{"id":51733,"date":"2025-01-08T12:57:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T11:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travesiapirenaica.com\/?p=51733"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:00:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:00:18","slug":"water-fastpacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travesiapirenaica.com\/en\/agua-fastpacking\/","title":{"rendered":"Water in fastpacking: how to manage it well to move fast without overcharging"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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\ud83c\udfaf What you will get out of this guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Know how much water to carry depending on the route, climate and slope.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reduce weight without taking unnecessary risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Identify reliable water points before departure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Choosing the best hydration system for moving fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Avoid common mistakes that cause slumps and drop-outs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Move forward with the peace of mind that the water is under control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    \ud83e\udded The system for water management in fastpacking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Managing water well is not about fixed rules, it is about read the context<\/strong>. These are the variables that really matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1\ufe0f\u20e3 Climate and exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A cool route in the forest is not the same as a ridge in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Please note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • expected (and actual) temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • hours of direct sunlight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • wind (dehydrates more than it looks)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The more heat and exposure, the greater the need... and the more precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      2\ufe0f\u20e3 Actual distance between water points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Don't plan \u201cby eye\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Before leaving you should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • where safe water is available<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • how many kilometres and height difference between points<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • whether the source is permanent or seasonal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        This allows you to adjusting the load without fear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        3\ufe0f\u20e3 Pace and effort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The more intense the effort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • the more you sweat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • the more sodium you lose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • more water you need<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Fastpacking is not running, but neither is it walking.
          Your consumption will be higher than in classic hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          4\ufe0f\u20e3 Flexible capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          The key is not to always carry the same amount, but to always carry the same amount. be able to adapt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • carry capacity for more<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • but carry only what is necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • refill when it's time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            This is where the hydration system makes the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            \u274c Common mistakes in water management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Going out with too much water \u201cjust in case\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Do not check if the sources are still active.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Do not carry any filtering system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Drink only when thirsty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Do not replenish salts on long or hot routes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Blindly relying on old tracks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              In fastpacking, poorly managed water is expensive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83e\uddea My actual hydration system (1-3 days)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              This is what I usually use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • total capacity: 1,5-2 L<\/strong> on most routes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • soft flasks accessible from the front<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • light filtering system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • salts or electrolytes on long routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Personal rule:
                I'd rather know where to refill than overload.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n