>>1065535>How do I ensure I get safe water /out/?You can:
>Boil itExtremely safe. Requires time to boil and cool to drinkable temperature. Requires fuel. Decent for camping, sucks for hiking.
>Bleach / various tabletsAlso perfectly safe, takes some time, but doesn't require fuel or leave you drinking hot water on a hot day. Some people don't like the taste.
>UVTypically safe. Can be done with expensive equipment (requires batteries) or in bags or bottles on a bright day (weather permitting).
>FiltersTypically safe. Quickest method, highest carry weight. Gravity systems require little effort. Allows for coolest drinking water. Carbon filters improve taste and remove chemicals but require replacement, popular among car campers. Filters may become damaged in freezing weather.
>Solar distillationSafest Method. Extremely time consuming, but results in distilled water. Requires both heat and full sun to operate, may require multiple stills running daily. Isn't recommended for hiking.
>EthanolExpensive and heavy. Also leaves you slightly inebriated and dehydrates almost almost as quickly as it hydrates. Most enjoyable method.
>DIY/sand filtersSomewhat safe. Large and cumbersome, should only be built for long term campsites. Requires regular maintenance.
>No treatmentNot typically recommended, but still usually safe in high mountain streams only. Lightest method.
A sawyer mini, gravity fed with dedicated dirty bag and bleach/tabs for backup is most common among experienced backpackers.
