3 best backpacking water purification

Backpacking water purification is essential for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and campers to ensure access to safe drinking water while on the trail. There are several methods and products available for water purification, each with its own advantages and considerations.Here are some common backpacking water purification methods:

Boiling: Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to purify it. It kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present. To do this, simply bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) and then let it cool before drinking.
Filtration: Filtration systems use physical barriers to remove contaminants from the water. Popular options include pump filters and gravity filters. These devices typically have a cartridge or filter element that traps bacteria, protozoa, and particulates. Be sure to check the filter's micron rating to ensure it can handle the specific contaminants in your area.
Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatments involve using substances like chlorine dioxide tablets, iodine, or water purification drops to disinfect water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper dosing and wait times, as chemical treatments may take up to 30 minutes to be effective.
UV Purifiers: UV (ultraviolet) purifiers use UV light to kill microorganisms in water. These compact devices are effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They are quick and easy to use but require batteries or a power source.
Straw Filters: Straw filters are compact and lightweight. You can drink directly from a water source through the straw, and the built-in filter removes contaminants as you sip. They are suitable for personal use but not ideal for filtering large quantities of water.
Bottle Filters: Some water bottles come with built-in filters or purification systems, allowing you to fill up the bottle directly from a water source and drink purified water on the go.

When choosing a backpacking water purification method, consider factors such as the water sources you'll encounter, the size and weight of the equipment, the treatment time, and your personal preferences. It's also crucial to regularly maintain and clean your purification equipment to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.

Additionally, always be aware of the water quality in the area you're exploring, as different regions may require different purification methods. Proper hydration is essential for outdoor activities, so investing in a reliable water purification system is a must for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay safe and healthy while on the trail.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best backpacking water purification on the market

Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets - 30 Count

Potable Aqua

Based on 852 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Wherever life takes you, never be without clean drinking water when you have Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets on hand. These water purification tabs are effective against viruses, bacteria and cysts such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, and the water purification tablets for drinking leave behind no aftertaste. Add water purifying tablets to one quart (one liter) of contaminated water, and allow four hours of treatment time for suitable drinking water in emergency situations. The combination of active ingredients in the Potable water tablets react in water to create chlorine dioxide, a powerful disinfectant that meets EPA microbilogical purifier standards to make questionable water safe to drink. The drinking water treatment tablets are individually wrapped for easy chlorine dioxide water treatment for camping, hiking and travel. Pop emergency water purification tablets into an opaque bottle for water treatment for drinking water with improved taste.

One pack of 30 Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets for Drinking
Water purifying tablets are effective against bacteria, viruses and cysts, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium as a chlorine dioxide water treatment
Water purification tabs offer water treatment for drinking water for camping, hiking, traveling and emergency preparedness situations
Drinking water treatment tablets take 4 hours to purify one quart (one liter) of water for emergency water purification
Potable water tablets with 2.6 times the oxidizing capacity of chlorine

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these or anything like this kill algae? Im looking for somethin to stop our cats drinking fountain from developing algae, yet still have safe water
Answer:	Perhaps copper sulfate.
Question:	what is the shelf life of these tablets
Answer:	4 years from date of mfg - however if they remain sealed in a temp controlled environment, say less than 90 degrees F -- possibly much longer. All the expiration date means is that's how long the mfg will guarantee it. It may be 100% effective if stored for much longer, but then again, are you willing to risk your health on it?
Question:	Are these tablets individually packaged or all in one jar
Answer:	These are individually packaged. I purchased these for emergencies but my son used some on a camping trip. He didn't complain about taste or anything and he didn't contract any diseases either! I think these will work in a pinch.
Question:	How long does it take for these tablets to purify the water
Answer:	30 min to kill bugs in clear good looking water, 4 hours to the real nasty ones like giardia and cryptosparidum in "turbid" water (meaning murky or full of debris, aka the type of water you'd really want to use tablets on). This has been tested and proven in a lab so honestly the "I have never gotten sick" answer is not an indication of the tablet working --> it's an indication of good luck. It really pays to plan ahead with these tablets and get them working BEFORE you need the water so you can give it the full 4 hours if needed. If you need water purified quickly , boil it.

Product features

Potable Aqua Water Purification 50 Tablets

Makes questionable water bacteriologically suitable to drink
Easy to use — ready in just 35 minutes
50 tablets per bottle treats 25 quarts

Potable Aqua Water Purification with PA+Plus 50 Tablets

Makes questionable water bacteriologically suitable to drink
Neutralizer tablets improve water taste and clarity
Treats up to 25 quarts

Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification 20 Tablets

Potable water tablets with 2.6 times the oxidizing capacity of chlorine
No aftertaste — improves the taste and odor of water
20 tablets treat 20 quarts

Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification 30 Tablets

Potable water tablets with 2.6 times the oxidizing capacity of chlorine
No aftertaste — improves the taste and odor of water
30 tablets treat 30 quarts

SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Personal Water Purifier for Camping, Backpacking, Emergency Preparedness and Travel

SteriPen

Based on 345 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Adventurer Opti Water Purifier uses a revolutionary optical eye to sense the water. The patent-pending technology provides safe use and the standard insulating sleeve around the UV lamp allows purification in even the coldest of waters. Fast, light, easy and effective, the provides the ultimate protection from waterborne illnesses. UV purification works as the ultraviolet energy emitted by the light is absorbed by the cells of the microbe, preventing cell enzymes from 'reading' its DNA. Without intact DNA, microbes can't reproduce to make you sick. The process is simple but effective, destroying over 99.9 percent of harmful microorganisms. Great for camping, hiking and backpacking. Easy to use 1 button operation; LED light quickly indicates when ready to purify, then place the pen like lamp in clear water and stir until indicator light turns green. Dirty water should be pre filtered until clear prior to treatment. The UV lamp provides up to 8,000 one liter treatments. Device works with containers with minimum 1.75 in. diameter opening (i.e. Nalgene wide-mouth bottles). Low power indicator lets you know when batteries need replacing. Automatic shut off when treatment is complete. Includes black neoprene case with belt loop and 2 non-rechargeable CR123 batteries and instructions.

Compact handheld UV water purifier designed specifically for outdoor/expedition use; Reusable for up to 8,000 liters
Destroys more than 99.9 percent of harmful microorganisms, including Giardia, bacteria, viruses and protozoa
Safe and effective without altering taste, pH, or other properties of water; chemical-free
Water sensor doubles as an LED flashlight
Comes with two disposable CR123 batteries and a neoprene case with belt loop

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this filter the cholera and typhoid bacteria? Also: can I put it in a saucepan or teapot to make the water clean for a cuppa
Answer:	Yes, we have other refill hose which is more longer, and you can find it in our shop.
Question:	Can you bring this in a carry-on on an airplane
Answer:	Thank you for your question, the length is 19.7 inch, it's just a connector including adapter of CO2 tank.
Question:	Does it give you a reading on how purified the water is after using? Or do you just "trust" that it worked
Answer:	yes, it's better to wear gloves and goggles to prevent gas leakage
Question:	Does this pen work on taking Hep A or typhoid out of contaminated water
Answer:	Yes, very easy to use, you just need a wrench to fit it.

Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets - 50 Count Twin Pack

Potable Aqua

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purifier Tablets are essential for any outdoor adventurer. These water treatment tablets make questionable water bacteriologically suitable to drink, even in emergency water purification situations. Add 2 water purification tablets for drinking water to 1 quart (1 liter) of water and cap loosely to allow a small amount of leakage. After 5 minutes, shake container to allow screw threads to be moistened, then tighten cap. Allow 30 minutes for water purifying tablets to disinfect water for safe drinking. These backpacking water purification tablets are effective against Giardia lamblia when used as directed. When it comes to water safety and emergency preparedness, Potable Aqua is the most trusted name in water purification tabs and products. Use portable water purifier tablets for travel as directed on the label.

From the Manufacturer

About Potable Aqua

Potable Aqua iodine water disinfection tablets were developed by Harvard University in conjunction with the U.S. Army in the 1940s, and have been used by the military for emergency drinking water disinfection for more than 50 years. Pharmacal currently supplies the U.S. Military with Potable Aqua for its emergency drinking water needs. Potable Aqua is also widely used by campers, backpackers, and various other militaries around the world. With the addition of the Potable Aqua Traveler and Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets, Potable Aqua continues to meet the ever-changing needs of today's outdoor enthusiast.

Twin pack of 50 Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purifier Tablets
Portable water purifier for travel makes questionable water bacteriologically suitable to drink within 35 minutes with convenient, portable water purification tabs
Emergency water purification tablets for drinking water effective against Giardia lamblia when used as directed
Water purifying tablets offer purification for camping, hiking, international travel, natural disasters and emergency preparedness
Portable water treatment tablets used by military and emergency organizations worldwide and are ideal as backpacking water purification tablets

User questions & answers

Question:	Are these bleech based, or iodine
Answer:	Dear friend, the knife is sharp enough out of box. You can also sharpen it easily to meet your individual need since it comes with a sharpener.
Question:	Product arrived in torn brown padded bag that was taped up. No expiration in the bag or label. Just a lot number. How do you determine the expiration
Answer:	Hi friend, The maximum position of the knife handle is about 4.7 inch in circumference. Hope it helps.
Question:	Is the bottle made of glass
Answer:	full tang refers to the blade and the grip being one uninterrupted piece of steel, making it a stronger knife.
Question:	How long are the tablets good for
Answer:	Any knife is good to use on the kkk.