SPONSORED CONTENT- LOOK FOR TESTING STANDARDS.
When choosing a water filter, confirm
that the technologies have been
tested against and meet (or exceed)
NSF International and Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) standards. This
will ensure that the filter you are buying
meets or exceeds the requirements
of national scientific standards, and
increases the likelihood that you will
stay safe.
- THE NINES MATTER.
Read up on the effectiveness of
each filter you are considering. In
microbiological water treatment, it’s all
about the number of nines after
the decimal. The NSF recommends
99.9999% bacteria removal and greater
than 99.9% parasite removal. If you
are considering virus removal, they
recommend at least 99.99%.- CARRY A BACKUP!
Even if you are just going on a day
hike, consider investing in a small,
lightweight, backup microfilter—a
LifeStraw personal weighs only 2
ounces—stick it in your backpack and
forget it until you need it. Even the
most experienced hikers and outdoor
athletes find themselves in unexpected
circumstances where drinking water is
often number 1 for survival.
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT
FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY.
Consider your water sources and pack
weight when selecting the ideal filtration
device. Microfilters remove parasites and
bacteria and are generally effective for
most backcountry activities. Ultrafilters
or purifiers additionally remove viruses.
Ultraviolet treatment is also an effective
tool though it’s pricey, requires batteries,
and doesn’t filter dirt. Unfortunately,
iodine treatment and in many cases
chlorine treatment are not effective at
killing Cryptosporidium (chlorine-dioxide
takes up to 4 hours). Therefore, we don’t
recommend chemical treatment unless
it’s in combination with something else.
Drink Safely in the Backcountry
Backcountry hikers know that nothing can ruin a trip faster than drinking unclean water.
And water-borne bacteria can lead to short- and long-term complications when you get back to
your daily life. Good news! Carrying a proper water filter makes all the difference. Though filter
technology can be overwhelming, some quick education can help make the choice easier.
Here are four key steps to guaranteeing your filter choice will deliver safe, great tasting water: