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My wife, my 17 year son and I are going to Arizona and are signed up for a day hike. I'm reading all of the stuff about carrying a LOT of water when hiking in or around the Grand Canyon. Should I buy a camelback? How much water should I carry? Am I going to end up as a coyote snack if I don't carry gallons of water with me?

Welcome to HAZ - I applaud the fact that you are gathering suggestions BEFORE you hike.
With the where and when details it would be easier to give apt direction/suggestions.

[quote="TylerDurdon"]My wife, my 17 year son and I are going to Arizona and are signed up for a day hike. I'm reading all of the stuff about carrying a LOT of water when hiking in or around the Grand Canyon. Should I buy a camelback? How much water should I carry? Am I going to end up as a coyote snack if I don't carry gallons of water with me?

Edited

It basically depends when you hike, how far you hike, and how acclimated you are to difficult hiking.

A day hike could involve a 3 mile round trip down the Bright Angel Trail in October, or an attempt at a Rim-to-Rim in mid July starting at midday with no previous long-distance training.

The first, I would recommend you bring perhaps 2 liters of water per person. The latter, well, you might want to pre-purchase rescue helicopter and ambulance fees insurance.

If it's a guided hike, the outfitter will provide water and instructions. It would be helpful if you'd tell us who, what, when and where. Most of us are familiar with the areas and the guided hike leaders and outfitters.

My only contribution is a not verbatim quote from a long time Grand Canyon hiker we lost a while back, Mary Phyl, regarding water requirements, " Better to consume it than carry it". This was in regards to some hikers being found with almost full or partial water bladders in high heat.

RedRox44's post brings to mind another old axiom that I still remember:
"Better in you than on you." Water is much more effective when it's consumed than when it's dumped on one's head. At least that's my two cents.

Depending on the heat and terrain I've consumed as much as a liter an hour during the afternoon hot hours. This is a bit much, some outings don't get close to this, but I feel a lot better when I'm pushing large quantities of water through my system. Recommend doing every-other-liter w/ electrolytes to keep the cramps at bay... I've had luck with both Endurolytes Fizz and Nuuns.

As for Camelback, that's totally up to you. It's nice to have the drinking tube right there but it's also hard to track how much water you've drank vs have left. My preference is 1 liter Platys (or some other similar brand) - having individual containers like this is easier to track and refill as you go, plus it forces you to take regular breaks (in the shade!) whenever you want to drink.

Grand Canyon has regular water stations on some of the trails. No need to carry a full day's worth of water (which very well may be gallons) if you're on these trails and will be walking past a spigot.

Don't go below the rim in the summer, 'tain't worth it.
$.02

It's possible the OP may not check back for answers... I responded by PM yesterday but so far it has not been read.

CannondaleKid wrote:It's possible the OP may not check back for answers... I responded by PM yesterday but so far it has not been read.

Did you see his username? Probably busy making soap or something.

@flagscott Making sure the franchises are air tight.