When you’re out bikepacking, it is important to stay hydrated to stabilize your health and performance. Water is essential, especially when you’re pedaling through challenging tracks or under the hot sun.
But carrying enough water can be tricky due to limited space and the need to balance weight on your bike. And many riders face this problem often.
Learn everything you need to know about carrying water while bikepacking in this guide. Understand your hydration needs, different water carrying methods, practical tips and solutions to help you stay hydrated, all in this one piece of content.
How to Carry Water Bikepacking?
You can carry water bikepacking using a combination of water bottles, hydration bladders, and reservoirs to store water. Mount these on your bike frame, fork, handlebars, or saddle to distribute the weight evenly.
It’s also important to plan your route to include water sources like rivers or towns where you can refill. Additionally, using water filters or purification tablets ensures you have safe drinking water from natural sources. This way, you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about running out of water.
Here is a step by step guide to carry water for bikepacking:
- Step 1: Assess Your Water Needs
- Step 2: Explore Different Water Storage Options
- Step 3: Understand Different Water Treatment Methods
- Step 4: Learn How to Secure Water Containers
- Step 5: Go With the Strategic Planning
Here is the detailed overview of each of these steps. Read it carefully.
Step 1: Assess Your Water Needs
First things first, you need to figure out how much water you’ll need. On average, a person needs about 3-4 liters of water per day. This can increase if you’re biking in hot weather or at high altitudes.
Therefore, it’s important to consider the following factors that can influence your hydration requirements:
- Climate: If you’re biking in the summer sun, you might need significantly more than if you’re riding in cooler temperatures.
- Duration: A short day trip might require only a couple of liters, while a multi-day adventure could necessitate several liters per day.
- Terrain: If you’re biking through dry, arid regions or at high altitudes, your body will lose water more quickly.
Don’t know what other things to pack for your bikepacking trip? Read this blog:
Bikepacking Gear List: 28 Items Included
Step 2: Explore Different Water Storage Options
There are several ways to carry water on your bike. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s good to mix and match based on your needs.
Method 1: Using Water Bottles
Water bottles are one of the most common ways to carry water while bikepacking. Here are some types to consider:
Standard Bike Bottles: These bottles can easily fit into bottle cages on your bike frame. They are easy to access while riding and have capacity to hold 0.5 to 1 liter.
Large Capacity Bottles: These can hold up to 1.5 liters and fit into oversized cages. They are great for longer trips but can be a bit bulky.
Where to Place Water Bottles?
Here are some placement options that might help you to secure your water on the bike:
- Frame triangle is a secure and easily accessible spot for standard bottles.
- Some bikes allow for additional bottle cages on the forks, which can be useful if you’re carrying multiple bottles.
- If you have a top tube bag, consider placing a bottle there for quick access while riding.
Method 2: Using Hydration Bladders
Hydration bladders are another popular option among bikepackers. They consist of a flexible reservoir that holds water and a tube that allows you to drink hands-free while riding. These hydration bladders are of various kinds including:
Backpack Bladders: These are worn like a backpack and can hold 2-3 liters. They usually have a drinking tube which makes it easy to sip water without stopping.
Frame Bags with Bladders: These utilize the space within your bike frame. They can hold a similar amount of water as backpack bladders but keep the weight off your back.
Where to Place hydration bladders?
Here are some placement options that might help you to secure your hydration bladders on the bike:
- Many bikepackers choose to store their bladders in frame bags or seat packs where they fit snugly.
- If you’re carrying a backpack or hip pack, consider using a bladder designed for that purpose.
Method 3: Using Innovative Water Carriers
Though traditional bottles and bladders are effective, there are also innovative options available specifically for bikepacking. One most popular innovation is CrankTank4. Here is a brief description of it:
CrankTank4
CrankTank4 attaches directly to the crankset of your bike and provides an additional space for carrying water or other essentials. Usually, it holds around 1 liter of water and it doesn’t interfere with pedaling. It’s made from durable materials that can withstand rough terrain and weather conditions.
Downtube Packs and Other Accessories
Downtube packs are another innovative option for carrying water while bikepacking. These small bags attach under the downtube of your bike frame and can hold water and other snacks or tools.
Downtube packs come in various sizes and designs, which makes them compatible with most bike frames. They offer an excellent way to keep essential items within reach while maintaining balance and stability on your ride.
Step 3: Understand Different Water Treatment Methods
When you’re bikepacking, you might not always have access to clean water. That’s why you must know how to purify or clean your drinking water.
1. Filtration Systems
Filtration systems are one of the most popular methods for cleaning water. They work by physically removing contaminants from the water. Most filters use a membrane with tiny pores to trap bacteria, protozoa, and sediment.
A good filter should have a pore size of 0.1 microns or smaller to effectively remove harmful pathogens. Here are some important types of filtration systems:
Inline Filters: These filters allow you to connect them directly to your hydration system or water bottles, letting you filter water as you drink.
Gravity Filters: These systems use gravity to pull water through the filter. They are ideal for camp setups and can filter several litters at once.
Squeeze Filters: Squeeze filters allow you to fill a bag with dirty water and then squeeze it through the filter into another container. This method is quick and efficient.
2. Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is another effective way to purify water, especially when you’re short on space or weight. Here are some common options:
Water Purification Tablets: These tablets are convenient and easy to carry. They typically contain iodine or chlorine dioxide, which kill bacteria and viruses in the water.
Liquid Drops: These drops are similar to tablets and require careful measurement and mixing. They are effective against a wide range of pathogens without leaving much taste behind. Just make sure to follow the instructions closely for proper treatment times
3. UV Light Purification
UV light purification is a modern and effective method for treating water. These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. They are compact and lightweight. It makes them an excellent choice for those bikepackers who want to minimize gear weight.
Moreover, this method doesn’t require filters that need replacing or cleaning. However, it requires batteries or charging, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Step 4: Learn How to Secure Water Containers
One common issue when bikepacking is dealing with leaks or spills from improperly secured containers. Here are some tips:
- Ensure all caps and lids are tightly sealed before hitting the road. Check them periodically during long rides.
- If you’re using bottles or bladders, secure them with straps or cages designed specifically for biking to prevent any movement.
Step 5: Go With the Strategic Planning
Planning is key to make sure you have enough water throughout your trip. Look for rivers, lakes, and streams along your route. These can be potential water refill points. Plan your route to pass through towns, gas stations, or campgrounds where you can refill your water supply.
Water Management Planning
Plan your daily water usage to ensure you don’t run out. It’s better to have a bit extra than to run short. Always have a backup plan in case you can’t find water. Carry extra water or have a reliable water treatment method.
Tips for Carrying Water While BikePacking
Here are some additional tips to help you manage your water effectively:
- Make sure the weight of your water is evenly distributed to avoid affecting your bike’s handling.
- Carry water in multiple containers to have redundancy in case of leaks or breaks.
- Ensure you can easily access your drinking water while riding. This will help you stay hydrated without having to stop frequently.
- Use warm soapy water after each trip and allow containers to dry completely before storing them away.
- For long trips, consider bringing along some cleaning tablets designed specifically for hydration systems.
- Drink regularly to avoid dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to take a sip.
Final Thoughts
Carrying water while bikepacking might seem challenging, but with the right planning and equipment, it’s completely manageable. Remember to assess your water needs, choose the right storage options, and plan your route carefully. Stay hydrated and enjoy your bikepacking adventure.