How To Get Fresh Water On Hiking Trips

By Chris Channing

It's chilling to think that simple drinking water can contain the virus or bacteria that could make one incredibly sick. This is especially true on camping trips, where access to purified water is going to be extremely limited. Thankfully there are ultraviolet water purifiers for those who like to stay safe on their vacation.

The ultraviolet purifying system is going to defeat around 99.9% of many types of harmful agents- including bacteria and viruses. This is accomplished since the rays penetrate the the thin membrane of the organisms and disrupt their DNA- effectively rendering them useless.

The best alternative to purify one's drinking water is going to be through the use of chemicals. Chemicals can be used to sterilize the drinking water, but they are often more expensive and can sometimes produce effects that may be unsafe to those drinking the water. Thus, UV purification is often regarded as the better of the two.

Another downfall to the chemical alternative is the fact that chemicals will often take longer to work. This may be a poor prospect for those who are dehyrdated and need water quickly. The ultraviolet purification process, however, is seen as very quick- usually not taking more than a couple of minutes. This will depend on the specific model being obtained, however, and one should look around for the best solution if possible. Don't be scared to spend extra money for a better product!

Some models of the ultraviolet water purification products can run off of solar power. Obviously they will run on batteries in case of a storm or on a cloudy day, but this can help keep the device working longer on a camping trip simply because it is more energy efficient. And when stores that carry batteries can be miles away, this can be a potentially life-saving option. As such, consumers are urged to obtain models that carry this featured.

Consumers should be reminded that the act of purifying water in portable options is quite a complicated process that wasn't available decades ago. Because they are still relatively new and feature latest technologies in their construction, UV water purifiers are typically going to be around $100 or more. Many will feature different options and add-ons, which are recommended if a consumer is serious about their safety while camping and hiking.

Final Thoughts

Those who don't camp or hike may still have use for the UV purifier if they travel. Some countries have water filtration systems that are different from one's home country, and chemicals or lack thereof may make consumers sick. But with the proper purification system, this prospect isn't going to have to be worried over or ruin one's vacation plans.

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Learn more on SteriPEN Adventurer water purifier and SteriPEN water purifier.