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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Docooler-Outdoor-Kettle-For-Disenfecting-Water-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Kills Bacteria Protozoa and Viruses<\/li>\n- Only need to boil water for 1-3 minutes depending on your altitude<\/li>\n
- Difficult to build fires on the go, but convenient when already cooking food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Boiling water filtration is one of the most primitive forms of water purification, yet it’s also one of the most effective. Boiling water for 3 minutes will be able to kill almost all bacteria, protozoa and parasites.\u00a0 You could definitely try bringing along a lightweight camping cookware set<\/a>, but that’s going to be a little to bulky on short trips.\u00a0 Instead you might want to bring along one of\u00a0these lightweight kettles<\/a>\u00a0(as seen to your right) to lighten your load.<\/p>\n
While it’s extremely effective you’re going to need to build a fire or bring some kind of propane stove. You should never plan on boiling water as your primary means of water purification, but it is convenient if you’re already cooking dinner.<\/p>\n
\nChemical Water Treatment<\/h4>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chlorine-Water-Treatment-For-Hiking-and-Camping-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Kills all of the bad stuff in your water with a few chemical drops<\/li>\n- Very lightweight and easy to pack<\/li>\n
- Affordable Backup Water Treatment<\/li>\n
- Takes up to 4 hours to fully treat water with chlorine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
On any long camping trip you are going to bring along some form of chlorine dioxide water treatment kit. Being both cheap and small these kits are excellent for throwing into your pack. All Chlorine water treatment sets probably work the same, but I’ve had a lot of luck using this Aquamira Set that I found on Amazon<\/a>.\u00a0 For a few bucks it’s really worth bringing along a backup water source just in case your other gear breaks down.<\/p>\n
Anybody who’s cleaned up a green pool can tell you just how effective chlorine can be. One small bottle of chlorine treatment can treat up to 60 gallons of water. The only real downside is that you will have to wait 4 hours for the water to be fully purified.<\/p>\n
\nHiking and Camping Water Filters<\/h4>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Survivor-Filter-Pro-Backpacking-Water-Filter-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Best primary water filtration system<\/li>\n- Removes both bacteria and protozoa(perfect for USA)<\/li>\n
- Relatively Affordable<\/li>\n
- Almost instant water throughout longer camping trips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Most long distance thru hikers or backpackers will want to buy a traditional water filter.\u00a0 There are a ton of different filters available on the market that work well. Whenever I go on short 2-3 day hikes I bring along my Survivor Filter Pro Water Filter<\/a>.\u00a0 It’s a little bulky for short day hikes(I Bring along a lifestraw<\/a>), but it works perfectly for a family of 3-4 people.<\/p>\n
These filters work by filtering water through a porous substrate. They filter out all of the bad bacteria and parasites leaving you with clean and clear water. With a little work you’ll be able to drink water straight away allowing you to keep traveling and fill up your main traveling container quickly. Most traditional filters use some sort of pump or gravity system to force unfiltered water through the substrate.<\/p>\n
\nUV Light Water Purifiers<\/h4>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steripen-Digital-Water-Purifier-257x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Kills bacteria, protozoa and viruses<\/li>\n- Nearly instant water sterilization<\/li>\n
- Requires very little effort<\/li>\n
- Modern Technology is more expensive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
UV Light cleaning has been around for a while, but only recently dropped in price low enough for the consumer market. Since they’re fairly new to the market, they can also be very expensive.<\/p>\n
Honestly I don’t have a lot of experience using this type of filter, but I have been impressed with what I’ve seen.\u00a0 I tried out the Steripen Adventurer water purifier and I was pleasantly surprised. In about 90 seconds my water was purified.\u00a0 Personally I couldn’t tell you if there was or wasn’t bacteria in the water I drank, but I didn’t get sick so that’s good enough for me.<\/p>\n
UV Purifiers almost instantly sterilize bacteria, protozoa and viruses allowing you to drink water straight away. The major downside to UV purifiers is the reliance on batteries and possible malfunctions. For a few bucks I would highly recommend throwing a chemical treatment in your pack as well.<\/p>\n
\nWhat is The Best Backpacking Water Filter?<\/h2>\n
Potable Aqua Water Purification Chlorine Dioxide Tablets<\/a><\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Potable-Aqua-Water-Purifying-Tablets-236x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Notable Features:<\/h5>\n- \n
- Very Low Priced<\/li>\n
- Kills Most Bacteria<\/li>\n
- Virus and Parasites<\/li>\n
- Takes 4 Hours To Purify Water<\/li>\n
- 30 Individual Tablets<\/li>\n
- Treats 30 Quarts of Water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Potable Aqua’s water purification tablets are used worldwide by hikers, campers, military and emergency organizations. These easy to use low cost tablets will give you clean and safe drinking water in no time. The chemical treatment works fast and kills bacteria, viruses and protozoa that make people sick. When used as directed the tablets will purify water in about 4 hours time. All you need to do is drop a tablet in your water container and wait. So you need to either plan your water treatment ahead of time or rely on another primary treatment for water purification. You shouldn’t notice much of an after taste and it should reduce any odors in the water. These tablets were designed to be used with hydration packs and standard drinking containers.<\/p>\n
While some of the other chemical treatments may work faster, chlorine dioxide is the only EPA approved chemical proven to inactivate cryptosporidium cysts. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes diarrhea and vomiting. Unless your idea of a good trip is rushing to the bathroom every 5 minutes I would highly recommend Chlorine Dioxide Tablets. For the low price Chlorine Dioxide Tablets are a must have in any long range camping pack.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Squeeze Water Filter<\/a><\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/MSR-Trailshot-Pocket-Sized-Water-Filter-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Notable Features:<\/h5>\n- \n
- Filters Up to 1 Liter Per Minute<\/li>\n
- Attaches Directly To Hydration Pack<\/li>\n
- Easy to Use Squeeze Pump Design<\/li>\n
- Filters Most Bacteria and Protozoa<\/li>\n
- Drink Straight From The Stream or Fill a Mug<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The MSR Trailshot is the perfect water filter for solo hikers or small groups. Using a basic squeeze filtration system this will quickly fill a water bottle or hydration pack. What I really like about squeeze filtration systems is their basic design. It’s such a basic filtration system that it’s almost guaranteed to work. You won’t have to worry about accidentally forgetting a small part at home or breaking a plastic pump.<\/p>\n
The Trailshot might not be the easiest filter to use, but it’s reliable. Filling a large hydration pack will most likely leave your hands begging for a break. The filter was designed specifically to be used with hydration packs. You can attach the filter directly to your pack for quick and easy fill ups. You can also drink directly from the stream with the long hose or spray directly into your water bottle. IF you’re really working you can filter up to 1 liter of water per minute. It’s effective against almost all forms of bacteria and protozoa, but you’ll need a chlorine tablet if you want to kill viruses.(not necessary in USA) The best thing about this filtration system is its compact size and lightweight design. It easily fits in your pocket and will be ready when you need it. For small groups it’s hard to beat the convenience of the MSR Trailshot.<\/p>\n