[Ron Fontaine]

An understanding of basic water quantity needs is very important for planning.

For example, if you want to get from point A to point B and there is only one stream crossing marked on the map, you can judge whether or not you will need to refill your water containers at the stream. You can also assess water rationing, and how much water you should carry. These are important considerations due to the weight and bulk of water.

Allowing for a margin of error is a hard-won lesson, often learned through suffering.

These are only a basic rule of thumb, from which I start planning for the amount of water I'll need.

• Drinking water - 1 gallon per day at average activity level and non-extreme environment. This can double or triple as the weather becomes hotter or colder, or or when exertion levels increase.
• For cooking, add another quart or two.
• For washing of your body, cooking utensils, and perhaps t-shirt and underwear - 2 to 4 gallons per day. My trick is to use the underwear or t-shirt as a wash cloth, thereby soaping it up and rinsing it off as I wash.

The environment you find yourself in has a great bearing on water consumption needs.

Note that very cold air cannot hold much moisture. At -40F the air is as dry as the driest desert, robbing your body of water very quickly. At +98F with 100% humidity, sweat will flow from your body like a waterfall. These are typical extremes during a year in the Great North Woods. Wind will also dehydrate the body, as will sun or exposure to salt water.

[vthompson]

That is some good advise Ron, thank's for the post.

[garret]

when out hunting i usually plan on using 8-10 litres a day but aus is pretty damn hot in summer - last year i was hunting pigs on 105+ degree days

[LaRemnant]

I prefer to travel light. I get dehydrated powdered water. Just add water.

[garret]

Originally Posted by LaRemnant

I prefer to travel light. I get dehydrated powdered water. Just add water.

doh (slaps forhead)

[Ron Fontaine]

Originally Posted by LaRemnant

I prefer to travel light. I get dehydrated powdered water. Just add water.

Did you steal that line from me?

[Unswydd]

You're not going to believe this......I was thinking yesterday......if we could dry water, how would we rehydrate it.......OMG! I was waaayyyy tooooo bored!
I'm so glad I fit in so well here.

[crazydave]

you can - its oxygen and hydrogen - just needs a spark

[kevin]

thanks for those rules of thumb, Ron. Very helpful.

[LaRemnant]

Originally Posted by Ron Fontaine

Did you steal that line from me?

Ron... now you KNOW that the only lines I steal are posthumous...

From what I remembered, I got it from here actually:

Ultimate Survival Foods

Look for my post and then Wayne's post following...