How Do You Purify Water When Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When you’re out backpacking, it’s important to be able to purify your drinking water. Even if you think the water looks clean, there could be bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. Whatever kind of backpacking trip you’re taking, it’s important to know how to purify water when out in the wilderness.

Boiling is one of the oldest methods of purifying water and is still an effective way to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Boiling the water for at least 1 minute will get rid of most microorganisms that can make you sick. Be sure to wait until the water cools before drinking, as boiling temperatures can damage your throat and esophagus if ingested too quickly.

Chemicals such as chlorine or iodine are a great way to quickly disinfect water for drinking or cooking purposes. Many tablets are available on the market that use either chlorine or iodine as active ingredients and are easy to use while backpacking – just drop one tablet into a liter of clear water and let it sit for 30 minutes or so until the chemical has had time to take effect.

Filters are another great way to purify your drinking water while on a backpacking trip. Most filters have multiple levels of filtration, which will remove sediment from the water as well as killing any harmful microorganisms present in it – just be sure to read up on any filter you purchase beforehand so that you know how long its effective life is and when it should be replaced!

Ultraviolet (UV) Light is becoming increasingly popular among backpackers due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria and other pathogens without adding any chemicals or altering the taste of the water at all. UV light has been used in hospitals for years and is now being used in portable devices specifically designed for backcountry use – just add some batteries and you’ll have safe drinking water wherever you go!

No matter what kind of backpacking trip you’re taking, it’s important to have a plan for purifying your drinking water so that you stay healthy throughout your journey. Boiling, using chemicals, filters, or UV light are all great ways to make sure your drinking water stays safe during your outdoor adventures!

Conclusion:

How do you purify water when backpacking? Boiling, using chemical treatments, filters or UV light are all effective ways that backpackers can make sure their drinking water stays safe while they explore the outdoors!