What you should use to filter or treat water while day hiking or backpacking is a common question in our community. Additionally, do you need to purify water for your dogs while day hiking or backpacking is the second most common question in regards to complete hydration setups? This is best kit I’ve found and the kit that I’m most comfortable with.
- SAWYER WATER FILTER POINTONE SQUEEZE
- CNOC OUTDOORS VECTO 3L
- SMARTWATER 1 or 2L BOTTLES
- FOOD GRADE 5/16 VINYL TUBING
- CAMELBAK BITE VALVE
- AQUAMIRA 2 PART TREATMENT DROPS (FOR WINTER USE ONLY)
I have tried so many water systems over the years. I’ve used a hydration bladder, heck my pack even had a pouch for it. Well, it burst and ended my hiking trip early. I used to use a gravity feed system and a Sawyer Mini filter and 4L Platypus reservoir. It worked really well but was super slow. I finally found the best of everything that works for me.
PHOTO: CNOC 3L BLADDER
I use a Vecto 3L reservoir and Sawyer PointOne Squeeze filter that fits right onto the Vecto bladder. I carry two 1.5 Liter Smartwater bottles on the left and right side of my pack. I use food grade tubing through the squirt top of my SmartWater bottle, then run it along with my shoulder strap. So I now have a makeshift “camelback.” I prefer this over the opening and closing of water bottles all day long.
PHOTO: DIY RIGID CAMELBAK
This is also how I give Liberty water. She will drink from running streams from time to time if I let her. But my general rule of thumb, if I take a drink, she gets a squirt too. It took a bit to get her used to it, but know it all works well. It’s better than pouring water out of a bottle that ends up everywhere. I also prefer this than to giving her water in a bowl sporadically through the day. This way, I get a drink, she gets a drink.
Well geez, what’s the big deal if I let my dog drink from streams? They have a robust immune system and are better equipped to handle a contaminated water source. These 5 water-borne diseases can be mitigated through water filtration, saving you $$$ at the veterinarian’s office.
- LEPTOSPIROSIS
- PYTHIOSIS
- BLUE/GREEN ALGAE
- GIARDIASIS
- CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS
LEPTOSPIROSIS
A waterborne disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira. This disease is tough to diagnose because it’s symptoms can fit a wide array of illnesses. Humans and dogs can both get this disease. Mostly found in stale bodies of water; a dog with this disease can pass it to humans.
PYTHIOSIS
Is caused by a fungal-like organism called Pythium insidiosum. While rare, it is a very dangerous organism that will attach to surface skin wounds or in the intestinal tract. As this organism grows, it turns into larger lesions requiring surgery to remove.
BLUE/GREEN ALGAE
In the warmer months, dense algae can grow out of control, showing an increase bacteria leading to Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). There could be an increase in toxin production as well that could affect Central Nervous systems, GI tract, liver, and cause severe skin conditions.
GIARDIASIS
Giardia lamblia is a microscopic parasite known to cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Humans and dogs can both contract Giardia. Typically it’s not fatal but can cause severe dehydration if host remains infected for more extended periods of time.
CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS
Dogs who consume the parasite Cryptosporidium Schistosomiasis (Crpto), will display watery diarrhea lasting about two weeks. Often not life-threatening, inset of dehydration can occur.
PHOTO: SAWYER POINTONE FILTER KIT
Why should I use the Sawyer Squeeze PointOne water filtration filter? Everything you need to know is in these 6 points!
- Lifetime Warranty. If it breaks, Sawyer will replace it!
- 0.1 Micron Absolute Filtration
- Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria
- Removes 99.9999% of all protozoa
- Weighs 3 ounces
- Cost
A lifetime warranty means unlimited clean drinking water, yeah that’s right – UNLIMITED! When your filter sits at .1 micron, you won’t have to worry about salmonella, leptospirosis, cholera, or E.coli. Additionally, giardia and cryptosporidium is no match for this filter, making your tummy aches and Hershey squirts a distant nightmare. When something this powerful weighs only 3 ounces, why wouldn’t you take this with you? Perfect for hiking, camping, and backpacking in all locations that your water source may be shoddy. Take it on vacation or other adventures. This filter comes in many forms, to include gravity filtration systems, squeezable systems, and faucet systems. The best part, it’s decently cheap compared to other filtration systems!
The only downside that I know of, this filter can freeze during sub-freezing temperatures. Those who hike in the winter either wear it around their neck, letting their body heat keep the filter warm than keeping it in a sleeping bag at night to prevent freezing. The manufacturer recommends replacing the water filter after it’s been frozen and the lifetime warranty doesn’t cover it either.
TRAIL TAILS
This post on my hydration setup, the bad buggies that threaten us and our adventure puppers, and why the products I’ve chosen, work to keep us happy and healthy in the backcountry is definitely worth a share. Pass the word around – help this community grow. If we missed something, leave a comment below so we can all learn together. As always, may your travels be filled with adventure, paw prints, and timeless photos.
