[pct-l] In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty

[Gary Wright]

On Aug 12, 2010, at 2:34 AM, Sean 'Miner' Nordeen wrote:
> As a general rule, I always hike with at least 3L carrying capacity even if I know water will be abundant; though I often dry camp which requires carrying more water into camp.  I'm probably one of the few thru-hikers that still had a 4.5L capacity when hiking Washington last year during the coollness of September; and I obviously never needed all of it.

One of my favorite gear items is the 3L Nalgene canteen:

<http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=86>

It is sturdy, light-weight (4.5oz), and can be flattened and rolled up to use little space when not in use.  The wide-mouth makes it easy to fill and to clean.  I usually have two 1L bottles and the 3L Nalgene with me even when water is going to be easy to find.  The 3L canteen is great for use in camp when you want some extra water for washing or cooking or you are being a good guy and bringing back water from the spring for other hikers.  You can easily filter out of the canteen and being flexible it can be easier to pack than plastic bottles when full.

On the PCT, when water was scarce, I carried two of these canteens and 2-1L bottles for a total carrying capacity of 8L. But when you aren't using the extra capacity, the canteens take up very little space.

Radar