Water bottle for hiking: amount, backpack and refilling
Your water bottle for hiking is one of those things you only think about when it is missing: the trail is longer than expected, the mountain hut is closed for the day and the water is gone after two hours. With a little planning you can avoid that. This article is about drinks on your hike – how much to take, which bottles work well, how to stow them in your backpack and where you can refill on the way.
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How much to drink on a hike?
There is no fixed number of litres for everyone. What you need depends on how warm it is, how long and steep the route is and how much you sweat. The outdoor retailer Bergzeit gives a rough rule of thumb of about 0.5 to 1 litre per hour, depending on weather, effort and altitude. For a relaxed spring walk you will be at the lower end, for a sunny mountain tour in midsummer at the upper end.
More important than the exact number is planning: how long will you be walking before you reach water again? That is exactly the stretch you need to cover with what you carry in your backpack. If you have health questions about the right amount to drink, it is best to talk to your doctor.
| Factor | What it means for your planning |
|---|---|
| Heat and sun | Pack more water, carry cold drinks insulated |
| Lots of elevation gain | More effort, more sweat – plan generously |
| Long sections without a place to stop | Take the full amount up to the next safe source |
| Cool weather | Warm tea in the insulated bottle in addition to water |
| Hiking with children | More breaks, a bottle for each child |
Which water bottle for hiking?
For day hikes, a combination of two containers has proven itself: a larger, light bottle for your basic supply of water and a smaller insulated bottle for your “treat” – ice-cold water or a spritzer in summer, hot tea in autumn and winter.
Insulated stainless steel bottle
Double-walled stainless steel bottles hold their temperature for many hours. For our IZY bottles the manufacturer states up to 12 hours hot and up to 24 hours cold. That is easily enough for a whole day of hiking – including tea at the summit in the afternoon. Stainless steel is robust and, according to the manufacturer, taste-neutral, so water tastes of water and not of the bottle.
Light water bottle or hydration bladder
For larger amounts of water, a light plastic bottle or a hydration bladder in your backpack is practical. It does not hold the temperature, but it saves weight. On long tours in particular, every gram on your back counts.
Our two 500 ml bottles are slim and fit well into the side pocket or inner compartment of a daypack:
- IZY x Pip Studio “La Dolce Vita” thermos bottle – 500 ml: double-walled, rust-free stainless steel, leak-proof screw cap, BPA-free.
- IZY Bottles Van Gogh Flowers thermos bottle – 500 ml: colourful floral design inspired by Vincent van Gogh, same insulation performance according to the manufacturer.
Stowing the bottle properly in your hiking backpack
Heavy items belong as close to your back as possible and towards the middle of the backpack. That also applies to full bottles. This way the backpack pulls back less and you walk more steadily, especially downhill.
- Pack upright: Even with a leak-proof cap, an upright bottle is the safest option.
- Side pocket for quick access: The bottle you drink from more often goes in the side pocket. Check that it sits firmly and does not fall out when you bend down.
- Check the cap: Screw the lid back on tightly after every sip.
- Protection from knocks: A stainless steel bottle dents easily if it falls on rock. Between your jacket and your provisions in the backpack it is well protected.
Because the double-walled insulation prevents condensation on the outside according to the manufacturer, a spare shirt, map and phone next to the cold bottle stay dry. With a non-insulated bottle and an ice-cold drink, that is a different story.
Refilling on the way: safe rather than spontaneous
Many hiking trails have huts, inns or villages with fountains. Find out beforehand whether the place you want to stop at is open on the day of your hike, and mark possible refill points on your map.
Water from streams and springs
A clear mountain stream looks tempting, but even clear water can contain germs, for example if animals graze further up. Without a filter or other treatment you should not drink from it. Fountains with a “Kein Trinkwasser” (not drinking water) sign are also off limits. If you are unsure, take enough with you from the start.
Do not mix stream water into your insulated bottle
Ideally, only fill your insulated bottle with what you want to drink later, and do not mix uncertain water with your tea or drinking water. That way you at least keep a safe supply.
Warm or cold? Drinks for every season
In summer, cold water is a real refreshment during your break. Fill the bottle at home with cold tap water and, if they fit through the opening, add a few ice cubes. In spring and autumn the mornings are often cool and the middays warm. Here the combination pays off: one bottle cold, one with hot tea. On winter hikes a warm drink during the break is especially welcome, particularly when the wind picks up.
Sweet drinks such as juice spritzers or sweetened tea taste good, but they have one drawback: they leave more residue in the bottle. So rinse it especially thoroughly after the hike.
Plan regular drinking breaks
It is easy to forget to drink on the way, especially when the trail is exciting or the group is walking briskly. A fixed rhythm helps: a few sips at every viewpoint, at every junction or on every full hour. This way you spread your supply evenly over the route and do not end up with an empty bottle just before the finish.
After the hike: caring for the bottle
Empty the bottle as soon as you get back instead of leaving it in your backpack overnight. Clean it by hand with warm water, a little mild washing-up liquid and a bottle brush, and let the bottle and lid dry separately and open. According to the manufacturer, the IZY bottles do not go in the dishwasher, so that the surface and insulation stay protected.
If you also want a light cloth for breaks, picnics or a swimming spot on your hiking tour, you will find tips in the article Hammam towel for hiking. How to keep your drinks cold for as long as possible on hot days is explained in Water bottle in summer.
Related reading: Water bottle for camping: water supply, hot and cold, cleaning without a dishwasher · Water bottle for a picnic: cold, hot and leak-proof through the afternoon · How much water a day? The DGE guidelines explained simply
Conclusion
A well-planned water bottle for hiking makes the tour more relaxed. Think beforehand about how long you will be walking without a safe place to refill, and take enough for that stretch. A combination of a light water bottle for your supply and an insulated stainless steel bottle for cold or hot drinks during breaks has proven itself. Pack heavy bottles close to your back, drink only safe water on the way and clean the bottle thoroughly after the tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do I need for a day hike?
That depends on the weather, duration and effort. The outdoor retailer Bergzeit gives a rule of thumb of about 0.5 to 1 litre per hour. Above all, plan for the stretch up to the next safe refill point.
Is a thermos bottle worth it for hiking in summer too?
Yes, because it keeps drinks not only hot but also cold. For our IZY bottles the manufacturer states up to 24 hours cold.
Can I drink from streams?
Without a filter or other treatment it is not advisable, because even clear water can contain germs. Better take enough with you or refill at marked drinking water points.
Where does the bottle go in the backpack?
Full, heavy bottles as close to your back as possible and upright. The bottle you drink from often can go in the side pocket, as long as it sits securely there.
How do I clean the bottle after the hike?
By hand with warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a bottle brush, then let it dry open. According to the manufacturer, do not put the IZY bottles in the dishwasher.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam. As a family, we have run the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.
