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Is there a network or system a visitor (not considering the luxury of a trail drive-through) can use to place water along the trail?

Caching seems to be getting a great deal of attention lately. I submit that it is over rated. If you study the data book, the water information on the linked site and aren't afraid to haul some, you should be fine. The caches are a safety factor, but they are not without problems.

If on the other hand you want pristine water by the gallon, you may have the problem the fellow had last year. He walked past two sources because they were skanky; then was helicoptered out of the Mazatzals a couple hours ahead of the grim reaper.

In 2009 a thru hiker told me he never carried more than 3 liters. In 2010 I never had less than 3 liters. If the year has anywhere near normal precipitation, and you actively manage the situation, there are only a few places you need to rely on caches.

Free advice, worth what you paid for it.

I agree with above. When I hiked it last year I did leave caches of water (and wine) actually, however it was not nearly as dry as expected. Could have easily been done without any caches. We hiked it southbound and I carried 3-4 liters at any given time, The worst part for me was Utah to Flagstaff as far as water resources go but that would have been do able. If I had it to do over I would not have left caches and maybe carried up to 6 liters at a few points. But if you want wine you will have to cache lol.

Water caching can make a trip much more enjoyable - however it can also set up a very dangerous dependence. If you plan to carry 3-4 liters of water per day as many of us desert hikers do as matter of course - then you can use cached water to change out skanky tank water if you end up with some or even have an extra long cool drink.

I say you should NEVER leave a water source without a full load on the AZT.

writelots wrote:I say you should NEVER leave a water source without a full load on the AZT.

Amen, and a full load includes your belly--drink till you slosh!