GEAR

Water Treatment Systems

Filters, purifiers, and backups that keep you hydrated in alpine snowmelt, silty desert seeps, and coastal streams.

Choose Your Primary

  • • Squeeze filters: light, fast; backflush often (carry syringe)
  • • Pump filters: work in cold, handle silt better; heavier
  • • UV purifiers: rapid, but need clear water and batteries

Match Terrain

  • • Alpine snowmelt: cold temps slow flow—sleep with filter to prevent freeze
  • • Desert seeps: pre-filter through bandana; let silt settle
  • • Coastal streams: iodine/chlorine as backup; mind salt spray contamination

Redundancy & Hygiene

  • • Always carry tablets as backup
  • • Use separate dirty/clean bags; label clearly
  • • Sanitize hands before handling clean water gear

Related Resources

Planning

Trails