All About Water for DAY HIKING – What I Pack, Why, and More *super important* (hiking essentials)

All About Water for DAY HIKING – What I Pack, Why, and More *super important* (hiking essentials)

When it comes to hiking essentials, water is one of the items top on the list! In this video, we dive deep into all things water for day hikers. We cover why water is so important, what gear I pack, why, and so much more. Hiking preparation is so important, so whether you’re experienced or a total beginner hiker, this video is packed with practical hiking tips. See below for more info…

//SHOP THE VIDEO:
my pants – https://bit.ly/2YnGPYK
my shirt – https://bit.ly/3nbVaBZ
water reservoir – https://amzn.to/3h4riUs
sawyer squeeze – https://amzn.to/3n7p6iB
my day hiking backpack (24L) – https://amzn.to/3yM8dMv
larger day hiking bag (36L) – https://bit.ly/2WX6tDi (this is the new one I want)

//OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
◦ Day Hiking Preparation – https://youtu.be/OHl5B2yltW8
◦ Intro to First Aid for Hikers – https://youtu.be/jf6y2g7Pmvo
◦ My Guide to Hiking Shoes – https://youtu.be/LC4kXO8dTA4

//MY CAMERA GEAR
Camera – https://amzn.to/3fhO7lE
Vlogging lens – https://amzn.to/3ob2IU8
Microphone – https://amzn.to/3uu7E85
SD card – https://amzn.to/2GjnaQE
My drone – https://amzn.to/3hkYTbd
GoPro – https://amzn.to/3gjMEMr
Waterproof GoPro handle – https://amzn.to/3pc3EIi
Music for my videos – https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/9qnvli/

//LET’S CONNECT
Blog: https://amandaoutside.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/amandaoutside
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaoutside

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you click on the items mentioned. You are under NO obligation to do so. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support of my channel!

Amanda Outside: Sharing camping and hiking tips and food ideas so you can get outside more… and eat great food while you’re at it!

50 Comments

  1. @brandontrowbridge5202 on July 26, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    I usually carry two of the Sawyer bags with the filter since the bags can rupture and they gave me three. I use bottles because I’ve had two bladders rupture on me. Granted, I fell on the one snowboarding. Also, don’t forget those purification pills take about 30 minutes to work. Think ahead. Great video. I always protect myself from bugs, sun and dehydration.

  2. @roeydaz on July 26, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    Good stuff Amanda. When I was a kid we did a lot of over night hikes (Himalayan foothills) On one of them we ran out of water and presumed we’d find a source somewhere along the mountain we were climbing….we didn’t……I have never forgotten since what it is to be thirsty and have no water! Now that I’m retired and have resumed back packing, be it day or overnight….water is always on the top of my mind.

  3. @craigbosko2229 on July 26, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    I HAVE A COMMENT ,PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT VIDEO, WELL PUT TOGETHER, YOU REALLY DID YOUR HOMEWORK AND YOU DESERVE A BIG HUG(AND I’M NOT GOING TO LET GO)😊😊😊😊😊😊

  4. @maricelarooper9558 on July 26, 2025 at 12:59 pm

    Can you put ice in the reservoir pouch ?

  5. @wolf_pup5620 on July 26, 2025 at 1:02 pm

    Can you do an updated day backpacking gear and overnight gear.

  6. @naps3386 on July 26, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    Regarding water, I rode into Moab desert on a motorcycle with a couple bottles of water….that’s all. I had no idea how poorly I was prepared. After a few hours I had gone through all my water and I also had to relieve myself (#2) in the worst way, but nothing but sand and rock around and I didn’t have a single square of tp. Luckily after only 1/2 hour a UTV came along and gave me both water and tp. If you are going into the arid west, I would not leave without a gallon of water or the ability to get it.

  7. @ednapuckett1042 on July 26, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    I purchased a Lifestraw water bottle, but when I first used it, I couldn’t suck the water through it. Luckily, I didn’t need to use it.😊

  8. @ericsonhazeltine5064 on July 26, 2025 at 1:05 pm

    Please hurry up and get to the point.

  9. @ArloPear25 on July 26, 2025 at 1:05 pm

    Do you have any advice on how to have sex while hiking without being seen/heard by other hikers?

  10. @fatfreddyscat5173 on July 26, 2025 at 1:06 pm

    Thanks for a great, semi-concise vid! Seems like good info. I’ve been wanting to up my game with water options. I’m 60 and woods tramp in NC. So creeks/rives are commonplace on my lease. Been toting a Lifestraw Flex for a coupla years and it works ok I guess. But always in the back of my mind is the question. Is it really working and how would I know if it isn’t outside of "stomach problems"? 😒😜😁

  11. @robmartin1064 on July 26, 2025 at 1:06 pm

    Ironic story for me: we were climbing Half Dome a number of years ago. I knew that hydration was important so I invested in a day pack with removable hydration bladder. I’m ready right? Well, due to the newness of my drinking tube and the readily available hydration, I over-hydrated and drank waaaay too much just on the way in. I felt horribly sick by the time we reached the subdome. Lesson learned, moderation is the key. Never did that again btw! Cheers haha!

  12. @wayneaune8430 on July 26, 2025 at 1:06 pm

    Just started. Wanted to immediately comment on 3 days. If you run out of water in hot weather you will very quickly feel awful. Your decision making ability will suffer Heavy yes! I can tell you I go out with more water than needed

  13. @macgyver2070 on July 26, 2025 at 1:08 pm

    Y tho?

  14. @leah492 on July 26, 2025 at 1:09 pm

    Hi Amanda! This video was super helpful. The challenge is always to make sure I’m drinking the water I am carrying, too. I have a beginner question about carrying extra water. Do you carry extra water in another bladder type reservoir or Nalgene style bottles? I have a 3L reservoir that came with my backpack and am wondering what is practical for carrying up to another 3L of water assuming I don’t have water sources for filtering.

  15. @moniquecervantes982 on July 26, 2025 at 1:10 pm

    The day hiking backpack you recommend is no longer available, so you have another one you like or recommend? Please, thank you 🙏🏻

  16. @AmberaeSettle on July 26, 2025 at 1:16 pm

    What’s best for pacific northwest I want so.ethinf that can attach to a hand held bladder as well as used to filter and fill my bladder. Any recommendations?

  17. @SophisticatedDogCat on July 26, 2025 at 1:17 pm

    Drink water and Gatorade or whatever on your drive to the trailhead, and the evening before drink a few bottles. It ain’t that hard to stay hydrated. I’ve done 15-mile hikes in the summer while hungover and only drank a single 1L bottle.

  18. @keleighBradford on July 26, 2025 at 1:18 pm

    prep is very important. hydration is key and know thy self

  19. @giuliavieira2905 on July 26, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    Bring electrolytes so you keep the water in and don’t just pee it out

  20. @karenstanfield8983 on July 26, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    I take 4 water bottles and I take a map a phone and snacks

  21. @amanda.outside on July 26, 2025 at 1:20 pm

    What are the key takeaways you got from this video? Comment below! ⬇️

  22. @anthonygomez446 on July 26, 2025 at 1:22 pm

    I dehydrated in 2014 was in the hospital 5 days not fun. X-rays and a MRI no damage to my organs or blood. I carry as much water as possible

  23. @fiddycaliber947 on July 26, 2025 at 1:22 pm

    I’ve used 2 bottles for years and recently incorporated electrolytes and a 3ltr bladder.. game changer! All great advice, thanks!

  24. @ericmgw on July 26, 2025 at 1:23 pm

    Yes, electrolyte tablets would be great.

  25. @BacktoBasics-p1e on July 26, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    I bring disposal bottled water from Costco because the emptied bottle is the lightest by far of all other bottles I have weighted. And save time by not having the wash them afterwards.

  26. @ArloPear25 on July 26, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    I don’t hike with plastic water bottles because plastic leaches estrogenic chemicals into whatever is in it even if it says BPA free. I use stainless steel water bottles when hiking.

  27. @waltecht on July 26, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    Удивительно, сколько много болтавни🙄

  28. @golferpatbug on July 26, 2025 at 1:25 pm

    What blows my mind is people can carry a full water bottle into a hike but can’t carry the empty bottle out, I find so many empty bottles on my hikes.

  29. @dionne12671 on July 26, 2025 at 1:26 pm

    I liked the filter you talked about! I’m adding that to my pack! Thank you!

  30. @randallminchew6780 on July 26, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    I live and hike in southern Utah and you can’t rely on water sources. You pretty much need to carry all of your water with you. I’ll take with me in the spring, summer, and fall depending on where I’m going 3-4 liters. I’ll always keep extra water in my Jeep.

  31. @pedrotovar6657 on July 26, 2025 at 1:31 pm

    Do you have a video of the electrolyte powder or tablets?

  32. @Elman_Baku on July 26, 2025 at 1:32 pm

    The video was really helpful ! Many thanks, Amanda !

  33. @krasht1 on July 26, 2025 at 1:33 pm

    If a filter has water in it and freezes, it is ruined. In a cold climate, put in a ziplock and keep it in a pocket when below freezing or your sleeping bag at night..

  34. @shikharsharma6399 on July 26, 2025 at 1:33 pm

    steal other hiker’s water if you need extra. Scavange!

  35. @jodyhilderbrant9463 on July 26, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    Some of us prefer that "smartwater" bottle and our sawyer filters. We can and do pull the bottles out without taking off our packs, and can refill and at any water source.

  36. @muskadobbit on July 26, 2025 at 1:36 pm

    It’s not that difficult to reach back for my water bottle in the side pocket. It’s one of the criteria for choosing a proper backpack.
    In a bladder, I can’t tell how much water remains.
    When you want to refill, it’s awkward to put the bladder back in the pack unless I unpack all the other gear.
    The bladder still only has a finite amount of water. If I really want to use the bladder system I have the hardware to incorporate the Sawyer squeeze inline to refill it while it’s still in the pack.
    Water purification tabs do a different job from filters so it’s helpful to research exactly what the water treatment options actually treat.

  37. @GmGarlo on July 26, 2025 at 1:38 pm

    Great Info , and yes I would like to see a video on the electrolytes you use .
    What is the best way to clean your hydration bladder ?

  38. @arseniix on July 26, 2025 at 1:39 pm

    You forgot to mention UV purifiers, they may be a bit pricey but work fast and efficiently. My water cleaning setup is a small on-bottle filter to remove most inorganic contaminants and a lightweight UV purifier to cure water even further and get rid of all bio threats: microorganisms, cysts, parasites, viruses, etc. This won’t help with dissolved toxins/chemicals though, but I ain’t preparing for a fallout survival.

    To some disadvantages I’d put that such a purifier is a battery-powered device, which is also quite fragile. So you have to be mindful of how and when to use it properly.

  39. @LinusWilson on July 26, 2025 at 1:40 pm

    Iodine tablets are lighter than a filter.

  40. @foreverirish132 on July 26, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    Hi, thanks for the video 😊 just wondering if your water bladder ever had a plastic taste? And if so how did you deal with it? Many thanks

  41. @ArloPear25 on July 26, 2025 at 1:42 pm

    2:20 One tip I never see mentioned is pre hiking hydration. if you drink a toon of water the day and night before a hike it helps to keep you hydrated before you even set foot on the trail.

  42. @KnowingHeart613 on July 26, 2025 at 1:42 pm

    I carry two bladders with me and a manual pump filter system that connects directly to my bladders, with electrolytes…though i usually hike the same trails all the time every now and then i add a new one to the list, my longest trail is 3 1/2 days long, but there is a three month one i am really wanting to try that i will have to do when my kids are either much older or moved out…the trick it to have a guide on that one and they help you burry your resourse throughout the desert part of the hike so once you reach it you can refill your back pack up and there are guest housing special for the hikers from locals that voluter their rooms when a group is hiking by…you may have guessed but i dont live in America… Though i did alway want to hike as mich as you can now a day of the oregon trail from start to finish…

  43. @RGMDG on July 26, 2025 at 1:42 pm

    Great Video — Having run out of water ONE TIME on a hike that I have hiked at least 50 times, I can tell you is was quite scary. I hiked Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park and took 2 – liters of water thinking that it was enough because it was more than enough the week before when I hiked it. However this day was very dry and warmer than the previous week. Long story short, I ran out of water on the way down the mountain. I knew there was water about 3 more miles down the trail and I had a life straw, so I thought I would be "o.k." I was wrong. I was very dehydrated. My heart rate was 170bpm walking on flat ground when I made it to the fire road. I was kind of freaking out. Some very kind hikers gave me some water to get me to the stream where I was able to re-hydrate. It was a mistake I plan on NEVER making again.. Like I said, I normally take enough water and this confirmed for me that your life may depend on it.

  44. @SS-jx6sh on July 26, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    Great video! I went on a 17 mile day hike with friends. We brought some water and intended to filter along the way because the trail ran next to a stream. Luckily I brought along my water filter because all our friends forgot theirs! I’m a believer in carrying my own stuff because you can get separated from the group as well.

  45. @bigskycharlie on July 26, 2025 at 1:50 pm

    I essentially started bringing two 32 oz gatorades. As well a packets then I have one for the hike and one for camp as well as water. Good video nobody talks about. Thanks.

  46. @jerrybobteasdale on July 26, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    Solid advice.

  47. @phoreal9273 on July 26, 2025 at 1:52 pm

    has anyone been sick by drinking filtered lake water?

  48. @darrelltrammel1623 on July 26, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    A few years ago we were camping/hiking at Big Bend. Even though it was spring, afternoon temps at the low elevations were 110 degrees. Rangers advised 1 gallon of water per person and still be off the trails by noon. We were coming off trails 11-12 and people were just starting, wearing clothing that would not protect them from the sun, and carrying 1 little 20oz water bottle if anything. My youngest son (like 17 at the time I think) got dehydrated even with all the water we took. It is much more dangerous than people realize to not take the heat and sun seriously.

  49. @user-lk9jr1ki9c on July 26, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    I use a sawyer inline on my bladder. I cut the tube and installed the filter 2-3 inches from the bladder connection. So I filter all the water I drink. In an emergency i can fill up the bladder from a dirty source and buy a new bladder. But there is nothing extra for me to forget/lose because the filter is connected to the bladder.

  50. @kathrinivanovic8247 on July 26, 2025 at 1:55 pm

    Thank you for this video!! Not related to water but how did you build up to that kind of elevation??

Leave a Comment