You’ve heard horror stories of people getting sick from drinking unsafe water. The good news is that as technology and science have advanced, humans have continued to advance their methods of purifying water.Therefore, filtering and purifying water from natural sources while backpacking is very safe and not as scary as it sounds. There are many on the market like wakiwaki bottled water purifier. Fortunately, they are strictly regulated and approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Before relying solely on water sources outside your country, it’s important to do some research to learn how to combat parasites, bacteria, and viruses that may be in unfiltered water.
Why you need a water purifier for backpacking?
For your health and convenience, you need a water filter if you spend the afternoon backpacking. Let’s talk more about why.
You can’t carry bottled water for several days
As I said at the beginning, it’s one thing if you’re planning a day trip. You can bring a few bottles of water to drink while walking. If you need more snacks than you have prepared, stop by a convenience store on the way home, or rehydrate when you get home.
But if you’re on an overnight backpacking trip, especially if you’re camping for many days, you can’t carry that many bottles of water. You wouldn’t want to.
Water filters allow you to drink from lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. You don’t have to worry about where the water comes from because Mother Nature provides everything.
Reduce the risk of getting sick
The idea of drinking water directly from a stream sounds naive, but in practice it is not only impractical, it is also dangerous. Biological pathogens can swim in that water and make you sick.
Water filters filter out bacteria such as Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli. Also, don’t worry about Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium protozoan cysts.
Bacteria usually cause nausea, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), vomiting, and dehydration.
These types of symptoms quickly ruin a backpacking trip, and you need to be close to camp because you need a bathroom. You also need access to your bed as you need to lie down to rest.
You will want to go home as soon as you feel like it and make a full recovery.
You deserve clean tasting water
Backpacking is all about giving up your creature comforts and exploring nature. It’s a brave adventure in which you’ve given up internet access, social media, and constant connectivity.
One creature that doesn’t need to be sacrificed is clean water. When water tastes better, you want to drink more. This will help prevent dehydration. Remember, dehydration isn’t just a dry throat. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Why can’t my filter remove viruses?
Not all portable water purifiers can remove viruses.
This is because viruses are usually smaller than bacteria and parasites. Devices with even smaller pore sizes, typically 0.01 microns, are required. Unfortunately, equipping 0.01 micron straws and gravity filters is somewhat counterproductive and difficult as it slows down the flow of water considerably.
As you may have noticed, the pump filter is very effective, but I omitted it because the pump is also quite heavy (these ultralight filters weigh no more than 12 ounces, but the lightest pump filter weighs is easily 20 oz). ). Also, pumping requires more effort.
Fortunately, water-borne viral diseases are not a problem in the United States, where water standards are high. However, if you are traveling to a developing country, you may want to consider pump filters or other water purification methods.
Main types of backpack-type water filters
You can choose from several types of water purifiers. Some of them are more suitable for backpacking habits than others.
Gravity filter
Gravity water purifiers are easy to use. The filter has a reservoir and is filled with water to the top. Next, you need a place to hang your gravity filter. Well, you didn’t think it would be called a gravity filter for no reason, did you?
These filters clean water as it passes through the filter from top to bottom. Whether you hang the filter from a cliff, tree branch, or tent hook, you don’t have to manually filter it. Gravity makes everything difficult, but it takes time and patience.
One of the biggest advantages of gravity filters is that some models are huge. If you’re backpacking with a group of friends or family, you can use a gravity filter to clean enough water for everyone.
Straw style filter
Straw style filters are one of the most fun and easy to use types of water filters for backpacking. Filters are built in, so no configuration is required. Just soak the straw-shaped filter in water and drink from the other side.
It’s like drinking from a giant straw!
If you’ve ever seen backpackers using straw filters, you might think it’s funny. You’re sure to get some laughs from other hikers who see you doing the same thing. Slim and portable enough to fit in any backpack, even when space is limited. It’s cheap for a water purifier.
However, if you want to purify water all at once, straw-type filters are not suitable. Also, you can only rehydrate if you find a body of water. If you’re hiking in water-scarce areas, you might want to reconsider this type of filter.
Bottle filter
The final type of backpacking water filter is the bottle filter. This is another type of water filter that is very easy to use. Simply fill the bottle with water and the filtered water in the bottle will be clean. People can exchange cartridges and elements freely.
If you have a water purifier or pitcher at home, bottle filters work just as well.However, bottle filters, while convenient, take up more space than other water purifiers. You can carry the bottle should always with you.
How to choose the best filter and water purifier?
Many people are very loyal and have opinions about their favorite devices and systems, because water treatment is literally a lifesaver. But how do you know it works for you? It’s scary to put all your trust in water filters and water purifiers because the results will be so unpleasant.
There are several Ultralight filters and his one of the most popular is LifeStraw. This is a great device for drinking water in a pinch, but it can’t collect water for cooking or when you’re not near a water source. However, it is inexpensive and weighs only 2 ounces.
One of the best systems on the market is the Gravity Filter System. Many brands make similar systems, but they all work in the same way.
There is usually another tube that goes from the filter to another bladder, usually labeled as a clean water reservoir. Let me give you an example that I personally like. I don’t take it with me when backpacking because it takes up space, but I love it for a few days on a river trip.
Final thoughts
It should be noted that one size does not fit all when it comes to choosing the right backpacking water filter like emergency water purifier. The best filters for solo backpackers may not be the best for group hikers.You need to be clear about your needs and priorities.
Ultimately, we’ve selected an ultralight water filter that’s perfect for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.If you’re a solo backpacker or long-distance runner, you’ve got the Katadyn BeFree. The collapsible squeeze flask has a capacity of up to 1 liter and is conveniently portable as a personal filter.
