Staying hydrated is paramount for wilderness recreation. The human body can last a few weeks without food but only a few days without water. Moreover, more water is needed when taking part in strenuous physical activity. That is why any plan for outdoor recreation like hiking, camping and backpacking should include how you and your loved ones will obtain adequate drinking water.
Adequate drinking water is rare when you are miles from civilization. Water from sources like lakes, streams, and creeks are not typically suitable for drinking because of the presence of waterborne microorganisms that cause illness in humans. Consequently, water obtained from these sources needs to be treated before drinking.
There are three main ways to treat water to make it drinkable:
- Boiling Water – This is the safest way to purify water, but it is also takes the longest and the most effort. Boiling water requires some sort of cooking apparatus with fuel, a heat source, and patience. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, water for drinking should be brought to a boil and then kept rolling for at least one minute. Before water is boiled, it also should be filtered in order to remove debris. Boiling water is an excellent method for purifying water, but because of the effort involved should be best reserved for cooking when car camping or in emergency situations.
- Chemical Treatments – Water can also be purified through the use of chemicals, the most common being chlorine and iodine. Chemical tablets are inexpensive, easy to carry in a pack, and purify water relatively quick. On the downside, however, they can also be confusing to use. You’ll need to follow the instructions carefully and use your best judgment for treatment time based on the condition and temperature of the water to be purified. Plus, chemical tablets have a limited shelf life, are not effective against some microorganisms, and leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
- Filters – Filters force water through very tiny pores in order to remove bacteria and some viruses. They are easy to use; simply pump some water from the source through the filter into a container. The water tastes just as good as untreated water and you can consume it right away. On the downside, filters are often bulky and hard to carry on the trail. The good news is that filters come in various shapes and sizes. Popular microfilters weigh less than one pound and come with adapters to fit different water bottles.