How To Purify Water While Backpacking
The best way to purify water while hiking in the backcountry depends on knowing the type of impurities that are likely to be found in the waters you find.
Contaminated water sources are likely to contain bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
Any time you are drinking from a water source that is questionable, it is a good idea to purify first.
We also recommend bringing more than one way to purify your water, as a backup is also a good idea.
Water Filters
It’s important to be aware of the type of microorganisms common to the area, because of the size of the filter needed to filter them out.
Common protozoa like Giardia or Cryptosporidium are 5 microns or larger, and can be filtered out with most standard filters on the market.
Microfilters are needed to filter out bacteria in the 0.2–0.5 microns size range. This includes Cholera, E. coli, and Salmonella.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Water Filters
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Hang it up at camp and come back to delicious filtered water safe for drinking.
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Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System Info
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Drink straight from the source and get clean water with no chemical aftertaste.
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Lifestraw Personal Water Filter Info
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An effective microfilter that filters water quickly and is convenient to use.
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MSR SweetWater Microfilter Info
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Chemical Treatments
Viruses are much smaller, in the range of 0.004 microns, and not all can even be filtered with a microfilter. Chemical treatments are needed to kill most viruses that are small enough for microfilters to let through.
Best Iodine Water Treatments
Iodine is sensitive to light, and should be stored in a dark bottle. It also works best on water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Iodine crystals provide an easy way to purify water for drinking.
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Polar Pure Iodine Water Disinfectant Info
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A 2-step iodine purification system that ensures there is no aftertaste or iodine coloring after purification.
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Potable Aqua PA-Plus Water Purification Tablets Info
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Best Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatments
Chlorine dioxide is a method of chemical purification that is often used by people with iodine allergies or sensitivities.
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Chlorine Dioxide tablets to chemically treat your water source and make it safe for drinking.
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Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets Info
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops allow you to mix the exact amount of the amount of water to treat.
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Info
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Best UV Water Purifiers
Using ultraviolet light to purify contaminated water is a convenient and lightweight way to sterilize your drinking water.
The most popular UV purifier products on the market do require batteries or a full charge.
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A convenient UV sterilization pen that can be placed right in your water bottle and quickly activated.
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SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier Info
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A 750 ml water bottle with built in UV bulb sterilizer and LCD screen.
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Camelbak All Clear Purifier Bottle Info
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Boiling
Boiling your water is the most effective way to purify it. After bringing the water to a boil (212°F / 100°C), let it boil for at least one minute to be safe.
At higher altitudes, the boiling time should be increased, up to three minutes.
Best Products for Boiling Water While Backpacking
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This lightweight aluminum pot with a folding silicon handle is convenient to use for boiling water and cooking around camp. |
Wealers 4 Cup Capacity Pot Info
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A highly efficient fuel canister stove system with a wind shield, temperature indicator, and a built-in 1-liter cooking cup.
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Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System Info
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Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations
Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations
Some people prefer drinking out of bottles, but the convenience of having your water easily available near your mouth makes it a lot easier to stay hydrated.
A hydration bladder, sometimes referred to as a reservoir, is a lightweight, flexible plastic or rubber container for water that has a tube with a mouthpiece to allow you to drink hands-free.
With a good quality hydration bladder, you’ll be able to drink while you walk without going in to your pack to get a bottle.
Hydration Pack vs Hydration Bladder
Hydration packs are backpacks that contain a bladder, but if you’re already wearing a backpacking pack with the rest of your gear in it, a bladder full of water can be carried in with the rest of your gear.
A lot of the best backpacking backpacks have a separate compartment meant for storing your hydration bladder, with an exit for the tube so it is reachable for drinking, and some have a clip to keep it in place.
Features To Look For When Choosing a Hydration Bladder
Opening Size
Reversibility
Taste
Add ons
Best Backpacking Hydration Bladders
The best-selling hydration bladders are strong and durable, and deliver the water reliably. Our top three choices are all slightly different and all have very desirable features in their design.
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The large opening makes this hydration bladder very easy to clean and quick to refill.
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Camelbak Antidote Reservoir Info
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This hydration bladder is popular for adding no unpleasant chemical taste or retaining flavors.
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Platypus Hoser Hydration System Info
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A pressurized hydration bladder that is top-filled, reversible, and delivers the water hygienically by spray.
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Geigerrig Hydration Engine Info
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Staying Hydrated While Backpacking
It’s important to stay properly hydrated while you’re hiking. If you’re out long enough you will eventually run out of the water you’ve brought with you, and be looking for places to fill up.
Whichever method of purifying your water you prefer, just make sure to bring and use it before drinking any water that may be contaminated.
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A pressurized hydration bladder that is top-filled, reversible, and delivers the water hygienically by spray.
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Geigerrig Hydration Engine Info
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The large opening makes this hydration bladder very easy to clean and quick to refill.
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Camelbak Antidote Reservoir Info
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This hydration bladder is popular for adding no unpleasant chemical taste or retaining flavors.
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Platypus Hoser Hydration System Info
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Iodine crystals provide an easy way to purify water for drinking.
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Polar Pure Iodine Water Disinfectant Info
|
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|
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Chlorine Dioxide tablets to chemically treat your water source and make it safe for drinking.
|
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets Info
|
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|
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Drink straight from the source and get clean water with no chemical aftertaste.
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Lifestraw Personal Water Filter Info
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A water bottle that includes the LifeStraw filter, allowing you to filter and carry in one step.
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Lifestraw Go Water Bottle with Integrated 1000-Liter LifeStraw Filter Info
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A convenient and lightweight system for effectively sanitizing water.
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Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System Info
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Hang it up at camp and come back to delicious filtered water safe for drinking.
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Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System Info
|
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An effective microfilter that filters water quickly and is convenient to use.
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MSR SweetWater Microfilter Info
|
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A 2-step iodine purification system that ensures there is no aftertaste or iodine coloring after purification.
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Potable Aqua PA-Plus Water Purification Tablets Info
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops allow you to mix the exact amount of the amount of water to treat.
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Info
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A convenient UV sterilization pen that can be placed right in your water bottle and quickly activated.
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SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier Info
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A 750 ml water bottle with built in UV bulb sterilizer and LCD screen.
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Camelbak All Clear Purifier Bottle Info
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