What Do Backpacking Water Filters Remove?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking water filters are a great addition to any hiker’s kit, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of water and freeing up valuable space and weight. But what do backpacking water filters actually remove?

Bacteria: Most backpacking water filters are designed to remove bacteria from the water supply. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella are all commonly found in untreated water sources and can cause serious illness if ingested. Backpacking water filters use various methods including mechanical filtration, chemical treatment, and ultraviolet light to remove bacteria from the water source.

Protozoa: Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Common protozoa found in untreated water sources include Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, and Cyclospora cayetanensis. Backpacking water filters use a variety of methods including mechanical filtration, chemical treatment, and ultraviolet light to effectively remove protozoa from the water supply.

Viruses: Viruses such as Norovirus and Rotavirus can also be found in untreated water sources and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Backpacking water filters use a variety of methods including chemical treatment and ultraviolet light to effectively remove viruses from the water supply.

Conclusion: In conclusion, backpacking water filters are an effective way to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that may be present in untreated water sources. By using a combination of mechanical filtration, chemical treatment, and ultraviolet light these filters can effectively remove these pathogens from the drinking supply allowing for safe consumption on the trail.