Best Products to Purify Water When Hunting in Remote Areas

You've been stalking a herd of elk all day, the sun is high in the sky, and you're miles from your truck. You're exhausted, your mouth is dry, and all you can think about is a long, cool drink of water. You come across a pristine, clear stream bubbling over a bed of rocks. It looks so inviting, so pure, a crystal-clear oasis in the middle of nowhere. But here’s the thing: that beautiful water is a lie. That clear, inviting stream, as pristine as it looks, is likely teeming with microscopic organisms that can cause a world of hurt. A quick sip could lead to a week of crippling stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, a miserable state that can ruin a hunt and, in a worst-case scenario, put you in a serious survival situation.

I've seen so many hunters make this mistake. They’ve packed their high-end rifle, their perfect camo, and their fancy boots, but they've overlooked the most basic necessity of all: safe drinking water. They think, "The water looks clean, what's the big deal?" The big deal is Giardia, E. coli, and a host of other nasty bacteria and protozoa that you can't see, taste, or smell. Relying on luck is a fool's errand. You can't just hope the water is clean. You have to know it's clean. Your body is a machine, and just like a car, it needs clean fuel to run. Contaminated water is like putting sugar in your gas tank. It might not kill you, but it’s going to break you down when you need to be at your best.

Water purification is a non-negotiable part of your backcountry hunting plan. It's a small detail that can have a huge impact on your hunt and your health. The good news is that there are more options than ever before, from simple tablets to high-tech filtration systems. Your choice will depend on your hunting style. Are you a minimalist backpacker who needs a lightweight, compact system, or are you a basecamp hunter who can afford to carry a larger, more robust filter? In this comprehensive guide, we're going to dive deep into the world of water purification, breaking down the different methods, exploring the key features to look for, and reviewing some of the best products on the market today. We'll help you build a system that gives you the peace of mind of knowing you'll always have access to safe, clean drinking water, no matter where your hunt takes you.

The Three Methods of Water Purification:
Your Options

There are three main methods for purifying water in the backcountry: chemical treatment, filtration, and boiling. A good strategy often involves a combination of these.

• Chemical Treatment:
  This is the simplest and most lightweight method. It involves adding chemicals, usually iodine or chlorine dioxide, to your water to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
  

  • Pros: Extremely lightweight, compact, and affordable.

  • Cons: Takes time (usually 30 minutes to 4 hours), can leave a chemical taste in the water, and is not effective at removing particulates or sediment.
    
    

• Filtration:
  A filter physically removes bacteria and protozoa from the water by passing it through a microscopic filter.
  

  • Pros: Provides instant, clean-tasting water. No chemicals or wait time. Can remove sediment and other particulates.

  • Cons: Can be bulky and heavy, requires regular cleaning, and is not always effective at removing viruses.
    
    

• Boiling:
  This is the most reliable method, as it kills all bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
  

  • Pros: The most effective method for killing all pathogens.

  • Cons: Requires a heat source and a fuel source, takes time and energy, and can be impractical in many situations.

A good backcountry water strategy is a layered one. You can use a filter for most of your drinking water and carry a backup set of purification tablets in case your filter fails or freezes.

Your Water Purification Arsenal:
A Look at the Tools

Your water purification kit should be tailored to your hunting style. Are you a minimalist who needs a lightweight, compact system, or are you a basecamp hunter who can afford to carry a larger, more robust filter?

• Filters:

  • Pump Filters: These are great for basecamp hunting or for a group. They are fast and can filter a large amount of water, but they are generally heavy and bulky.
    
    

  • Squeeze Filters: These are a great option for the minimalist hunter. They are lightweight and compact, and you can drink directly from the filter. The downside is that they can be slow and difficult to use when the water is cold.
    
    

  • Gravity Filters: These are perfect for basecamp. You simply hang the filter from a tree, fill the bag with water, and let gravity do the work. They are great for a group, but they are heavy and bulky.
    
    

• Chemicals:

  • Tablets: Iodine and chlorine dioxide tablets are a great, lightweight backup to a filter. They are small, inexpensive, and a must-have for any emergency kit.
    
    

• UV Purifiers:

  • UV Pens: These are a new technology that uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. They are fast, effective, and lightweight, but they require batteries and are not effective at removing particulates.
    
    

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Product Reviews:
Your Life-Saving Gear

Now, let's take a look at some of the best products on the market for purifying water in the wilderness. These are all products I've personally used or seen in action, and they represent the top of the line in their respective categories.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

Price Range: $$40 - $50

The Katadyn BeFree is a game-changer for the minimalist backpacker. It's a squeeze filter that is incredibly lightweight and compact. You simply fill the soft bottle with water, screw on the filter, and squeeze. The water comes out fast and clean, with no chemical taste. The filter is also easy to clean by simply shaking it in the water. It's a perfect solution for the hunter who wants to be able to get a quick, clean drink of water on the go.

Sawyer Squeeze Filter

Price Range: $$25 - $35

The Sawyer Squeeze is a classic for a reason. It's a simple, reliable, and incredibly effective squeeze filter that is a favorite among backpackers and hunters. It's lightweight, compact, and can be screwed onto a standard plastic water bottle. It also comes with a small pouch that can be used to squeeze the water through the filter. The Sawyer Squeeze is a great value and is a perfect option for the hunter who wants a simple, reliable filter that will last for years.

Platypus GravityWorks Filter System

Price Range: $$100 - $120

For the basecamp hunter or for a group, the Platypus GravityWorks is a phenomenal option. This system uses gravity to filter a large amount of water quickly and efficiently. You simply fill the "dirty" bag with water, hang it from a tree, and connect the filter to the "clean" bag. Gravity does all the work, and you're left with a large amount of clean, pure water. It's a great solution for a group and is a must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time in a basecamp.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

Price Range: $$300 - $350

If you're looking for a bomb-proof, military-grade filter that will last a lifetime, the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is the one for you. This is a pump-style filter that is incredibly durable and reliable. It has a ceramic filter that can be cleaned and reused for a long time. It's a bit heavy and bulky, but it's a perfect option for the serious backcountry hunter who wants a filter that will never fail.

MSR Aquatabs

Price Range: $$10 - $15

MSR Aquatabs are a great, lightweight, and compact backup to a filter. They are small, inexpensive, and a must-have for any emergency kit. These tablets use chlorine dioxide to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They are effective and easy to use, and they are a great way to ensure you always have a backup plan in case your filter fails or freezes.

LifeStraw

Price Range: $$20 - $25

The LifeStraw is a great, simple, and effective personal filter. You simply put the straw in the water and drink directly from the source. It's a lightweight, compact, and inexpensive option that is great for a minimalist hunter. It's a perfect solution for a quick drink on the go, but it can be difficult to use for filling up a water bottle or a hydration bladder.

SteriPEN Ultra UV Water Purifier

Price Range: $$70 - $90

The SteriPEN Ultra is a great option for the hunter who wants a fast, effective, and lightweight solution. This device uses a UV light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. You simply put the pen in the water, press a button, and the light does the work. It's fast and effective, but it requires batteries and is not effective at removing particulates. It's a great option for the hunter who is carrying a separate filter for sediment and wants a way to kill viruses.

Conclusion:
Your Water, Your Life

Water is the most basic necessity of life, and in the backcountry, it can also be your biggest enemy. Contaminated water can turn a great hunt into a miserable experience and can put you in a serious survival situation. But by having the right tools and a plan, you can ensure you always have access to safe, clean drinking water. Whether you choose a simple filter, a chemical treatment, or a high-tech UV purifier, the most important thing is that you have a system that you trust. Because in the end, it’s not just about the hunt; it’s about making it home safely and in good health to tell the story.