Caching water?

[Janice]

We're very excited that we got a permit for 4 nights North Rim GC in late October, going Bill Hall -> Esplanade -> Deer Creek -> Upper Tapeats -> Esplanade -> out. On Night #1 we'll be caching water on the Esplanade for Night #4. This will be our first time caching water, and I've found a little bit of info online but not as much as I expected. We already know we'll need to label, store in a good spot, and keep track of the location. But I want more specifics about what kind of container to use so our water will be ready & waiting for us - no animal punctures! Since we have to carry the water down to our cache spot, we can't use anything too heavy or unwieldy. The NPS isn't allowed to give specific brand recommendations, so I'm seeking advice from you experts:

• If you've cached water on the Esplanade or elsewhere where you had to carry it pretty far, what container(s) have you used that you recommend (or don't recommend)?
• Did you put the container in an Ursack or Ratsack or something like that?
• Did you carry the water in front in a small backpack, and if so did you cache the backpack and the water? (The article I saw suggested that.)
• How many liters do you think each person needs (camp on Esplanade, then hike out next day - we'll have water waiting in car) - 4L? 6L?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

 

[napatony13]

That route was my very first backpacking trip, so I was likely underprepared, but I just left drinking water for my hike out on the Esplanade in the plastic bottles it came in. It was only there for one day, but it was just fine.

 

[Janice]

That route was my very first backpacking trip, so I was likely underprepared, but I just left drinking water for my hike out on the Esplanade in the plastic bottles it came in. It was only there for one day, but it was just fine.

Wow - what a first ever backpacking trip. You're tough!

Thanks for the info.

 

[napatony13]

Wow - what a first ever backpacking trip. You're tough!

Thanks for the info.

I was 59 and really wanted to see it. I had done R2R twice as day hikes and asked several people if there was any possibility of doing the DC/TR loop as a day hike and they all said "no way". So I bought all the gear and went for it. I went Bill Hall to Deer Creek then across to Lower Tapeats where I spent 1 night, then out the following day. It's a fantastic hike and really lived up to all the hype. The view looking up at the climb out from the base of Bill Hall is a soul crusher though!

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

I don't know how much help this will be but in areas such as Organ Pipe where water is left for migrants coming north the water is stored in black gallon jugs and left on the ground. From what I was told, this water may sit for weeks at a time. The jugs are black so that even if they sit for a week or longer, no bacteria will grow within as no light can reach the water. I have no idea where to find the black jugs though.

Sounds like an awesome trip!

 

[Dreamer]

I’ve cached water in that exact area in spring of 21. Used a regular gallon jug and a stiffer orange juice container. Left two caches. One at the bottom of the climb out and one at the edge for the overnight sitting for 5 days for two of us. Put them under a bush and in a crevice, both in the shade. Carried in pack. A gallon at the edge and 3 liter for the climb, for two.

 

[Janice]

I’ve cached water in that exact area in spring of 21. Used a regular gallon jug and a stiffer orange juice container. Left two caches. One at the bottom of the climb out and one at the edge for the overnight sitting for 5 days for two of us. Put them under a bush and in a crevice, both in the shade. Carried in pack. A gallon at the edge and 3 liter for the climb, for two.

Super helpful - thanks!

 

[Janice]

I don't know how much help this will be but in areas such as Organ Pipe where water is left for migrants coming north the water is stored in black gallon jugs and left on the ground. From what I was told, this water may sit for weeks at a time. The jugs are black so that even if they sit for a week or longer, no bacteria will grow within as no light can reach the water. I have no idea where to find the black jugs though.

Sounds like an awesome trip!

Interesting - and I'm glad to hear that attempts are made to provide water to those in need.

 

[Janice]

I was 59 and really wanted to see it. I had done R2R twice as day hikes and asked several people if there was any possibility of doing the DC/TR loop as a day hike and they all said "no way". So I bought all the gear and went for it. I went Bill Hall to Deer Creek then across to Lower Tapeats where I spent 1 night, then out the following day. It's a fantastic hike and really lived up to all the hype. The view looking up at the climb out from the base of Bill Hall is a soul crusher though!

Wow again - what a pace you must have! I'm 59 and even though I'll be training a lot, this route is going to kick my ass in 4 nights. I'm normally a fast walker, but as soon as I strap on a pack and go uphill my pace drops dramatically. I'll prep using the stair climber at the gym but hate it!