How to turn delicious pathogen-filled water sources into delicious won't-get-you-sick water sources on the Pacific Crest Trail is a question every hiker faces (unless you don't believe in treating because your thru-hiking power level is 9,000+).
Although many PCT thru-hikers say things like “I only filter my water in the desert” or “I don't filter above 10,000 ft (3,048 m)” or “People don't get sick from not filtering, they get sick from not washing their hands” this does not mean you should give up treating your water (but you should definitely be washing your hands).
Do you know how often I treat my water? Always. Do you know how many times I've been sick because of contaminated water? Zero. I'm not saying I had to filter my water all those times, but it's like my parents always told me: better safe than sorry (or “get off the damn internet, I need to use the phone!” Remember those days? No? You're lucky).
As appetizing and non-threatening as that mountain stream looks, you would be wise to take measures to combat any microscopic pathogens lurking within the deliciousness. Here's a look at the most popular options for water treatment on the PCT (and beyond).
The Sawyer Squeeze filtration system is one of the most popular options for thru-hikers. It's lightweight, compact, and rugged. You simply fill one of the provided bags (or water bottle) with water, screw the Squeeze on and invert. As the name suggests, you then squeeze the water through the filter and into your face hole (or another container). If you don't need to worry about viruses (like on the PCT), it's a great option. However, many hikers report that the flow rate diminishes over time (carrying and using the included plunger to backflush the filter is recommended).
PROS: Small, lightweight, easy to use, can be attached directly to store-bought bottles (not wide mouth) or used with the included bag (options available)
CONS: Flow rate decreases over time without maintenance (requires that you carry and use an included syringe), can become clogged with continued use, is susceptible to freezing (which can damage filter), not a great option for pairs or groups
- Weight: 3 oz / 85 g
- Dimensions: 2 x 5 in / 5 x 12.7 cm
- Filter medium: Hollow-fiber membrane
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa and bacteria
- Available at: REI | Moosejaw | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
The Sawyer MINI came about to appease backpackers who want something ultralight, but who don't want to treat their water with chemicals. Yes, you save a whole 1 oz / 28 g by opting for the MINI over the original Sawyer Squeeze. It works in the exact same way as the original, and will require constant backflushing if you're going to keep it filtering smoothly (which means you need to carry the included syringe).
PROS: Small, lightweight, easy to use, can be attached directly to bottle (not wide mouth bottles) or used with the included bag (options available), comes in a variety of colors, inexpensive
CONS: Flow rate now as good as the original Squeeze, flow rate decreases over time without vigilant maintenance, susceptible to freezing (which can damage filter), not great for filtering large quantities of water
- Weight: 2 oz / 57 g
- Dimensions: 1 x 5 in / 2.5 x 12.7 cm
- Filter medium: Hollow-fiber membrane
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa and bacteria
- Available at: REI | Moosejaw | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
If you want to feel like a wizard when treating your water, then the SteriPEN Ultra is for you. There are a number of SteriPENs available, but the Ultra has a few advantages. It can filter a liter of water at a time, used with practically any water bottle, and is lighter than the SteriPEN Classic. It's USB rechargeable which could be a pro or a con (no heavy batteries / no quick fix for dead battery).
PROS: Treats water for bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, USB rechargeable, compatible with most containers and store-bought bottles, treats 50L per charge, takes 90 seconds per liter, LCD screen shows time remaining and treatment status
CONS: Reliance on technology never 100%, only effective treating clear water, does not remove particulate,
- Weight: 5 oz / 142 g
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 1.6 x 1.3 in / 18.5 x 4.1 x 3.3 cm
- Filter medium: Ultraviolet light
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa, bacteria and viruses
- Available at: REI | Moosejaw | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
Read my detailed review of the SteriPEN Ultra here.
Although the CamelBak All Clear may not be the lightest option available, it's certainly the easiest and the quickest treatment solution out there. All you need to do is scoop up some water in the included bottle, screw on the cap, hit a button and shake. You can literally treat your water as you walk (and crush miles). It's also a bummer that you can only treat .75 L at a time, but at 60 seconds per treatment it's still one of the quickest options.
PROS: Eliminates viruses in addition to bacteria and protozoa, incredibly easy to use, can filter up to 60 L per charge, LCD screen shows time remaining and status
CONS: Not a very light option, only filters .75 L (25 fl. oz.) of water at once, will only work with clear water, does not filter particulate
- Weight: 17 oz / 482 g
- Dimensions: 11.75 x 3.25 x 3 in / 29.8 x 8.3 x 7.6 cm
- Filter medium: Ultraviolet light
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa, bacteria and viruses
- Available at: REI | Moosejaw | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
Read my detailed review of the CamelBak All Clear here.
Auqamira Drops use chlorine dioxide to kill bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. There are two small bottles in the kit which makes Aquamira an attractive lightweight solution to water treatment. Mix eight drops from each, wait five minutes, pour into your water, wait fifteen minutes, and you're ready to drink. But yes, twenty minutes is a long time. Many people use Aquamira as their primary treatment method, many others carry it as a backup.
PROS: Inexpensive, removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, treats clear or muddy water, no aftertaste, can treat 113 L (30 gallons) with a single set, very small and lightweight, you get to pretend you're a chemist
CONS: Won't remove sediment or make your water look any cleaner, requires 20 minutes to treat a single liter, it's a chemical (and I know some people aren't down with that)
- Weight: 3 oz / 85 g
- Filter medium: Chlorine dioxide
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa, bacteria and viruses
- Available at: REI | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
The Platypus GravityWorks is made up of two bags with an inline filter between the two. You simply fill your “dirty” bag with water to be treated and then hang (or suspend) the two bags and let gravity force the water down through the filter and into the “clean” bag. Sure it may look bulky next to some other options, but everyone I've met with this filter seemed to be a supporter.
PROS: Turns dirty looking water in to clear water (and removes sediment), good for groups (4L option available), simple operation, good flow rate with regular backflushing (up to 1.75 L / minute)
CONS: On the heavier side, not as compact as your other options, susceptible to freezing (which can damage filter), difficult to drink directly from
- Weight: 11.5 oz / 326 g
- Filter medium: Hollow fibers
- Removes/Destroys: Protozoa, bacteria
- Available at: REI | Moosejaw | Eastern Mountain Sports | Amazon
Other options available to hikers include using liquid chlorine bleach to filter (the ultraligher treatment – if you don't count those who don't filter), purification tablets (like those from Aquamira or Katadyn), or even an old fashioned pump filter (although these are less common on the PCT).
Comment below and let me know your thoughts, questions, or even your own recommendation!
