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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Take High Ground With Bagged Water

A water bag is an often overlooked item that can help ridge hikers expand their horizons.

Inexpensive and ultralight waterbags have a plastic bladder supported by a nylon outerbag with fabric handles for carrying and hanging. The spout is like those found on boxed wine.

The bags, sold at many outdoor equipment stores, can be folded into a fist-sized wad and stuffed into a pack pocket. Find a good camp spot on a ridge or peak? Take it.

Then hike down with a light pack to the nearest creek or lake and fill the bag with filtered or treated water. At nearly 3 gallons, the bags hold plenty for a day of camping.

The advantage: High camps often are more scenic, less crowded and less buggy than camps near creeks or lakes.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo