I carry 3 liters from the start. 2 liters in my hydration vest and 2 16oz bottles. All with tailwind. I never need more than that for the dayhike and I hate stopping to refill, but if I do need to, it would be way on the way down where there is plenty of running water, and I would just dip a bottle into a flowing creek. Carry no food either, the tailwind is enough.