Best Backpacking Water Filters: Getting Clean Water While Outdoors |
Posted: April 17, 2017 |
When you are planning a backpacking trip, you are going to need to pack all of your items, load all of your gear, or otherwise be very prepared for such an adventure. But, what about clean water? Surely, you cannot carry along gallons of water for the duration of your trip. It would be too heavy and wear your body down quickly. So what can you do? Well, there are many water filters that will clean the water and purify it for drinking purposes. Finding the best backpacking water filters for your next trip is an important task. Here, we will go over portable water treatment and tell you some of the important factors and give you a few reviews of water filters to make the decision easier on you. Features That MatterBelow, we are going to show you the different features of water filters that you need to know about before you purchase your new water filter for your next trip. Purifiers Vs. FiltersThere is a difference between the two. For example, a filter will push water through the filter, will not kill viruses, but removes particles from water so you do not swallow them. A purifier usually uses chemicals, can contain UV light, will kill viruses, and may make your water taste differently. Waiting Time Before DrinkingUsually there will be a wait time while cleaning your water before you can drink it but not all filters operate this way. Filters will work faster because of the pumps than would a purifier. But purifiers will kill viruses in the water. Quantity of Water You NeedYou need to know how much water you will need while you are on your adventure. If you are going alone, you can easily fill your bottle, put on the filter and go. If you are going to carry more water, say for a group, you should get one with a pump or a gravity filter. Weight and SizeYou need to know the right size and weight that you will need for your trip when picking a filter. Read the labels for each filter you are interested in to see how much it weighs, how much space it will take in your pack, and if its perfect for what you need. Different Filter MaterialsThe filters are made with varying materials. Below are the materials in which filters are made, so you know what to expect when you purchase your next water filter, and you can make the best choice.
Top products to tryBelow are three product reviews that will show you what is on the market now and what makes them so great. Consider one of these as your next water filter. LifeStraw Personal Water FilterWeight: 2 oz Dimensions: 8.86 x 0.98 x 8.86 in Features: Removes 99.9% of bacteria, Filters up to 1,000 Liters Best Use: Backpacking, Hunting, Camping The great thing about this filter is that it does not have any chemicals to treat the water, nor do you need batteries to use it. The higher flow rate and light weight make it great for toting along anywhere. It only takes 3 to 5 seconds of suction for the water to go through the filter and it is ready to drink from there! When you are done drinking, blow into the straw to flush the filter out.
Sawyer Pointone Squeeze Water Filter SystemWeight: 3 oz Dimensions: 9.5 x 3.5 x 4 in Features: Portable, Removes 99.9% of bacteria, BPA free Best Use: Backpacking, Hunting, Camping To use this filter, you fill up the pouch with water and put the filter on. Then squeeze the pouch for fresh water directly into your mouth or a bottle. In the package, you get the filter, 3 pouches, syringe filter and drinking spout. The bad thing about the squeeze filter is that it wears out quickly and needs to be replaced.
Steripen Adventurer UV Water PurifierWeight: 3.8 oz Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 4 in Features: Small, Uses UV Light, Good for 8,000 Liters, No chemicals Best Use: Hunting, Survival, Backpacking This purifier uses UV light to clean the water. There is a sensor inside of it that will purify the water, and it has a light you can use at night when filling your bottle. The light kills the bacteria and the water will taste cleaner than if it was cleaned with chemicals. The purifier fits into most water bottles and it does need batteries, but they can be either rechargeable or disposable. In the package, you get batteries to get you started, as well as a carry case that has a belt loop.
ConclusionWater filters are very important and you should have one with you if you are going on a backpacking trip, or even just hiking and camping. They will provide you will clean water that is free of bacteria and dangerous things that can harm you. Remember, never drink straight from a river or stream. Just because the water is flowing does not mean it is clean or safe to drink. You can become very ill, so it is important to have a water filter with you so you can be safe on your adventure!
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