💧 Trip Water Calculator
Enter your trip's expected duration and a hydration rate to see how much drinking water to pack, in litres and millilitres — plan ahead, then add a margin for the unexpected.
💧 Stay Hydrated
What is a Trip Water Calculator?
It multiplies your expected time on the water by a hydration rate to estimate the total drinking water you should pack for a paddling trip — whether that's a short afternoon paddle or a full day out on open water.
Use it while packing dry bags before a trip, planning water stops on a longer route, or deciding how many bottles or a hydration bladder to bring. Heat, sun exposure, and exertion all push real needs higher, so treat the figure as a planning estimate and carry a margin above it.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the trip water calculator work?
Enter how many hours you expect to be on the water and a hydration rate in millilitres per hour. It multiplies the two together to give a total in litres and millilitres — a quick way to know how much water to load before you launch.
What hydration rate should I use?
A common baseline is around 500 ml per hour for moderate paddling in mild conditions. Hot weather, direct sun, high exertion, or salt spray all push real needs higher — consider 750 ml to 1 litre per hour on a hot day or a demanding trip.
Should I pack more than the calculated amount?
Yes — carry a margin above the figure this tool gives you. Trips run long, weather turns hot, and gear can leak or spill, so treat the result as a minimum and add extra, especially on multi-day trips or routes without a reliable refill point.
Does this account for food or electrolytes?
No — it's purely a water-volume estimate based on duration and hydration rate. On longer or hotter trips, pair adequate water with electrolytes and regular food, and watch for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion in your group.