Not only is it important to stay hydrated while hiking, but you also need to make sure you're drinking clean water. But how do hikers get clean water?

If you're like most people, the thought of being lost in the wilderness without any clean water is pretty terrifying. Without safe drinking water, you could quickly become dehydrated or ill. You might not even realize how dangerous drinking unclean water can be until it's too late.

There are several ways to get clean water while hiking. The most common way is to filter or purify the water. Water filters and purifiers work by removing harmful bacteria and protozoa from water. If you don't have a filter or purifier, you can boil your water or use iodine tablets to clean it.

If you're planning on going on a hike, it's important to know how to get clean water while you're out there. Hikers often need to find ways to filter and purify the water they find while on the trail. This can be difficult if you're not prepared for it. This article will teach you everything you need to know about getting clean water while hiking.

We scoured and searched for the best water filters and purifiers for hikers. We also talked to experts to find out the best methods for getting clean water while hiking.

Boiling Water

One of the most effective ways to purify water is by boiling it. This will kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present in the water. Boiling water is also a good way to make sure that you're getting all of the impurities out of the water. If you're going to boil water, it's important to do it for at least three minutes. This will ensure that all of the bacteria are killed and that your water is safe to drink.

There are a few different ways that you can boil water while you're out on the trail. One way is to use a camp stove. This is a great option if you have one available. Another way to boil water is to build a fire and then place a pot of water over the fire. This method will take longer, but it's still effective.

If you're boiling water from a natural source, it's important to let it cool before drinking it. This is because hot water can actually remove some of the nutrients from the water. Once the water has cooled, you can either drink it right away or store it in a container for later.

Pros

• Easy to do
• Effective for purifying water
• Can be done with minimal equipment

Cons

• Takes time to boil water
• Requires a heat source
• Water may lose some nutrients when boiled

Using a Water Filter

Another popular method for getting clean water is by using a water filter. There are many different types of water filters on the market, and they all have their own benefits. Water filters can be used to remove impurities from the water, and they're also a good way to make sure that you're getting all of the minerals out of the water.

If you're using a water filter, it's important to follow the instructions that come with it. This will ensure that you're using it correctly and that you're getting the most out of it. It's also important to change your filter regularly, as this will help to keep your water tasting fresh.

We recommend going with the MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter. This is a great all-around water filter that can be used in various situations. The main benefit of this water filter is that it can pump water very quickly. This is perfect if you're in a hurry and need to get clean water right away.

Pros

• Can remove impurities from water
• Can be used to get minerals out of water
• Great for emergencies

Cons

• Must follow instructions carefully
• The filter must be changed regularly
• Pumping water can take time

Iodine Tablets

Iodine tablets are excellent for killing bacteria and other impurities in water, making them a popular choice for camping, backpacking, and international travel. Iodine is a chemical element that effectively disinfects water and makes it safe to drink. When used properly, iodine tablets can purify large quantities of water quickly and easily. Iodine tablets are usually sold in packets of 12 or more, and each tablet can treat up to 10 liters of water.

The main downside of iodine tablets is that they can make the water taste slightly unpleasant. However, this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is clean and safe to drink. When using iodine tablets, it's important to follow the instructions that come with them. This will ensure that you're using them correctly and that you're getting the most out of them.

We recommend going with the Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets. These are a great all-around option for purifying water. The main benefit of these drops is that they're very easy to use. You have to add two drops of iodine per liter of water and wait 30 minutes. After that, your water will be safe to drink.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Can purify large quantities of water quickly
• Very affordable

Cons

• Water may taste unpleasant after treatment
• Must follow instructions carefully

UV Water Purification

UV water purification is a great choice if you're looking for a high-tech option for purifying water. This method uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other impurities in the water, making it safe to drink. UV water purifiers are becoming increasingly popular, as they're very effective and easy to use.

The main benefit of UV water purification is that it's very quick and easy. All you have to do is turn on the device and hold it close to the water for a few minutes. After that, your water will be safe to drink. Another great thing about UV water purifiers is that they don't require any chemicals, so you don't have to worry about adding anything to your water.

We recommend going with the SteriPEN Ultra UV Water Purifier. This is a great all-around water purifier that's perfect for backpacking and camping. The main benefit of this water purifier is that it's very lightweight and portable. It also has a long battery life, so you can use it for multiple days without having to worry about recharging it.

Pros

• Very quick and easy to use
• Doesn't require any chemicals
• Lightweight and portable
• Long battery life

Cons

• More expensive than other options
• Must have batteries to operate

Gravity Water Filters

Gravity water filters are an excellent choice for backpackers and campers. They're easy to use and very effective at purifying water. Gravity water filters work by using gravity to force contaminated water through a filter, removing impurities and making the water safe to drink.

The main benefit of gravity water filters is that they're very easy to use. You have to fill up the reservoir with contaminated water and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, the clean water will be collected in the other chamber, ready for you to drink. Another great thing about gravity filters is that they don't require any power, so you can use them in remote areas where there's no electricity.

We recommend going with the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System. This great all-around gravity water filter is perfect for backpacking and camping. The main benefit of this water filter is that it's very lightweight and portable. It also has a long lifespan, so you can use it for multiple years without worrying about replacing it.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Doesn't require any power
• Lightweight and portable
• Long lifespan

Cons

• Must have clean water to start with
• Can take a few minutes to filter large quantities of water