Water in fastpacking: how to manage it well to move fast without overcharging

At fastpacking, water is a paradox.
You need it all the time... but wearing too much slows you down.
And fall short empties you sooner than you think.

Most mistakes with water have nothing to do with thirst, but with fear: fear of not finding a source, fear that the map will lie, fear that the heat will be hotter than expected. The result is usually the same: extra litres, unnecessary kilos and lost pace.

This guide teaches you how to manage water in fastpacking in a smart way: drink enough, carry just enough and decide wisely, so that water is an ally and not a burden.

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🎯 What you will get out of this guide

• Know how much water to carry depending on the route, climate and slope.
• Reduce weight without taking unnecessary risks.
• Identify reliable water points before departure.
• Choosing the best hydration system for moving fast.
• Avoid common mistakes that cause slumps and drop-outs.
• Move forward with the peace of mind that the water is under control.

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🧭 The system for water management in fastpacking

Managing water well is not about fixed rules, it is about read the context. These are the variables that really matter.

1️⃣ Climate and exposure

A cool route in the forest is not the same as a ridge in the sun.

Please note:

• expected (and actual) temperature
• hours of direct sunlight
• wind (dehydrates more than it looks)

The more heat and exposure, the greater the need... and the more precision.

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2️⃣ Actual distance between water points

Don't plan “by eye”.

Before leaving you should know:

• where safe water is available
• how many kilometres and height difference between points
• whether the source is permanent or seasonal

This allows you to adjusting the load without fear.

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3️⃣ Pace and effort

The more intense the effort:

• the more you sweat
• the more sodium you lose
• more water you need

Fastpacking is not running, but neither is it walking.
Your consumption will be higher than in classic hiking.

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4️⃣ Flexible capacity

The key is not to always carry the same amount, but to always carry the same amount. be able to adapt.

Better:

• carry capacity for more
• but carry only what is necessary
• refill when it's time

This is where the hydration system makes the difference.

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❌ Common mistakes in water management

• Going out with too much water “just in case”.
• Do not check if the sources are still active.
• Do not carry any filtering system.
• Drink only when thirsty.
• Do not replenish salts on long or hot routes.
• Blindly relying on old tracks.

In fastpacking, poorly managed water is expensive.

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🧪 My actual hydration system (1-3 days)

This is what I usually use:

• total capacity: 1,5-2 L on most routes
• soft flasks accessible from the front
• light filtering system
• salts or electrolytes on long routes

Personal rule:
I'd rather know where to refill than overload..

⭐ What it's like inside Outsiders

Inside we share real configurations, real questions and real solutions.

No theory.
Just distilled experience.

🔗 Keep building your ultralight system

👉 Fastpacking: the complete guide to getting around lightly
👉 What to eat in fastpacking (no cooking)
👉 How to choose an ultralight backpack
👉 How to plan your first route
👉 Fastpacking on the GR11

Fastpacking Quick Guide (Free)

The guide is designed to give you a start without chaos, without doubts and without buying things you don't need.

It includes:

• What to check before leaving
• How to choose your first route
• Which material matters (and which doesn't)
• Typical 90% errors on start-up
• How to move lightly without losing safety

It's free... but it's part of something bigger.

The guide is just the beginning, within the trial you also have the checklist, recommended equipment, resources and the challenge modules to get you up to speed quickly.

📥 Download it here (access with the free trial):
👉 https://www.skool.com/outsiders/about