From a non-moderator's point of view, I won't cycle any distance without knowing I have water with me. Not everyone reports medical conditions here and I don't know what the op doors and doesn't have but any asthmatic or anyone with other breathing issues will tell you that breathing is a lot easier with a wet mouth and throat than a dry one and I for one, have major issues breathing when my throat, not mouth, gets dry. Also if you are only just getting to 20-30 miles in fitness levels you will need more water than someone who routinely does +50mile trips. And we have no idea of the OH's fitness, the ground covered, medical conditions, or temperature on the day, so it's unfair to judge how much water a person should or should not carry. I always go out with at least 2 water bottles and will often end up driving a 3rd carried by my oh. He is less fit than me, has fewer medical issues, non affecting his breathing, and will only drink 1 water bottle on the same ride I would get through 3. Yet he will need pee stops 3 or 4 times more frequently than myself. There is a joke in our household regarding that one, but I won't day it here. What I'm saying is that it varies from person to person, so don't judge.