Howler, I carry about 85 ounces of water. SO not a full gallon. I'm from Ohio, and I'm on a medicine that makes me dehydrate quickly, so I carry more than most do probably. But you also have weight in water bottles, or a little weight if you carry a Bladder.
-Jake

I understand that some, such as yourself, almost have to carry the water weight, and there are places where there's little water to be found. Where I elk hunt, my one 16oz. filtered water bottle is all I need. Fill it as needed.

I also believe in carring 2 road flares. Might never need them but it is an easy way to start a fire.

My backpack has everything I need to spend the night ............

My day pack doubles as a "night" pack !!! LOL

I generally pack 20 to 25 lbs including 3 qts. of water. The quality of the pack makes a huge difference. 25lbs in a well designed, well fitted pack will wear you less than 15 lbs in a poorer pack. Many can pack 60..80..or 100 lbs., and many of us have to to pack out animals, but I wouldn't recommend doing it if you don't have to. In the long run most will pay for. Muscle strength isn't the problem. Our skeletal structure really isn't designed for it. I wrecked my knees packing heavy loads in steep country.

My day pack weighs about 25 lbs. I have food, water, everything I need to field dress an elk, and emergency supplies incase I had to spend the night in the woods.

Mine weighs in at around 20 pounds. I have game bags, bone saw, a couple of knives, survival kit, food for lunch, and a water bladder. I tend to keep things like GPS, radio, flashlight and knife in there rather than on a belt. After I get an elk down and quartered I switch to a pack frame which is back at the truck to get the meat out.

My Kelty Cougar weighs 26 lbs fully loaded with game cleaning gear, first aid, survival, lunch, handgun, rangefinder, lights, and 3 liters of water.

Thanks to everyone for the info. Sounds like I'm about right on the weight. If I can keep it around 20 lbs. I think I can manage it.

My pack weighs about 20 pounds. Got everything in it to spend the night if I have to, start a fire, and cut up an elk.