You are traveling to an undeveloped country or hiking in an unfamiliar area. You want to be safe and hydrated, so you decided to buy portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking. But before you do so, you have some questions that you need answered.
The first thing you will want to know is that there is a big difference between filters and purifiers. Filtration is the process of filtering dirt and debris from the water while killing microorganisms with the use of boiling or chemicals. Purification, on the other hand, utilizes carbon with reverse osmosis to filter particles out of the water.
To elaborate, the primary purpose of filtration is to kill the bacteria and remove some sediment. The most common way to filter water is by boiling it for a minimum of three minutes. Unfortunately, this will not kill all of the bacteria. To remove sediment, the water will need to be filtered with a cloth.
The other method of filtration is by using chemicals, which can be portable and quicker than boiling while in third world countries or on a hiking trail. The two types of chemicals commonly used are iodine and chlorine. They are both inexpensive, but as with any chemical usage, there are some risks.
Iodine. Iodine is very effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but when used in large quantities of water it may be time consuming. Additionally, women who are pregnant and people with thyroid problems should not use iodine.
What about chlorine? Chlorine makes the water thinner, causing sediment and dirt to sink to the bottom. This results in the top water being clear and drinkable. Chlorine is very poisonous if overused. Mixing too much chlorine can cause severe illness, organ failure, and death.
Water purification is more expensive, but they are much safer. They use carbon and reverse osmosis to filter harmful particles out of the water. The carbon is used to remove pollutants, and chemicals from the water while making it taste and smell better. Reverse osmosis is used to filter out toxic metals, such as lead, and other impurities.
You did not mention killing bacteria; will it make water safe to drink? Purification will kill some harmful microorganisms, but not all. Many purifiers still recommend boiling water after it is purified. There are ultraviolet (UV) lights in some higher end purifiers that disrupt bacteria and viral reproduction, rendering them mostly harmless.
Also relatively new to the market are solar water disinfection. These can kill many harmful microbes by using radiation and temperatures provided by sunlight. This can be a very effective way to disinfect water in hot and tropical environments.
By using portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking, you can make your trip or hike much more enjoyable and safe. You can remain hydrated without fear of getting sick or possibly dying. You will just have to choose the system that works best for you.
The first thing you will want to know is that there is a big difference between filters and purifiers. Filtration is the process of filtering dirt and debris from the water while killing microorganisms with the use of boiling or chemicals. Purification, on the other hand, utilizes carbon with reverse osmosis to filter particles out of the water.
To elaborate, the primary purpose of filtration is to kill the bacteria and remove some sediment. The most common way to filter water is by boiling it for a minimum of three minutes. Unfortunately, this will not kill all of the bacteria. To remove sediment, the water will need to be filtered with a cloth.
The other method of filtration is by using chemicals, which can be portable and quicker than boiling while in third world countries or on a hiking trail. The two types of chemicals commonly used are iodine and chlorine. They are both inexpensive, but as with any chemical usage, there are some risks.
Iodine. Iodine is very effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but when used in large quantities of water it may be time consuming. Additionally, women who are pregnant and people with thyroid problems should not use iodine.
What about chlorine? Chlorine makes the water thinner, causing sediment and dirt to sink to the bottom. This results in the top water being clear and drinkable. Chlorine is very poisonous if overused. Mixing too much chlorine can cause severe illness, organ failure, and death.
Water purification is more expensive, but they are much safer. They use carbon and reverse osmosis to filter harmful particles out of the water. The carbon is used to remove pollutants, and chemicals from the water while making it taste and smell better. Reverse osmosis is used to filter out toxic metals, such as lead, and other impurities.
You did not mention killing bacteria; will it make water safe to drink? Purification will kill some harmful microorganisms, but not all. Many purifiers still recommend boiling water after it is purified. There are ultraviolet (UV) lights in some higher end purifiers that disrupt bacteria and viral reproduction, rendering them mostly harmless.
Also relatively new to the market are solar water disinfection. These can kill many harmful microbes by using radiation and temperatures provided by sunlight. This can be a very effective way to disinfect water in hot and tropical environments.
By using portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking, you can make your trip or hike much more enjoyable and safe. You can remain hydrated without fear of getting sick or possibly dying. You will just have to choose the system that works best for you.
About the Author:
Gretchen Robertvine has intentions of working with the SteriPEN Sidewinder Water Purifier when she is backpacking and camping out in the Appalachian Mountains next year. She is a freelance author who writes for businesses including Survival Camping World and Better Health Innovations, two top internet outfitters.
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