How do you purify water when wild camping?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to purify water while wild camping is to boil it.

Water Purification by Boiling

Boiling water is a reliable method for eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses, making it safe for consumption. Here's how to do it:

Find a Clean Source: Start by collecting water from a relatively clear source, such as a stream or spring.
Fill Your Container: Use a pot or any heat-resistant container to hold the water.
Apply Heat: Place the container on a heat source, such as a campfire or portable camping stove.
Bring to a Rolling Boil: Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil, which is characterized by large bubbles that do not subside when stirred.
Boil Time: Continue boiling the water for at least one minute. At higher altitudes, where water boils at a lower temperature, you may need to boil it for a few minutes longer to ensure thorough purification.
Cool and Drink: After boiling, let the water cool down to a drinkable temperature before consuming.

Filtration: If the water source has a lot of sediment, consider filtering it through a cloth or a piece of your shirt before boiling to remove larger particles.
Water Purification Tablets or Drops: As an alternative to boiling, you can use chemical purification methods, such as water purification tablets or drops, these typically contain chlorine or iodine.
Use Water Filters: Portable water filters are also a great option for removing contaminants and bacteria from water, they range in size and are good for frequent campers.

Method	Effectiveness	Ease of Use	Considerations
Boiling	High	High	Requires fire or stove, time to cool
Water Purification Tablets	Moderate to High	High	Chemical taste, may not kill all pathogens
Water Filter	High	Medium to High	Requires a filter device, some filters are more effective

By following these steps, you can ensure you have clean, safe drinking water during your wild camping trips.