Backpacking Water Weight Calculator
Water is one of the heaviest items in a backpack — each liter weighs about 2.2 lbs (1 kg). Enter your daily water needs, trip length, and the distance to the next reliable water source to see how much extra weight you'll be carrying and whether you should plan a refill.
About this calculator
Calculate how much your water supply will weigh on a hike and plan refill stops based on distance between water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a liter of water weigh?
One liter of water weighs about 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), which is why water is often the single heaviest item in a backpack.
How much water should I drink per day while hiking?
A common guideline is 0.5 to 1 liter per hour of moderate hiking in mild conditions, roughly 2-4 liters per day, more in heat or at altitude.
Should I carry all my water or plan refills?
If reliable water sources (streams, filters, treatment tablets) are available along your route, it's often lighter to carry less and refill rather than hauling multiple days' worth.