Water

The most important factor in choosing how to carry water is that it will be available and convenient to encourage you to drink enough while walking. You also need a container that will hold enough water to get you from refilling station to refilling station.
Single Use BottlesWith bottled water widely available, many walkers reuse the bottles. These bottles are more difficult to clean between uses because they don't have the wider mouths that refillable water bottles do. Be sure to wash them with hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Refillable Water BottlesThese are available at all sports stores and outdoors stores. Wash these after each use with hot water and soap to kill any germs. Test your bottle to make sure that it is not going to drip or spill when carried, even when going up and down in altitude.
Platypus and CamelbakPlatypus water bottles are flat when empty and fill up like a tick. They may fit better into a pack and are easily stored. Compare Prices.Camelbak water carriers ride on your back, with a flexible tube straw to drink from. Compare Prices
Water CarriersOnce you have selected you bottle, how do you carry it? Carrying it in the hand puts too much strain on wrist and elbow. A hip pack with a bottle holder is a good way to carry it at your center of mass, the best place to add weight to not strain your legs. Many backpacks also have special pockets for carrying water bottles without having to dig to the bottom of the pack to find it when you want it. Look for the carrier that suits you best at a sports or outdoors store..