The purpose of this article is to present three ultralight water treatment options for backpacking. We chose these three for their diversity and efficacy, and they include a chemical method, a physical method, and an electro-ultraviolet method. We included a video to demonstrate each technology in the field.
Gear Reviews
Reviews and comparison reports about the use and performance of lightweight backpacking, hiking, camping, trail running, bikepacking, packrafting, backcountry fly fishing, survival, and other outdoor gear.
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Seek Outside Flight One Review
The Seek Outside Flight One (36 oz/1.02 kg, $299 – $319) is a lightweight, minimalist pack designed with comfort and durability in mind.
CS Instant Coffee Review
CS Instant Coffee is a small instant coffee product designed to compete with Starbucks Via and other popular backcountry coffee solutions.
The HydraPak Flux 1L – A Smartwater Bottle Replacement?
The HydraPak Flux 1 L (2.7 oz / 77 g, MSRP $20) is a soft-sided, collapsible, 42 mm threaded, reusable water-bottle aimed at the single-use Smartwater or sports-drink bottle crowd.
NEMO Hornet Elite 2P Review
The NEMO Equipment Hornet Elite 2P (33 oz / 935 g, $499.95) is a semi-freestanding, double-walled, ultralight tent. It features design touches meant to increase the volume of the tent while not adding additional weight.
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Review
The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (8.5 oz / 241 g, $119.99) is a minimalist trail runner best used for fastpacking. Huarache-inspired straps on the midfoot and instep allow for precisely dialed fit without causing compression.
Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum Tent Review
The Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum (13 oz / 369 g, $349.95) is a single wall, single-entrance, trekking pole-supported, silnylon, one-person tent from Big Agnes. It is one of the lightest shelters in its class.
Vargo Bot 700 Review (First Looks)
The Vargo Titanium Bot 700 is a 0.7-liter cooking pot made of titanium with a watertight, screw-top lid with a silicone gasket.
Lightweight Wood Saws for Backpacking
Lightweight wood saws for backpacking can be used for preparing firewood and more. Here’s what affects saw performance and how that’s revealed in four models from Bahco, Suluk46, Coghlan’s, and Sven Saw.
Elemental Horizons Kalais XT Pack Review
The Elemental Horizons Kalais XT backpack (42.8 oz / 1213 g, $336) is a 60.4-liter pack meant to handle the harshest and most rugged conditions.
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review
This Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review features an ultralight hooded jacket insulated with Climashield Apex that weighs 8.4 oz (238 g).
Enlightened Equipment Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt Review (First Looks)
Enlightened Equipment’s new Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt ($335, 24 oz / 686 g) is a fresh take on a classic: The Revelation Quilt.