when I’m leading walks and I have to carry first aid kits, extra snacks, extra layers, etc, I use a backpack with a spot for a bladder. I like the fun Cotopaxi Luzon 18 L bag, especially since you can get it in unique colors, and the Deuter Compact bag for its perfect size and excellent support. This is the best way to carry water when walking a longer hike. If you’re hiking with someone, always be sure to carry your own water.

How to Carry Water When Traveling and Need Drinking Water

When I’m doing planes, trains, automobiles or doing long day hikes, I prefer the REI Day Pack. This is my go-to for most of my backpack-oriented travel where I’ll be in/out of museums, hostels, or when I’m day hiking and have portage for other gear. This is the best way to carry water when traveling longer distances.

How to Carry Water During Longer Multi-Day Hikes

And finally, when I’m walking long hikes like on the Appalachian Trail or the Bruce Trail, I like my Osprey Kyte 46. It’s a true gem for stuffing a tent, sleeping bag, water sterilizer, clothes, and food.

Which Water Bladders of All Sizes for Walking and Hiking

All of the packs above can fit any size bladder, and a few of them come with a bladder. But if you need to buy a stand-alone bladder or another size of bladder (I have a 1-liter and a 2-liter), I prefer a clear bladder with a twist top rather than a slide top. In the dark, with low light, the twist top is easier to refill than trying to manage sliding a thin piece of plastic across an unruly edge. The clear color allows you to see any mold or debris within the bladder.

After using your bladder, be sure to empty your bladder every time, and let it dry completely. I use bladder cleaners a couple of times a year, and they do a wonderful job.

Clean Water

Finally, if you need to sterilize your water, my best recommendation is the Steri-Pen, which I reviewed earlier. I used this along the Appalachian Trail and in Mexico with ease while my friends struggled with their filtration systems.

Happy watering! What do you use? What would you recommend?

See you on the trail~

Chris