Chemical Water Purification System Options for Hikers

The most common chemical water treatments used by hikers and backpackers for drinking water purification are some form of chlorine, iodine, or oxidizing agents. All of these chemical water purification options require time for the chemicals to do their job. As a general rule you should wait at least 20 minutes after adding the chemical treatment - longer for colder water since the chemicals work more slowly in colder temperatures. Remember to loosen the cap on your water container and slosh some of the treated water onto the threads of the cap and bottle to eliminate contaminates that may be trapped there.

Having to wait is probably the biggest drawback to this type of water purification. With a filter of some type you can arrive at a water source, filter, and drink immediately. With chemical water treatment when you arrive at a water source you first have to fill your container, add the treatment, wait 20 or more minutes - then you can drink. But because it is such a light weight solution to the almost universal problem of water purification, even if it is not used as the primary means of water treatment, carrying some form of chemical water purifier as a back up to a filter is a good idea for extra safety. A good item to carry on day hikes too even when you think you're carrying plenty of water just in case you end up staying out longer or get thirstier than you expected.

Chlorine

Probably the least effective, chlorine is somewhat unstable, adds some taste to the water, and leaves behind some chemical residue now associated with a small cancer risk.

Household Liquid Bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypo chlorite can be used. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add about 3 to 6 drops of bleach per quart of water, mix thoroughly and allow to sit for approximately 20 minutes.

Iodine

More effective than chlorine, but deteriorates when exposed to sunlight, and leaves behind an unpleasant taste, iodine is another option. It may not be suitable for people with certain types of thyroid conditions. The unpleasant taste of iodine can be countered by adding ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to the treated water, but this should only be added after having waited the recommended amount of time for treatment because it neutralizes the effectiveness of the iodine as well as the taste.

There has been some concern about possible adverse effects from using iodine over prolonged periods, but medical studies including one where prisoners used iodine over a period of several years has not proven this to be the case.

Liquid Tincture of Iodine sold in pharmacies is one possible source. Add several drops per quart of water mix thoroughly and allow to sit for at least 20 minutes. More convenient for hikers are iodine tablets sold specifically for water treatment.

Oxidizers

Possibly the fastest acting chemical water purification option, oxidizers adds the least taste, and produce the least undesirable chemical residues, but they also generally more expensive than chlorine or iodine. This is the type of water treatment used by many municipal city water systems.

Hiking & Backpacking
Chemical Water Purification System Products

Katadyn Pocket Microfilter	$295.96
The Katadyn Pocket Filter is the most rugged, longest lasting microfilter available. This robust water filter made of heavy duty materials is ideal for long lasting continuous use even under extreme circumstances. The silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa. The Katadyn Pocket is the only water filter with a 20 year warranty.
Steripen Adventurer Opti w/Solar Charger & Case	$112.46
Backpacker Magazine 2011 Editor's Choice Award winner. The SteriPEN Adventurer Opti Water Purifier with Solar Charger and Case uses a revolutionary optical eye to sense the water. The patent-pending technology provides safe use and the standard insulating sleeve around the UV lamp allows purification in even the coldest of waters. Similar to other SteriPEN models, the Opti purifies 0.5 L (16 oz.) in 48 seconds and 1.0L (32 oz.) in just 90 seconds. The new optical sensor doubles as a convenient LED flashlight. It's a great backup light when camping or taking a night-time walk to refill your water bottle. The Flashlight mode is activated by pressing and holding the single button down for 3 seconds. The clear lamp cover focuses the LED light.
First Need XL Water Purifier	$112.00
The First Need XL Water Filter is an effective portable water filter at any price. Effective against Cryptosporidia, bacteria and viruses; extremely effective in removing harmful chemicals. "Direct Connect" to Nalgene bottles, sanitary cover to protect outlet, longer tubing, rugged, comfortable handle, greater capacity and fast flow. Self-cleaning prefilter and gravity assist system included. No iodine needed!
MSR SweetWater Purifier System	$99.95
Get added viral protection in popular wilderness areas and developing countries with this combination purifier system. The SweetWater Microfilter removes waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites, and the chlorine-based SweetWater Purifier Solution effectively inactivates viruses. This system meets U.S. EPA requirements for microbiological water purifiers.
MSR AutoFlow Gravity Water Filter	$99.95
The MSR HyperFlow features: The latest Hollow Fiber Technology in a package so small and so easy to use it will change the way you travel in the backcountry.Also included is a Quick Connect Bottle Adapter allowing direct connection to all MSR hydration products and a variety of other "wide mouth" containers and an advanced prefilter to prolong the life of your filter.
Steripen Journey Safe Water System	$95.96
The Steripen Journey System Pack comes with the new FitsAll Filter and a 32 oz wide-mouth Nalgene BPA-Free water bottle.The revolutionary SteriPEN JourneyLCD uses universal symbols to take the guesswork out of the water purification process. Journey's integrated LCD screen displays the user's dose selection (1/2 liter or 1 liter), battery status and countdown timer. The LCD screen also tracks the number of uses and signals when lamp usage approaches its life limit. At 8,000 cycles, lamp life for SteriPEN JourneyLCD reaches a new high (purify 1 liter 4 times a day for nearly 7 years!). Like all SteriPENs, the Journey is Fast (48 seconds for 0.5 L (16 oz.)), Light (128g /4.5 oz.), Effective, and even easier with it's innovative LCD screen. The Journey mates with the SteriPEN pre-filter and is sized between our Adventurer and Classic. Journey ships with two non-rechargeable (disposable) CR123 batteries.
MSR SweetWater Filter	$89.95
Lightweight and compact, the SweetWater? Microfilter makes water filtration fast and easy. About Sweetwater Microfilter The Sweetwater Microfilter eliminates over 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of common protozoan parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. It comes with a stainless steel prefilter, two color-coded silicone hoses, foam float, water bottle adapter, cleaning brush, and carry bag. Purifier vs. Microfilter A water "filter" generally claims to reduce or eliminate protozoan parasites and bacteria.? A filter is adequate for remote wilderness seldom visited by people. A water "purifier" also removes or inactivates viruses and is therefore ideal in any situation.
MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter	$89.95
The MSR MiniWorks EX ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator, capable of pumping one liter of water per minute.
Katadyn Mini Microfilter	$87.96
The Katadyn Mini is the lightest and most compact filter on the market. Its small size fits in a coat pocket or waist pack and is ideal for travel, business trips and day hiking. Exclusive silver impregnated ceramic filter removes bacteria and protozoa. The Katadyn Mini gets the job done without the extra weight.
Steripen Journey LCD Water Purifier	$79.96
The revolutionary SteriPEN JourneyLCD uses universal symbols to take the guesswork out of the water purification process. Journey's integrated LCD screen displays the user's dose selection (1/2 liter or 1 liter), battery status and countdown timer. The LCD screen also tracks the number of uses and signals when lamp usage approaches its life limit. At 10,000 cycles, lamp life for SteriPEN JourneyLCD reaches a new high (purify 1 liter 4 times a day for nearly 7 years!). Like all SteriPENs, the Journey is Fast (48 seconds for 0.5 L (16 oz.)), Light (139g /4.9 oz.), Effective, and even easier with it's innovative LCD screen. The Journey mates with the SteriPEN pre-filter and is sized between our Adventurer and Classic.