6 best backpacking water purification methods
Backpacking water purification methods are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable way to make natural water sources safe for drinking during their adventures. These methods ensure that water from streams, rivers, or lakes is free from harmful pathogens and contaminants. Here are some common backpacking water purification methods:
Boiling: Boiling water is one of the most effective methods to purify it. Simply bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This method is reliable but can be time-consuming and require fuel.
Water Filters: Water filters are portable devices that use physical barriers to remove contaminants from water. They come in various types, including pump filters, gravity filters, and squeeze filters. Filters can remove bacteria, protozoa, and some larger particles but may not be effective against viruses.
Chemical Treatment: Chemical water treatment involves using chemicals like chlorine dioxide tablets or iodine to disinfect water. These chemicals kill or inactivate pathogens. Follow the instructions carefully and wait the recommended contact time for the treatment to be effective.
UV Sterilizers: UV sterilizers or purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in water. These devices are compact and lightweight but rely on battery power, which may not be suitable for extended trips without access to electricity.
Activated Carbon Filters: Some water filters include activated carbon to improve the taste and odor of water by removing chemicals like chlorine and organic compounds. These filters are often used in conjunction with other purification methods.
Chemical Filtration: Some filters incorporate chemical treatment into their design, offering a two-step purification process. This combination ensures both physical and chemical removal of contaminants.
Iodine Resin Filters: These filters use iodine-impregnated resin beads to kill microorganisms in water. They are effective against bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa. However, they may not be suitable for long-term use due to concerns about iodine consumption.
Straw Filters: Straw filters are compact and lightweight, allowing you to drink directly from a water source. They typically use a combination of physical filtration and chemical treatment to make water safe to drink.
Backcountry Water Purification Tablets: These tablets contain chemicals like chlorine dioxide or iodine and are convenient for backpackers. They are easy to carry and use, but you'll need to wait for the recommended contact time before drinking the treated water.
Gravity Filters: Gravity filters use the force of gravity to push water through a filter element into a clean container. They are efficient for filtering larger quantities of water and are suitable for group backpacking trips.
When choosing a backpacking water purification method, consider factors such as the water source's quality, the trip's duration, weight restrictions, and personal preferences. Many backpackers carry a combination of methods to ensure redundancy and adaptability to different situations.Proper water purification is essential to prevent waterborne illnesses and ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best backpacking water purification methods on the market
Polar Pure Iodine Water Purifier Camping Gear More Effective Than Chlorine Tablets, Water Purification Tablets Filter Straws Filtered Water Bottle Kills Bacteria Viruses Emergency Backpacking Survival
Polar Pure
Product description
Clean, pure water anywhere you need it polar pure is the most trusted and widely used method of water treatment on the market, relied on every day by backpackers, hikers, Relief efforts and the military. Polar Pure exceeds the FDA’s minimum standard for sterilization by killing all bacteria and viruses, as well as their mutations. This goes beyond the capabilities of water tablets and filter straws, which leave mutations to repopulate with greater virility and viruses untouched due to their size. polar pure iodine water purifier lets you decontaminate 2, 000 liters of water while a comparable SE of water tablets will filter only 25 liters. The cost to use Polar Pure is just 1cent per quart, while water tablets cost 12 cents per cup. Our purification method is also shelf-stable, maintaining its’ potency indefinitely as long as it remains capped between uses. Conversely, water tablets begin losing their efficacy As soon as you open the bottle. Also, our product can render large amounts of water potable. All of these properties make Polar Pure ideal for large-scale humanitarian Relief efforts and emergency preparedness. Hikers and campers love it because the proprietary bottle with built-in temperature gauge tells them exactly how much to use for their personal needs, and it doesn't take up a lot of space in their backpacks. A bounce bottle fits in the palm of your hand. polar pure is an indispensable accessory for any Storm shelter, emergency supplies or travel kit. be prepared to enjoy clean, drinkable water from any source. Add Polar Pure iodine water purifier to your cart today.
- Polar Pure Water Disinfectant
- Dosage chart is printed on the bottle
- Bottle cap measures and gives solution, No other tools required
- Unique bottle design deploys pure crystallized iodine into water
- Compact size for travel convenience
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is it easy to refill this bottle with iodine crystals i get for cheap off the fleabay? Saw a demo where the crystals couldnt fall out when pouring |
| Answer: | yes, it can be refilled with 5 gm of 99%+ pure iodine crystals which are cheap. Just pour them into the jar. 5 gm is so they do not over flow the baffle in the bottle. |
| Question: | Let mine sit overnight with water. there is absolutely no green dot. under a spotlight there is a faint blue. can i assume thats the indicator |
| Answer: | Yes, try keeping the bottle close to your body to warm up, or wrap a warm cloth around it for a few minutes. Basically, the warmer the solution the less you need, it's a valiency/solubility thing... I thought my thermometer strip was broken too at first, until I warmed and cooled the bottle.. Just a thermometer color issue. I used this for salt river water (arizona) after a sediment filter and had no I'll affects. |
| Question: | How much water (assuming the temperature indication is somewhere in the middle) can one bottle do at one time |
| Answer: | The temperature indicator on the bottle is to indicate the saturation or iodine content of the solution in the bottle: that is, the warmer the bottle, the more iodine in each drop. The temperature of the water affects only the time required for the iodine to work. Therefore, it should not be necessary to 'go heavy', just be sure to give it sufficient time to do it's job. Following the directions then, you can treat one liter per two capfuls in the bottle, however many that is. You could then, of course, refill the bottle with water and repeat. |
| Question: | How many liters of water will one bottle-full of Polar Pure treat? Assuming the full 4 capfulls are necessary |
| Answer: | Manufacturer states ,Crystals in bottle make enough solution to treat 2000 quarts drinking water,also saturation concentration varies with solution temperature, but a green dot on the liquid crystal chart on the Polar Pure bottle shows how many capfuls of saturated solution to add to 1 liter or quart of water to make a 4ppm solution ,which kills Giardia in 20-30 minutes in a closed bottle of 68degF water (colder water takes longer) .This information comes from manufacturers instructions |
Product features
Welcome to Polar Pure, The most effective Water Treatment Purification Product
Polar Pure is an iodine Water Purifier which completely sterilizes your drinking water from all viruses, Bacteria and all their Mutations, Unlike Water Tablets which force bacteria to either die or Mutate, If they mutate (Very Common) they become Immune to the Tablet, and unlike Filter Straws, The best Filter Straws filter at only 0.01 microns which means they Cannot Filter out viruses which are commonly 0.004 microns because there too small. Viruses can cause deadly illnesses such as Hepatitis which is why its imperative to choose the correct water treatment product for your setting.
Polar Pure Is The Most Trusted Water Purification Product On The Market
Polar Pure is an indispensable accessory for any storm shelter, emergency supplies or travel kit.
Be prepared to enjoy clean, drinkable water from any source. Add Polar Pure Iodine Water Purifier to your cart today.
Safe and Effective
Kills all bacteria and viruses.
EPA Certified to exceed the minimum threshold for sterilization. Treats up to 2,000 liters of water, unlike Water Tablets which can decontaminate only 25 liters. Kills all bacteria and viruses before they mutate. Tablets can let organisms mutate and become immune. Filtration straws (0.01 Microns) cannot filter out viruses, which are too small at .0004 microns
Easy-To-Use
Integrated temperature gauge lets you know exactly the dosage (Cap-Fulls) to use to render water drinkable. Cap acts as a measuring device.
Small and Lightweight
Everyone knows the key to a successful backpacker is packing light and tight. Polar Pure Weighs just 5 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand perfect for backpacking and camping excursions where size and weight is important.
MSR Guardian Military-Grade Water Purifier Pump for Backcountry, Global Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
MSR
Product description
The MSR Guardian Water Purifier Pump was originally designed for the U.S. Military, who turned to MSR’s advanced water filtration technology to keep troops safe and healthy in every remote corner of the globe. Six years of research and development went into engineering the pump purifier, which removes viruses (such as norovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A), bacteria (such as E. coli. Shigella, salmonella, cholera), protozoa (such as giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae), and sediment from contaminated water sources anywhere on earth. It meets the strict NSF protocol P248 testing standard for the U.S. Military, using medical-grade fibers to provide protection from the tiniest microbiological waterborne threats. Designed to be fast, simple, and safe, it pumps at a rapid 2.5 liters per minute, has a long-lasting advanced filter that treats up to 10,000 liters of water, and withstands freezing temperatures, drops, heavy use, and harsh environments. A self-cleaning mechanism ensures reliability, flushing contaminants in the filter back into the source, so there is no backflushing or scrubbing cartridges to maintain flow. The MSR Guardian Water Purifier Pump is ideal for wilderness, backcountry use, expeditions, global travel, and emergency preparedness. It measures 8.2 x 4.7 inches and weights 17.3 ounces. Made in the USA.
- Military-grade water purifier pump removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulate from contaminated water sources virtually anywhere on earth
- Meets NSF protocol P248 testing standard of the U.S. military, using medical-grade fibers to provide protection from the tiniest waterborne threats
- Pumps at a rapid 2.5 liters per minute, treats up to 10,000 liters of water, and withstands freezing, drops, heavy use, and harsh environments
- Pump self-cleans on every stroke, providing consistently fast flow rates with zero hassle—no backflushing or filter-scrubbing ever required
- Ideal for backcountry, expeditions, global travel, and survival; purifier pump measures 8.2 x 4.7 inches and weighs 17.3 ounces; made in the USA
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will the cartridge dry and be compromised after long-term storage? Is it necessary to wet it |
| Answer: | The Mission is a purifier that also removes viruses. The Flex is a filter that removes bacteria, parasites and heavy metals like lead. |
| Question: | How many microns does it filter to |
| Answer: | My experience with Lifestraw was they didn’t sell filters separately. They seemed to like the idea of selling me a new setup. I don’t deal with Lifestraw anymore |
| Question: | Does it filter heavy metals |
| Answer: | The Mission can be used until it has reached it's 18,000 liters. When it has reached it's 18,000 liters, you will need to replace the filter. |
| Question: | Has the leaking problem (o-rings) been fixed by MSR |
| Answer: | The weight of this product is 18.72oz (1.17 lbs). |
Product features
NSF Protocols P231 & P248
- Microorganisms in backcountry water can pose an immediate risk to your health.
- NSF P231 and P248 are the most rigorous scientific standards for proving a device safely removes these microbes from challenging wilderness sources.
- These standards confirm the device’s effectiveness throughout the entire life of its filter.
- All MSR filters pass P231 for removal of bacteria and protozoa, and our Guardian Purifiers are the market’s only to pass the military standard P248 testing for virus removal.
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, Black, 10 (2010000)
Katadyn
Product description
Made of the highest quality construction, this robust water filter is ideal for long lasting continuous use, even under extreme circumstances. The filter’s silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa, using a Micro Filtration method. Up to 1 quart (1 liter)/minute Cartridge Capacity, up to 13, 000 gallons (50, 000 liters), depending on water quality. This pocket water filter is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, international travelers, and the U. S. Military.
- Pocket water filter designed four outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers
- Filter's silver-impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa
- Filters all microorganisms larger than 0. 2 microns to produce clear, drinkable water
- Round pump handle for easy pumping; outlet hose attaches to containers with clip
User questions & answers
| Question: | liter capacity? Does this $370 pump only do 50 liters @ $7.40 per liter then you throw it away? Or is capacity 50 liters per hr |
| Answer: | The unit filters at 1 liter per minute. Up to 50,000 liters before the filter needs replacement (depending on the quality of the water being filtered). |
| Question: | does this filter salt water |
| Answer: | No, it does not. |
Product features
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter
Made of the highest quality construction, this robust water filter is ideal for long lasting continuous use, even under extreme circumstances. The filter’s silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa, using a Micro Filtration method. Up to 1 quart (1 liter)/minute Cartridge Capacity, up to 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters), depending on water quality. The Pocket Water filter is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, international travelers, and the U.S. Military.
Filters all sediment, particles, and microorganisms that are found in ‘fresh’ water sources.
Cartridge can clean up to approx. 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters) of water, depending on the condition of the water.
Continue on your trek with water bottles and packs full of clean, clear drinking water.
Quickly converts suspect water to safe drinking water at rate of approx. 1 quart (1 liter) per minute, or around 48 pump strokes.
The silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa.
Filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns to produce clear, drinkable water.
This robust water filter is ideal for continuous use, even under extreme circumstances.
Made of high quality construction.
Portable Water Filter Straw, Light Weight Drinking Water Purifier, Personal Camping Filtration System, Mini Water Purifier Survival Gear for Hiking, Camping, Travel and Emergency Preparedness
SKYFISH
Product description
Features:
Please filter visually clean water with this filter straw to extend life span.Flush water straw after using to keep clean and prevent from clogging.
Instructions:
Method 1:Suck water directly by filter straw or with silicone hose.
Method 2:Straw with water bottle or squeeze pouch(When attach to water bottle &pouch,please turn back and forth to press bottle to the bottom of silicone adapter to avoid leakage.)
Method 3:Filter with gravity.
Method 4:Filter from faucet.
Clean & Flush:
Method 1:Side flow flush.Remove the carbon fiber case,remove O-ring to Open flush port.Attach filter to suitable faucet /water bottle or squeeze pouch for flushing.
Method 2:Backwash with water bottle or pouch.
Store:
Step 1:Flush filter straw & silicone hose by clean water;
Step 2: Soak in boiling water at 100°C (212°F) for 60 seconds;
Step 3:10% salt water or 75% medical alcohol soaked;
Step 4:Coated with dust cover & house,bag sealed;
Step 5:Store in a dry,low temperature condition,keep away from sunlight.
Method 3:
Specification
Application:Lake,river,stream
Accuracy:0.01 micron
Output:7 oz 200ml/min
Dimension:325mm*155mm
Net Weight:1.8 oz 50g
Capacity:4000L
Note:
Filter main body except,part of accessories for extend and selections may not included in packing list.Please inquiry distributor for details.
Not for children under 6 years old.Choking hazard.
Not for salt water and sea water.
Not wash with detergent,disinfectant etc to avoid damage.
- ★Portable: Net weight is only 50g,this light weight water straw is ideal for backpacking,hiking,camping,scouting,backcountry travel,mission trip and emergency preparedness.
- ★Safety:Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals,easy to use.
- ★Filtration: Using hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane and carbon fiber filter material, the filtration rate is as high as 99.9999%.
- ★Purification:It can also remove such as sediment,odor,color,chlorine,organic matter and heacy metal.
- ★Multiple ways of use：Use with water bags or connect to water bottles to filtrate water for drinking. Both ends of it can be disassembled and connected with water bags and water bottles to offer you clean drinking water anywhere, anytime.
User questions & answers
| Question: | does the hose or tubing come with it to filter the water to another container, or do you need to buy it separately |
| Answer: | This is a good idea and very practical. |
| Question: | how much water is filted before needing new filter |
| Answer: | ok |
Panghuhu88 Straw Water Filter Military 99.99% Purifier Purification Gear for Camping Hiking Climbing Emergency
Leyouyou520
Product description
Use Method:
1. Absorb water with mouth, absorb water out or spin dry after use, replace the lid
2. Life Spam: can purify up to 1000 liters of water, after reach to its life end, the straw will be blocked
Warm Tips:
① Please spit out the first absorb-in water
②Please don't collect saline water or chemically polluted water
③Not put it in microwave
④For longer life span, please try to select the water with less inclusion
- 【SURVIVAL DRINKING FILTER STRAW】: The Survival-Straw design is ideal for purifying water from outdoor like river, streams, lakes, ponds, valley, and other contaminated sources. A must for every outdoor travelers!!! It may save your life and refresh you back in many unexpected conditions!!!
- 【GIVE YOU A BITE OF LIFE-RESCUE WATER】: Do not belittle such a small gear, it may save you back to life in various harsh conditions! Even for those long-term travel, this tool can help you go further and possible to complete the whole journey. Small but significant!
- 【THROUGHLY PURIFY】Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; does not require batteries and has no moving parts. Unlike many similar filters on the market today, Our Rescue Straw can removes a minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, filtering to an amazing 0.2 microns.
- 【APPLICATION】: Perfect for outdoor travelling, sports, fitness, emergency, rescue, outdoor exploration, combat, mining, picnic, backpacking, hunting, couting, and emergency preparedness, etc
- 【PACKAGE】:1 x Filter Straw，1 x Syringe
Purewell Filtered Water Bottle BPA Free with 4-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel
Purewell
- 【Food Grade Material】： 4 Stage advanced high-performance filter included：Medical Grade Hollow Fiber UF Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton. Made by durable food-grade plastics: BPA Free Tritan. Be safe for human consumption. Filtration accuracy is 0.01 microns which can provide you with a reliable source of pure drinking water at any time and anywhere.
- 【Safe Water Anywhere】: This versatile water bottle helps to provide healthy, drinkable water in harsh outdoor conditions and find direction with built-in compass on the top. It is great for traveling, backpacking, camping and emergency kits. Especially in an emergency.
- 【Leak-proof】: Leak-proof lid with a mouthpiece can be folded into the cap, which brings convenience and cleanliness.
- 【Long Lifespan & Replaceable】: Up to 396 gallons/1500L (depend on water quality). With integrated replaceable filter (be sold separately). Replaceable filters save you money as the water bottles themselves have a very long life or nearly 8 months of continuous use.
- 【Method Of Use】：When firstly using, rinse the carbon filter and suck 4-5 times to get the water up through the filter.Please free contact us with any questions.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used for liquids other than water |
| Answer: | Dear friend,thanks for your question,but our filter bottle can not be used for liquids other than water. |
| Question: | Is the mouthpiece hard |
| Answer: | Yes it is hard, and sometimes is a little tough to pull up, but the best filtered bottle I’ve had so far (even though this is only my second haha) |
| Question: | How do you clean the filter ? it says to run water opposite way but i feel it has no effect i even detached the filter parts |
| Answer: | Dear friend,simply purchase a replacement filter when the filter has reached capacity. You needn't to clean the filter. Thanks. |
| Question: | Does this bottle filter fluoride |
| Answer: | Dear friend, sorry, this filter bottle can't filter fluoride. Thanks. |
Product features
Purewell Water Filter Bottle
- Volume: 650ml
- Net Weight: 190g
- Material:BPA Free Tritan,PP,PE,ABS etc
- Flow Rate: Max 550ml/min
- Filter Capacity: 1,500L (396 Gallons)
- Filter Accuracy : 0.01 micron (mininum)
- Filter Application Temperature: 34°F - 140°F (1℃ - 60℃)
- Product Size: Height: 230mm*Diameter: 70mm (9’’*2.8’’)
Details
- Remove the odor and inprove the taste
- Protable and lightweight
- Up to 1500 liters of filtration capacity
Leak proof design
Leak-proof lid with a mouthpiece can be folded into the cap, say goodbye to those unwanted spontaneous lid openings and the leaks that usually follow. It will help you to find direction using the built-in compass on the top.
Carbon Filter
Highly cocount shell activated carbon filter helps remove the odor and improve the taste.
Replacement filter
0.01 Micron Ultrafiltration Membrane could help you effectively filter water (The diameter is one ten thousandth of the hair), anything larger than 0.01 microns in diameter cannot pass
Working Principle
4 advanced high-performance filters installed, they are: Medical Grade Hollow Fiber UF Membrane, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon, Beads and Medical Grade PP Cotton. Improve water taste and offer safe drinking water. The filtered water bottle could reduce impurities in tap water and improve water taste at home and office.
Backpacking & Hiking
With lightweight design and versatility, Purewell products are the perfect water filter for Backpacking and Hiking, great for travelling emergency preparedness.
Perfect for Traveling
Municipal water quality is not always safety for drinking, Purewell allows you to drink safely from water fountains at parks, airports, at school or tap water. Carrying it when travelling abroad is also a better choice for you.
Riding and Outdoor Sport
Tritan plastic bottle has much greater shatter resistance and is tough enough to go with you when you are doing outdoor sports or throw it in the bottom of your backpack.
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