Hiking Water Treatment Options

If you ve got time to wait the aquamira water treatment drops is a lightweight and inexpensive travel system that is used by many thru hikers.

Hiking water treatment options.

For example squeeze style water filters uv purification and filter bottles tend to be good for solo users and clear water sources while chemical purification and pump filters purifiers are good for larger groups and riskier or murkier water sources. Of all the chemical treatment systems it kills the most stuff including finicky cryptosporidium cysts. Never use or toss soapy water directly into backcountry water sources. You can choose from chemical treatment iodine or chlorine filtration ultraviolet light or boiling.

Dispose of soapy water by dispersing it on soil rather than rocks. When looking for a filter anything less than one micron will be effective for purifying. Carry water for cleaning at least 200 feet away from water sources. Types of water treatment.

Boiling is fuel intensive and requires waiting for water to cool. For information on sanitation when traveling or while in the backcountry visit. When you re back at camp enjoying dinner it isn t an issue but the last thing you ll want to do on the middle of a hike is take our your stove fuel and pots to boil some water to drink. Filters only purify the water from protozoa bacteria.

Not only will the high temperature kill bacteria protozoa and viruses but the boiling will help the sediment settle out leaving clear water on top. Shop for water bottles and treatment at rei free u s. Boiling water will kill just about everything however it does take time requires taking extra fuel and is cumbersome to do while hiking. Standard shipping on orders of 50 or more.

Purifying and treating your water is a personal choice. Luckily there are now many simple and convenient ways to purify water obtained along the trail when you re out for a nice hike. Activate the substances then drop it into your water and wait. Collect water in a pot then fire up the stove.

Simply bringing water to a rolling boil is sufficient. Below are the best ways to treat your water while hiking or backpacking. Properly dispose of human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources. Clean hands save lives cdc.

These items are chosen because of popularity weight and effectiveness. It can help spawn a population of microscopic pathogens in the water.