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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