Camping is a great way to get in touch with a part of the world that many of us no longer have a deep connection with. One of the most enjoyable aspects of camping is being able to interact with the environment in addition to cooking great barbecue food. This means not only existing in harmony with the natural surroundings but also living off of what the wilderness has to offer. There was a time a person could go camping and enjoy drinking from any nearby river or stream. Unfortunately, modern times have caught up to even some of the most seemingly isolated areas of nature, and drinking from some natural sources is no longer the safest option. Since running water is not available in many campsites, and bottled water can be cumbersome and have a tendency to run out, a camping water filter is a viable way to get clean drinking water. This works well with your outdoor kitchen setup since you will access to clean water, and you’ll definitely notice a difference when it comes to grilling and barbecue.
A good camping water filter might be costly, but it can also give you peace of mind that you’ll have a source of water no matter where you go. These filters can also improve the taste of water which goes a long way to heightening your overall camping experience. In many cases you can find a good in one in the same place you buy your gas grills or charcoal BBQ.
Most any camping water filter will look pretty basic on the outside, and some of them might even be mistaken for a thermos. Good filters can have sleek designs that allow them to be extremely portable which goes a long way when it comes to outdoor camping. You never want to mess around with a filter with too many components or pieces and parts that need to be assembled before use. And it’s never a bad idea to have some water purification tablets on hand in case something goes wrong with your filter. A good camping water filter will do its job easily and effectively every time. Using one is simply a matter of placing the main component in any given water source and filtering the water through the main pump. The filters found within the device itself may be composed of activated charcoal or ceramic elements, and they’re effective against all sorts of water-born contaminants.
Why do I need a Camping Water Filter?
Water is even more important to your health than food, and without it you won’t last long especially in a natural environment. In most cases you won’t have to worry about emergency or survival situations, but if anything should happen you can bet that you’ll want a good camping water filter at your side. Water can keep you alive, but it can also make you incredibly sick if it is not properly treated. This is something to think about when washing your dishes or your gas grill.
When most people think of the need to filter water, they worry about the obvious things like dirt are sediment. But did you know there are a whole host of worst things that can be found in water? The things that you can see are not nearly as potentially scary as the things you can’t. You can run into microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and even insects that can ruin your camping trip pretty quickly.
Camping Water Filter Quicktips
You always have the option of using chemicals (iodine) to help further clean your water. But many people avoid them when possible, and this produces better tasting results.
If you have the patience, then remember that boiling is also a foolproof method of cleaning your drinking water. Some people do quite well with an organized approach that ensures a constant supply of boiled and cooled water.
It’s better to be safe than sorry so make sure that you have bottled water on reserve. It also helps to have some water purification tablets in case your main filter fails.
Don’t forget to replace a filter’s element at scheduled times, and follow the instructions that come with your camping water filter. If water does not seem to be flowing as freely that is a good sign that your filters element needs to be replaced. Don’t try to force water through when this happens or you risk contaminating your drinking supply.
Help your camping water filter to do its job by cleaning it properly, handling it with care, and storing it appropriately.
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter
This model features a silver-impregnated ceramic element that acts as the main filtration element. It is really effective against all sorts of nasty little critters that can be found in water sources. This camping water filter is a bit heavier than most models and therefore lends itself better for car camping rather than backpacking. But it is still pretty portable and will work really well if you can handle the weight. One of the best features of this model is the fact that it has a 13,000 gallons lifespan, and that means it’s going to last you a long time.
The Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter is a camping water filter that offers a cheaper option, with good results as well. This model is light-weight and really easy to use in the field. It has a great filter surface size compared to the overall area of the machine and will provide a good amount of drinkable water in very little time. This is the perfect supplementary tool that any camper should consider if they can’t afford to purchase it’s more expensive big brother.
MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter
This has a combo ceramic and carbon filter that works well in tandem to give you better tasting water. It also has a longer life span since its filter components can be cleaned by hand so that you never need replacement parts. Filtration speed is pretty good for a model of the size and you shouldn’t have any problems getting a good amount of drinkable water in a reasonable amount of time. There is a lifetime warranty so the makers are definitely confident that the product is build properly and with practical use in mind. In fact, heavy use is not a problem and you’ll be able to get your money’s worth with this product. You can also try placing a coffee filter over the hose inlet and this will get rid of bigger particles in addition to helping the camping water filter do its job.
First Need Deluxe Water Purifier
This is a fast acting and effective filter system that does not require chemicals to yield clean drinkable water. It is relatively compact, portable, and a good choice for the field with the only downside being its more expensive cost. Some people might find that this model is heavier than it needs to be, and maybe even somewhat cumbersome, but with a little bit of experience there’s nothing here a dedicated camper can’t get used to. The upside is that you get great tasting water no matter what conditions you may face. You also get the trade off of more water for when you need to provide for larger groups.
Platypus CleanStream Gravity Filter System
This is a different type of camping water filter that relies on gravity to move the water through the cleansing mechanism. This filter system is more suitable for a camp that is stationary and already set up. Its design does not lend itself as well to mobile camping where you would have to constantly find a place for the device. You should also stay away from straining this filter by exposing it to extremely dirty sources. But using it is relatively easy and it can be a fun way to show your kids the importance of clean water. It uses hollow fibre technology to do the brunt of the work and all you have to do is fill one of the reservoirs with the water that you want cleaned.
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