Dry-Stretch Water Carry Planner
Between two water sources, how much should you carry? Plug in the gap, your daily mileage and water use, and get the liters and pounds you'll be hauling — with desert-safety reminders.
Plan the dry / waterless stretch
Built for long gaps between sources on desert trails (PCT / desert thru-hike style). Try the example first.
Results
How is this calculated?
You only need water until you reach the next source, so travel time across the gap is prorated by your daily mileage rather than rounded up to a full day. The segment's fractional travel days are multiplied by your daily use, then your emergency buffer is added.
segmentDays = gap(mi) ÷ dailyMileage(mi/day)
carry(L) = dailyUse(L) × segmentDays + buffer(L)
weight(kg) = carry(L) × 1 · weight(lb) = weight(kg) × 2.205
Sources: Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) official water-source guidance — desert thru-hikers commonly drink/carry 4–6 L/day over ~20 mi dry stretches; 1 L water ≈ 1 kg. Numbers are planning estimates only — always confirm current flow with recent trail reports.