recommend! Safe guide to drinking water outdoors: How to make sure every sip is safe

In outdoor sports, food and water are the keys to survival. About 70% of the human body is composed of water. We continually lose water through exercise, sweating, urination and breathing. A normal day requires 2000cc to 3000cc of water, and more water is needed during heavy exercise and sunny weather. Therefore, how to obtain and treat drinking water during outdoor activities has become extremely important.

Water source selection

When choosing a water source, we recommend a relatively clean water source, such as flowing and clear water. After obtaining the water source, water treatment must be carried out to ensure clean and hygienic drinking water.

Still water source treatment

When encountering still water sources such as black pools, use a bandana to filter out large particles of impurities before proceeding with subsequent water treatment. This can reduce large particle pollutants that may exist in the water and improve the effect of water treatment.

Outdoor drinking water treatment methods

With the advancement of technology, there are many options for outdoor drinking water treatment methods.

• boiling method Boiling is the most common method of water treatment since ancient times. It kills bacteria in the water by heating and boiling it. The advantage is that it does not require additional equipment and is simple to operate. The disadvantage is that it requires additional fuel and requires time to wait for water to cool down. In the mountains, this is a more energy-intensive method.

• portable water filter Portable water filters use physical filtration methods. The filter core is usually hollow fiber or ceramic, which can filter out particles larger than 2 microns, so it can filter out all bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens. Portable water filters are small in size, light in weight, fast in filtration and affordable. It is also very convenient to clean the filter when it is clogged. At present, portable water filters have become a mainstream product for outdoor water treatment and one of the personal essential equipment for outdoor people. Well-known brands such as Katadyn BeFree from Switzerland.

• water purification tablets Water purification tablets are a form of chemical filtration that add agents (usually chlorine and silver ions) to drinking water to kill pathogenic bacteria in the water and facilitate water preservation. Many military and disaster relief groups choose to use water purification tablets. Its advantage is that it is cheap and lightweight, but its disadvantage is that it needs to wait for the reaction time of the chemical solution, and the treated water has a smell.

• UV light pen Ultraviolet light pen uses ultraviolet irradiation to sterilize and destroy the reproduction ability of bacteria and viruses. Such outdoor products are rare in the Taiwan market, but their advantages are small size, light weight, and no need to clean the filter element. The disadvantage is that it requires electricity and is only suitable for clear water, and cannot effectively treat turbid water.

Little reminder

When using outdoor drinking water treatment methods, you should also pay attention to cherishing the precious water sources in the mountains. Avoid washing dishes, towels and bodies in water source areas, use clean containers to scoop water out to the shore for washing, and be careful not to pour contaminants back into streams.

In short, mastering the correct outdoor drinking water treatment methods can not only protect your health, but also make you feel more at ease during outdoor activities. Learning to select and treat water sources and cherish every drop of water resources are basic qualities that every outdoor enthusiast should possess.

water filter portal

KATADYN TAIWAN