How Do I Keep My Backpacking Water Filter From Freezing?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking water filters are a great way to have access to fresh, safe drinking water while you are out on the trail. But they can also be vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

If your filter freezes, the water you get from it will be contaminated and could lead to illness. So it’s important to make sure you take the right precautions to keep your filter from freezing.

Choose a Filter With an Insulated Design: Many modern backpacking water filters feature insulated designs that help protect them from freezing temperatures. Look for a filter with insulation around the cartridge and hoses, as this will help keep the internal temperature of the filter regulated and prevent it from freezing.

Keep it Covered: Covering your backpacking filter can also help keep it from freezing. Make sure you use a cover that is designed for your specific filter, as this will fit snugly and provide better insulation than a generic cover.

Store It Inside: Whenever possible, store your backpacking water filter inside when not in use. This will help keep the temperature more regulated and reduce the chances of it freezing.

Keep It Moving: When using your filter in cold weather, try to avoid keeping it stationary for too long. If you’re going to take a break while filtering water, move the filter around to different parts of your body or clothing that are warmer, like your pocket or inside your jacket.

Conclusion:

Keeping your backpacking water filter from freezing is an important part of ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water while out on the trail. By choosing a filter with an insulated design, keeping it covered when not in use, storing it inside whenever possible, and keeping it moving when filtering in cold weather, you can reduce the chances of it freezing and ensure that you always have access to clean drinking water.