How Much Water Do You Actually Need?

A gallon a day might sound like a lot. But do you actually need that much? It depends — you may just need more depending on your output and environment. 

Daily Water Intake Guidelines

Standard recommendation: 64–128 oz (½ gallon to 1 gallon per day)

A general rule of thumb is to aim for a half-ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So if you’re 200 lbs, aim for about 100 ounces of water in a day. 

Active individuals: ¾ gallon to 1 full gallon per day

Sweating and expending energy will naturally lead to a greater demand for hydration. 

High-altitude environments: 1 gallon or more per day

At higher altitudes, air tends to be more dry, your respiration rate increases, your thirst mechanism may decrease (meaning you’re not naturally drinking as much), and it’s likely that you’re at altitude being more physically active. 

Hot Weather: 1 gallon or more per day

Sweating can quickly lead to feeling dehydrated, especially if you’re expending energy through physically demanding work. 

Hikers, hunters, and outdoor workers: 1+ gallon to prevent dehydration

If you’re outside hiking, hunting, or fishing, dehydration sneaks up fast. Start drinking water before you feel thirsty and carry enough to last for the whole day. 

Packing Water for Outdoor Trips

Hiking & Backpacking

Short hikes (under 3 hours): 1x 1L Yonder® Plastic Water Bottle

Full-day hikes or multi-day treks: 2x Yonder® 1L Bottles (if you are filtering one out on the hike, one can be ready to drink while the other is being treated) 

Camping

Per person, per day: At least ½ gallon (64 oz) for drinking + extra for cooking

For groups: A One-Gallon Jug per person keeps things easy

YETI TIP: Freeze plastic gallon jugs of water and use them as an ice pack resource at the start of the trip, and use it as drinking water as it begins to melt. Make sure the jugs are only ~90% full before freezing to account for expansion. 

Fishing

For a full day out on the boat? Rambler® One Gallon Jug + Rambler® 26 oz Water Bottle

Long day of wading? Yonder® 1.5 L Plastic Water Bottle

Fishing from the bank? Rambler® 36 oz. Water Bottle

YETI® Drinkware Makes Getting Your Ounces Easy

Keeping water on-hand when you’re on the move and in the wild can be cumbersome. But investing in your supply is always worth it. If your water is compromised — be it leaking from a busted cap or not staying cold when you desperately need it — your time in the wild will get cut short. 

YETI® Drinkware wins in durability. Built for the Wild means it’s built to get kicked, dropped, toppled, and tossed and still do its job. With every YETI® Bottle, you can expect:

• Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation* — Keeps water ice-cold for hours. Or if you’re packing tea, insulation keeps the steam on well into the day. 
• Durable Stainless Steel* – Won’t crack, dent, or get crushed in your pack.
• Easy-Drink Caps – Choose from Chug Cap, Straw Lid, or MagDock™ Cap* depending on your drinking style. 
• No-Sweat Design* – No condensation. No slip. 
• Re-Usable – Designed to last, season after season. 
• Versatile – All caps fit every bottle, so you can easily mix and match*. Bottles are also great for bringing hot water or tea for cold days out. (Note: straw caps are not intended for use with hot beverages). 
• Easy to Clean — Dishwasher safe so you can easily clean all parts, including the caps and magnets*, and re-use every day.

*Rambler® Bottles Only. 

If you’re carrying water for long treks, tough conditions, or just your daily routine, we’ve got a YETI® Rambler® that will supply your pursuit. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re tracking hydration, planning a long day in the wild, or just trying to hit a gallon goal, now you know:

There are 128 ounces in a gallon

YETI® One-Gallon Jug = one and done

Plan your hydration based on your day, activity, and environment

Thirsty? Grab the right YETI® Rambler® Bottle or Jug and keep the refills to a minimum.

Find the perfect Rambler® Bottle size for you.