Pump filters can require maintenance and can also be an expensive purchase. This allows you to quickly filter large quantities of water. Pump water filters are basically the same as a sip and squeeze filter with a pump mechanism attached. Recommended Gear: Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System 2 microns or smaller, but do not eliminate viruses.īest for: Day hikes and as an ultra-light personal water source. Most filters in this category filter out bacteria and protozoa via microscopic pores in the filter media usually. There are several popular variations available from simple straws that allow you to sip water directly from a water source or that include an optional squeeze bottle that attaches to the filter so you can squeeze water into containers. Sip or Squeeze filters offer a light-weight personal filtration solution. Recommended Gear: SteriPEN Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier Recommended Gear: Aquamira Water Purifier Tabletsīest for: International adventures and when viruses are a concern. The downside is needing to wait 30 minutes for the tablets to effectively neutralize Giardia and up to 4 hours when Cryptosporidium is a concern.īest for: When going ultra-light is a priority or as a backup purification method. Traditionally hikers used iodine tablets, but iodine wasn't able to eliminate Cryptosporidium and also left the water yellow and tasting funky. Today hikers prefer Chlorine Dioxide Tablets, which purify water with a highly active form of oxygen as they dissolve. The downside is you'll use up your cooking fuel and will need to wait for the water to cool down.īest for: Silty Water, because the silt will settle during boiling allowing you to scoop clear water off the top.Ĭhemical purification methods weigh almost nothing and are small enough to keep in your first-aid kit so you always have a way to purify water on the trail. Boiling will eliminate bacteria, protozoa, and even viruses. The basic rule is to make sure you bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute at lower altitudes and 3 minutes at altitudes above 2000 meters. Here we will look at 6 popular options for purifying water on the trail, so you can keep hydrated and happy on your next hiking or backpacking trip.īoiling water before drinking is one of the most reliable ways to purify drinking water. The options for purifying water in the backcountry have never been lighter or easier with solutions ranging from ultralight squeeze filters to high tech UV purifiers. Stay Hydrated on the Trail with These Water Purification OptionsĪ long hike or multi-day backpacking trip requires plenty of hydration and unless you want to weigh down your pack with water you should plan on bringing a water filtration or purification method.
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