Showerthought: Why does everyone plan routes around water sources so strictly?

I keep seeing guides that say you must camp near lakes or streams every night, but that limits where you can go. On my last trip, I carried an extra liter and explored a dry ridge with amazing sunset views. It was totally worth the slight weight gain to have more route options. Strict water rules can make trips feel too samey.

3 comments

3 Comments

jade6473mo ago

Remember getting lost in a canyon once because we skipped the usual creek stop. The map showed a spring further up, but it was dry, so we had to save our water for a day. Still, the quiet was worth it, and now I always bring more water for side trips.

lisa_mitchell382mo ago

Has a friend ever misjudged a water source while hiking? My pal Chris ran into something like that on a desert trek last year. He counted on a marked well that turned out to be bone dry, so they had to ration for two days. They got out okay but it scared them straight about carrying extra. Your canyon story reminds me of how quiet places can trick you into skipping safety steps.

the_olivia2mo ago

Got a cousin who planned a whole weekend trip around a "reliable" river shown on a topo map from the 70s. Turned into a dusty wash, and they spent the whole second day hiking out on a couple of sips each. The rules feel boring until you're the one licking condensation off your tent. Still, carrying that extra weight for a dry camp can open up some unreal spots most people never see.