water treatment

Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in Backcountry Water Sources

In this video presentation, we dive into a critical topic to raise awareness about the increasing problem of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in backcountry water sources.

Using Alum to Clarify Muddy Water on Trips

A lesson in chemistry provides the solution for how to treat extremely muddy water sources in the backcountry.

How Effective are Backflushing and Storage Practices for Backcountry Squeeze Filters Using Hollow-Fiber Membrane Technology?

We provide data that evaluates backflushing and storage in maintaining flow rates of the Platypus Quickdraw, Sawyer Squeeze, and Katadyn Befree hollow-fiber membrane squeeze filters.

Using a New Sport to Refine Your Ultralight Philosophy

Single-speed all the way, baby.

How to Get Water Out of a Frozen Stream Where the Ice is Several Inches Thick

We invited this challenge from our community on the forums and Instagram. Here's our solution - thanks for your feedback and suggestions!

Ultralight Water Treatment Options for Backpacking

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.

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.

CrazyCap LED Water Purifier Review

The CrazyCap 2 ($59, 1.9 oz/56 g) is an ultraviolet water treatment device that takes the form of a bottle cap. At first glance, this little multi-use item seems like the perfect invention for ultralight backpackers on the fly. But how does it perform in the field with its bottle compatibility issues?

Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review (6L)

We review the 6-Liter model of the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, intended to provide water for groups and for basecamp scenarios.

Estimating the Age (Lifespan) of Your Backcountry Water Filter

The goal of this test is to determine the effective age of your backpacking water filter based on comparing its current flowrate to its flowrate when new.

MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Review

The MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit is a gravity-powered water filtration kit with modular components for versatility.

Katadyn BeFree Review: The Light and Fast Water Bottle Filter (First Looks)

This Katadyn BeFree Review features a video discussing the highlights of this water bottle filter technology that's both ultralight and fast.

Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review – 4.0L Water Filtration System

This Platypus Gravity Works filter review focuses on the key strength of the system: high treatment capacity for relative ease.

Mike St. Pierre: Interview with the Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Mike St. Pierre founded Hyperlite Mountain Gear while working as chef in NYC out of a desire to have lighter gear for his weekend adventures. He has not looked back and HMG is quietly and quickly making a name for itself in the outdoor industry. Read what Mike has to say about his company and his recent adventure in the Grand Canyon.

Lightweight Backpacking for Couples

New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Public Version

New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Member’s Version

Summer Alpine Ice Climbing in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains

Beyond Backpacking, by Ray Jardine (Book Review)

Book Review: Beyond Backpacking

Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition – August 2001)

Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition - August 2001)