Finding the best water purification products

 

Water is life. There’s no doubt about that. And when you’re out exercising on the trail, pitch or slopes, staying hydrated is essential. To ensure the water you consume is clean and safe, make sure that you use high-quality water purification products. At Paddy Pallin, we only stock the best purification tablets and portable water filters, allowing you to enjoy clean and safe water, wherever you are.

 

FAQs about water treatments and filters

 

What are the main differences between microfilters, purifiers and chemical treatment?

 

There are a few main differences between portable water filters, purifiers and chemical water purification treatments. Microfilters kill protozoa and bacteria, while purifiers kill protozoa, bacteria and viruses. Chemical treatments are effective against viruses and protozoa but must be used in clear water. If the water is cloudy, you will still have to filter it to ensure it is safe to drink.

 

Microfilters work well for trips in remote areas, for preparing tap water in hotels or public wells that you might be unsure about, or as a purifier, when water is treated with Micropur Forte tablets after being pumped. Purifiers are the best choice for trips to heavuly populated areas and developing countries with insufficient hygiene conditions.

 

The difference between microfilters, purifiers and chemical treatment is based on the different types of water contamination that they can eliminate. Katadyn has a really simple guide on these types, and on the different levels of risk when travelling to certain parts of the world.

 

 

How do I figure out what kind of water treatment is right for me?

 

There are a lot of factors that go into determining what kind of water treatment filter or option is best for you. Think about not only the trip you’re purchasing the filter for now, but also the trips you’re likely to go on in the future.

 

If the filter is purely for hiking and you’re going to have to carry it, you might want to narrow your choices down to lightweight options. If you’re going on a trip overseas where it will be in a suitcase, you have the option to go for something a little bulkier but with more features that will speed up the treatment process and make cleaning easier in the long run.

 

Price is also a consideration, as water filters and treatment vary from a Katadyn BeFree to a Katadyn Combi Water Filter. This seems like a big price difference, but the Katadyn Combi Water Filter combines a silver impregnated ceramic element with a refillable, activated carbon cartridge. This means you don’t get that very distinct (and for many people, very unpleasant) water treatment taste that comes with using tablets. It will also last you a very long time, so like most other quality outdoor gear, it can be worth the investment.

 

The water treatment application process is also an important consideration. Will you be using a CamelBak? Can the Steripen fit into your water reservoir? Can the pre-filter fit on your water bottle? Water is the most important aspect for survival, and having an easy to use filtration system will make life on the road or the trail so much more convenient.

 

 

How do you treat water when camping?

If you’re camping by a water source, such as a river, and want to use this as a source of drinking water, you’ll need to purify the water first. The best option when camping is something a little larger, because you’re not as limited by space as you would be when hiking. Therefore, a gravity purifier is a great choice. You can also opt to use water treatment tablets.

 

 

Does boiling water make it safe to drink?

Boiling water will kill the majority of harmful organisms, but filters are a much handier option on the trail. It can be both a waste of precious fuel and time to boil water everytime you collect it, so water filters tend to be a much more convenient option. You also won’t need to wait for the water to cool down when you use a filter!

 

 

How do you filter water when on a long hiking trip?

If you’re looking for the best method of water purification while on a long hiking trip, compact options include collapsible filter bottles, Steripens, or LifeStraws. These filters take up minimal space in your hiking pack, but will provide you with clean, drinkable water whenever you need it. Plus, you can store more for later in your bottle.  Other effective options include treatment tablets and liquid, but a filter will keep that water tasting fresh and natural.

 

 

What kind of water treatment is generally needed in Australia?

 

We’re lucky in Australia, that the water quality in many of the places we choose to hike and camp is relatively safe and easy to treat. Unlike many other countries, Australia’s water contamination levels tend to be quite low, especially in the wilderness areas that we choose to hike, camp, climb and ski in. However, even if we’re 99% sure that the water is safe to drink, you never know what could be lurking upstream, therefore it is vital that proper measures are taken to guarantee water safety.

 

Katadyn Micropur Forte Water Treatment Tablets are a great, cost effective and an easy to use water purification option for within Australia. While it won’t get rid of any dirt or debris in the water, it will definitely kill most germs. If you want to increase the speed of Giardia removal, heat and boil your water at a rolling boil for 3 minutes, and then use the water purification tablets or water treatment liquid afterwards.

 

Another great option is to use a filter like the Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration Bottle. Simply fill the bottle from a natural running water source like a stream or river and the EZ-Clean Membrane™ inside the bottle will filter out bacteria and sediment before you drink. These bottles come in 0.6L, 1L or 3L options, and are a very easy and popular option as they’re lightweight, packable, reliable, well priced and can process 1000L before replacement.

 

 

What kind of water treatment is best for travelling overseas?

 

It’s difficult to predict the water quality in many places that you will travel to, but waterborne illnesses are a surefire way to ruin your holiday. While it’s easy to buy bottled water in many places, being reliant on your ability to easily purchase water can restrict your travels and land you in hot water. If you’re concerned about the environment, as we are here at Paddy Pallin, then bottled water isn’t a great option either.

 

Thus, travelling overseas can require a higher quality water treatment process than what is needed in Australia. We recommend using a water filter like the Steripen Ultra UV Portable Water Purifier. Eliminating over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa that cause water-borne illness in 45 seconds, the Steripen has a feature which tells you when the water is safe to drink. If you want to be super careful, you could pair this filter with the Katadyn Micropur Forte Water Treatment Tablets as well. Though an effective filter for micro organisms, the Portable Purifier won't get rid of any dirt or particulates in the water, therefore you might want to pair it with the Steripen Pre Filter, or Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration Bottle.

 

 

What is the best option for sterilising large volumes of water?

 

Whether you’re leading a scout group, or taking the family on a camping adventure, Paddy Pallin stocks many large volume camping water filters. Hanging bag gravity water purifiers from Katadyn and MSR can process up to 2L/minute, with bag capacities of 10L. The easy to use flow switch means little hikers and campers can fill their own water bottles safely.

 

If you need a water treatment solution which can process water even quicker, some products from MSR including the Guardian Purifier can deliver 2.5L of clean drinking water a minute. Designed for military applications, these pump action camping water purifiers are robust, reliable and can deliver over 10,000L of fresh drinking water before a new cartridge is required.

 

A simple, easy option to treat clear water in bulk is water purification liquids. When treating large bodies of water such as drums for field camps, 10ml of treatment liquids can purify 100L of water, removing bacteria, viruses and Giardia.

 

 

If the water is clear is it safe to drink?

 

You can never be 100% sure that water from a creek or stream in a wild area is 100% safe, without extensive tests. This is why it is always a good idea to carry a camping water filter or water purification tablets. Most water purification options are not heavy or will not take up too much room in your hiking pack, but can save you from a ruined holiday, adventure or severe illness.

 

 

What brands does Paddy Pallin stock?

 

The main water treatment brands we stock at Paddy Pallin are MSR and Katadyn, who also produce Steripen. Katadyn is a Swiss brand who goes by the motto “sustaining life no matter where”. Katadyn water filtration products range from Micropur water treatment tablets and water filters to Steripens and desalinators. Katadyn’s products are made in Switzerland, whilst MSR’s camping water filters are made in the U.S.A. Both brands are of the highest quality, giving you peace of mind when using their water filtration systems.

 

 

Do Paddy Pallin refund and exchange water treatment options if I change my mind?

 

The Change of Mind Refund and Exchange Policy applies to water treatment products as it does to clothing or other equipment. Just make sure it’s returned in its original condition within 90 days and we’ll be happy to help you with a refund or exchange.