Backpacking water is one of the most important items for any outdoor adventurer, and it is essential to treat it properly if you want to prevent illness or contamination. There are four main ways to treat backpacking water: boiling, filtering, chemical treatment, and ultraviolet light. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know what works best for you before setting off on your journey.
Boiling Water:
Boiling water is one of the oldest and simplest ways to purify drinking water.
Boiling kills any living organisms in the water and makes it safe to drink. To boil water properly, bring it to a rolling boil for 1-3 minutes and let cool before drinking. It’s important to note that boiling will not remove pollutants like heavy metals or chemical contaminants from the water.
Water Filtering:
Water filters are an effective way to remove bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants from backpacking water. There are a variety of filter types available for different needs ranging from simple straw filters to more advanced reverse osmosis systems. Filters vary in their effectiveness at removing different types of contaminants so make sure you do your research before purchasing one.
Chemical Treatment:
Chemical treatment is another popular method for purifying backpacking water. This involves adding a chemical such as chlorine or iodine tablets or drops which will kill any living organisms in the water making it safe to drink. Chemical treatments can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the type used so make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Ultraviolet Light:
Ultraviolet (UV) light is an emerging technology for treating backpacking water that uses short-wave UV light which can kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in less than a minute without leaving any chemical residue behind. UV light systems are becoming increasingly popular as they are lightweight, easy to use, and highly effective at killing pathogens.
Conclusion:
There are many ways to treat backpacking water depending on your needs and preferences – boiling, filtering, chemical treatment, or ultraviolet light – all with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately it’s up to you which method works best for you but it’s important to know how each works before setting off on your journey.