Water is one of the necessities of life. You may be able to live without food for weeks, but without water, you will not last more than three days. When you go camping, remember to account for your consumption and also keep in mind the other uses for water throughout your trip. Often while packing for a camping trip, the question arises, “How much water should I bring camping?”. Having enough water is crucial to ensure a worry-free camping adventure.
In this article, we will clear up all your queries. We will cover water usage during dry camping, how to store water, and even teach you to locate water if you run out during camping. If this interests you, sit back, relax and let’s begin!
How Much Water Do You Need for Two Days Camping?
Are you going camping for two days? We recommend packing four gallons, or roughly fourteen liters of water for each person when camping for two days.
However, this may depend on the weather conditions. If the weather is hot, you are likely to drink more water. Moreover, it will also depend on the age of your fellow campers. These factors will help determine the water needed for your two-day camping trip.
How Much Water Do I Need for Dry Camping?
Dry camping, also known as boondocking, is camping in an RV, a camper, or a motor home with no hook-ups. That means no electricity or water. Dry trailers can set camp on public and private grounds with the owner’s consent.
Once again, water is necessary, and you will need it whether you are tent camping or dry camping. Wondering how much water should I bring camping? There is no correct answer. The appropriate solution is based on your needs and other factors. However, keeping at least two gallons of fresh, clean drinking water on hand daily for each person while dry camping is a good idea.
Remember that you can also bring drinks like soda, juice, or fresh fruit. They can compensate for the need for drinking water. However, you will also need more water daily to cook, clean, and brush your teeth.
If your RV has a water tank, a toilet, a shower, and a kitchen sink, you will probably use more water than expected simply because these luxuries make it easier to use a lot of water. To learn some top tips for dry camping, be sure to check out the following youtube video:
How Do You Pack Water for Camping?
You likely sweat a lot more when you are camping. You will therefore require extra hydration. Packing water for drinking should therefore be at the top of your plan. Make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated on your journey. One of the greatest water storage options is a water bottle.
You can use various techniques and containers to store water. These containers can be rigid or malleable. Your choice will depend on your preferences, the required capacity, and your budget.
Water Storage for Camping
Make sure you have the means to store the water when you pack your camping equipment. For your convenience, we have listed the best water containers available on the market.
1. Scepter Military Grade Container
The Scepter Military Grade Water Jug is a wise choice for campers who value durability above all else. It is made of military-spec food-grade LDPE plastic that does not alter the flavor or odor of the water. This sturdy container is big enough to survive years of rugged use and can hold up to 5 gallons of water. The molded plastic handle on this water container makes it much easier to carry to and from your car.
2. GSI Collapsible Container
The Water Collapsible Container is a good choice for campers who desire the adaptability of a collapsible water jug with the same level of durability as a jerry can. This foldable water bottle is made of food-grade LDPE plastic, making it sturdy and collapsible. It can hold 5.3 gallons of water. Due to its seamless design, there will be no leaks. This container also has a convenient handle for easy transportation.
3. MSR Bag Water Reservoir
The MSR Dromedary offers a flexible option for outdoor enthusiasts who need a flexible water container for car camping and backpacking adventures. It is a mainstay of many gear lists for backpacking since it is constructed from a robust fabric that can withstand jagged pebbles even when entirely submerged in water. It also includes a food-grade liner that can survive freezing temperatures and frequent use. The 2.6-gallon MSR weighs only 10 ounces and packs down to a modest size.
4. Reliance Aqua-Trainer
If you spend enough time in dry campgrounds, you might run into other campers using the Reliance Products Aqua-Trainer. It is made of sturdy BPA-free polyethylene plastic. This portable water bottle for camping is, in fact, one of the most well-liked varieties available. The Aqua-Trainer is sturdy enough to endure even heavy use because of its resistant casing. Additionally, it features a unique space-saving form that makes it easy to stack in your car even though it has a 7-gallon water-carrying capacity.
Why Are Water Bottles Important for Camping?
Water is crucial for survival in the wild woods, and the farther you travel from civilization, the faster it appears to disappear. Being stranded without access to fresh water is the last thing any camper wants. This is because drinking from a lake or pond can result in severe disease owing to bacteria.
Carry a day’s worth of water in a camelback or a large container, even if the wilderness you are entering is only a few steps from your car. Both the convenience and portability of water bottles are unmatched. Bring a filter or water purification pills if you need to refill from a local stream.
Drink water from a glass or a water bottle when you first wake up—restoring whatever fluids you may have lost while sleeping is crucial for your health. Why is this the case? According to Harvard Health specialists, water helps regulate body temperature, avoids constipation, helps with digestion, and helps transfer nutrients and oxygen to our cells. Not drinking enough water can result in severe dehydration, leading to headaches, vertigo, and illnesses brought on by the heat.
According to health experts, adults should drink 3.7 liters of water daily. If you are out on the trails exerting yourself, you will want to drink more than the recommended amount. It is simple to gauge how much water you consume if you use a reusable bottle throughout the day. Filling your bottle three times a day will always keep you well-hydrated.
How Much Water Does the Average Camper Use?
If you travel in a camper, the answer to the question, “how much water should I bring camping?” will be very different for you.
Let’s see how much water is normally needed in a camper daily. You need fresh water for drinking, cooking, teeth brushing, toilet flushing, and baths. Taking a shower in a camper will use up a lot of water. It could be as high as 35 gallons per day. For cooking, the water usage will vary depending on how many people are accompanying you.
On average, you should keep 6-8 gallons of water for cooking and washing your utensils. This usage will depend on the type of food you prepare and could be less than the numbers provided. For toilet flushing, if we consider three people in the camper, you may use up to 8-10 flushes daily. This will require 15-20 gallons of water. Other things like brushing, washing hands, or any other cleaning could take away 5-8 gallons per day.
If you do not plan on showering, your daily water usage in a camper will be around 26-38 gallons. These calculations are based on the assumption that two people will accompany you on your camping trip.
Where to Find Water if You Run Out While Camping
Any survivor will warn you of Mother Nature’s unpredictable nature. She allows the light to shine one moment and then sends a storm rolling in the next. The unexpected can strike you anytime in the wilderness, no matter where you are.
Snow and Ice
No matter how much you thought about “How much water should I bring camping?” It is still possible that you will run out of it. In the dead of winter, look for ice and snow when you are in need. Usually, the hardest part is finding the ice and snow. However, melting them into potable water can also be a challenge.
First of all, do not eat snow! snow itself is harmless, but eating it will quickly drop your body’s core temperature, which is something you do not want when you are already in a chilly region. Do not consume any snow until it has melted into the water unless you have no choice.
If you can build a fire, put some ice or snow in a spare sock or shirt, tie the top, and put it over or in a container adjacent to the fire. It will melt, forming water that will seep through the fabric and into the container.
Use Rainwater
Water pours when it rains! Also, in plenty. Thank your lucky stars, and begin gathering that rainwater if you find yourself in an emergency during a storm.
The tarp-and-bucket technique is one of the most remarkable ways to gather rainwater during a storm. Use a rope to tie a tarp’s two ends to tree branches, then connect the other ends up and in the direction of the center of the tarp to form a funnel. To catch the rainwater, set a pot, pan, or container beneath the center of the tarp.
Follow the Wildlife
Whether we are humans or animals, we all require water. Insects, birds, and animals can signal a water source’s location. Look closely at the traces the animals have left behind or carefully follow any you come across.
Conclusion
It can be scary to go wild camping at first. But we believe with some practice and perseverance, you will find camping to be very gratifying! It is a journey worth taking. You must watch out for a few things to ensure your vacation is enjoyable and worry-free. Making a list of the items you will need for camping is advised.
One of the most critical resources for survival is food. You must therefore pack enough food to survive the duration of your journey. Only you can accurately predict how much food you will need. More essential than food is water. You can live several days without food, but it will only take a few to collapse without access to drinking water.
Let us go back to our question, “How much water should I bring camping?” The answer depends on your usage and the number of people on the trip. Two gallons for each person per day is a good estimate. Be careful with your calculation, as dehydration is not a pleasant experience!