You’re out in the wilderness, enjoying the great outdoors, but you’re desperate for something. Water, of course! But you can’t just drink any water you find on your camping trip because some of it may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses that could make you sick. So not only do you need to stay hydrated, but you also need to keep yourself healthy by drinking clean water. That’s why it’s important to have a good water purifier with you when backpacking. Luckily, there are ways to ensure that you only drink safe water while away from home. So, what is the best water purifiers for backpacking?
There are several types of water purifiers on the market, from small hand-held devices to large filters that can be attached to a faucet. But which one is right for you? In this article, I’ll give you a breakdown of the different types of water purifiers and for what each one is best suited.
What Are the Different Types of Water Purifiers for Backpacking?
1. Pump Filters and Purifiers:
Pump filters and purifiers are considered by many to be one of the best water purifiers for backpacking because they are lightweight, easy to use, and have a good reputation when it comes to removing bacteria from water. They also tend to be cheaper than other types of water purifiers. However, they do require some maintenance work to keep them running properly (such as replacing their filter elements), making them less ideal for people who want something super simple to use.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) light Purifier:
Ultraviolet light purifiers are among the best water purifiers for homes. They do require a power source to work, making them no so ideal for the outdoor enthusiasts unless you have the proper power source such as in a RV or camp site which would make it the ideal filtering system. However, they do have a reputation for not being able to remove all types of bacteria from water, which means that you may need to combine them with another type of purification method in order to get safe drinking water. Furthermore, they can be a bit pricier than some other types of water purifiers on the market.
3. Chemical Purifiers:
Chemical purifiers are tablets or drops that you add to water in order to make it safe to drink. They are one of the oldest and most common types of water purifiers, and they are very affordable. However, they do have some drawbacks. For one, they can be difficult to use and require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can drink the water. They also don’t work well in cold weather or with cloudy water. Additionally, some people are concerned about the safety of using chemicals to purify their water. But despite these drawbacks, chemical purifiers are still one of the most popular types of water purifiers on the market.
4. Gravity Filters and Purifiers:
Gravity filters and purifiers are generally considered among the best water purifiers for backpacking. They are super simple to use, don’t require any maintenance work once you set them up, and tend to last for a long time before needing replacement parts. They work by using gravity to force water through a filter, which removes most contaminants from the water. However, they don’t always remove viruses from water, so you may need to combine them with another type of purifier if that is a concern for you. Additionally, they can be a bit pricier than some other options on the market.
5. Bottle Filters and Purifiers:
Bottle filters and purifiers are a good option for people who want something that is lightweight and easy to use. They work by attaching to the top of a water bottle, and they filter water as you drink it. This makes them perfect for people who are on the go, as they don’t require any additional equipment or set-up time. However, if you plan to filter lots of water over an extended period of time, bottle filters may not be ideal for everyone since their small size will mean that it takes longer for them to fill up your bottles with clean water.
6. Straw-Style Filters:
Straw-style filters are generally considered one of the best water purifiers for backpacking because they are very easy to use, tend to be lightweight, and don’t cost much money. They work by inserting the end of a straw into the water, you then suck water through to filter it. This makes them perfect for people who are traveling or hiking and want a quick and easy way to purify their water. The straw-style filters typically remove 99.99% of bacteria and 99.99% of parasites from water.
7. Squeeze Filters:
These filters are my favourite because they’re so light and small. You have to fill up your water bottle, squeeze out some of your dirty water, and then squeeze in some clean water. Then, the filter does the rest of the work for you! They’re great because they don’t take up any extra room in your backpack, and they’re really easy to use. However, they do have a downside. They can be a bit slow to filter water, so they’re not ideal if you’re in a hurry.
How Water Purifier Does Work?
Some water purifiers for backpacking don’t need chemical treatment, and some don’t even require batteries. Instead, they work by passing water through a membrane that traps any contaminants and creates healthy drinking water. How it all works depends on your needs and the intended use of your purifier. If you want to treat large amounts of water or if you expect something, in particular, to be in your source of water (e.g., chemical spills), you’ll want one that uses chemicals as well as a membrane. But some advanced systems rely only on membranes, and they work great, some need electricity or battery power to run, and most filters will remove 99.99% of viruses and bacteria without additional filters or chemicals.
So, now that you know a little more about water purifiers for backpacking, which one is right for you? It really depends on your needs and what you’re looking for in a purifier. If you want something simple that is easy to use and doesn’t require any maintenance, then check our Best Water Purification Systems for Camping.
Why Do I Need a Water Purifier for Backpacking?
If you’re going on a camping trip, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need to purify your water. Unfortunately, most natural water sources (e.g., rivers, lakes, and ponds) are not safe to drink without being purified first. This is because they can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can make you sick.
Purifying your water is important because it helps to protect you from getting sick while you’re camping. However, it’s also important to remember that not all water purifiers are created equal some work better than others at removing different types of contaminants. So, it’s important to do your research and choose the right purifier for you.
How To Choose the Right Water Purifier?
There are a lot of different water purifiers on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a water purifier:
1. The Type of Purifier:
There are three main types of water purifiers: chemical treatment purifiers, filter purifiers, and membrane purifiers. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right type for your needs is important.
2. The Size of the Unit:
Water purifiers come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is the right size for you. If you’re looking for a small, lightweight purifier, check out our list of the best water filters for camping, hiking, backpacking or any outdoor activities.
3. The Cost:
Water purifiers can range in price from $20 to $200 or more, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
4. The Type of Water to be Purified:
Not all water purifiers are created equal some work better than others at removing different types of contaminants. So, it’s important to do your research and choose the right purifier for you.
5. The Maintenance Required:
Some water purifiers require more maintenance than others. If you don’t want to have to worry about maintaining your purifier, then choose one that is low maintenance.
6. The Source of Power:
Some water purifiers require electricity or battery power to run, so make sure you have access to a power bank or batteries when camping if you do use a model that needs batteries.
7. The Capacity of the Unit:
Some water purifiers can only treat a certain amount of water at a time, while others can treat larger amounts. If you’re looking for a purifier that can treat large amount of water, then check out our list of the best water purifiers for camping.
Conclusion
With the right water purifier for backpacking, you can hike and explore with peace of mind, knowing that you have access to safe drinking water no matter where your adventure takes you. Whether you are a beginner backpacker or an experienced hiker, we hope this guide has helped you find the perfect water purifier for your needs. And don’t forget to bring a power bank or batteries when camping! If you think I forget something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to leave a comment below. Be Safe and Happy Camping.!