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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for water treatment

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

Nov 29, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

ryan using a suction tube to get water out of a frozen creek

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

hydration, hydration systems, water treatment, winter backpacking

Ultralight Water Treatment Options for Backpacking

Oct 16, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

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.

aquamira, filters, hydrapak flux, katadyn BeFree, katadyn hiker, katadyn steripen ultralight, msr hyperflow, pumps, sawyer squeeze, squeeze, ultraviolet, water treatment

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The HydraPak Flux 1L – A Smartwater Bottle Replacement?

Sep 25, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

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.

filter, hydration, smartwater, water bottle, water treatment

CrazyCap LED Water Purifier Review

Aug 4, 2020 by Emylene VanderVelden

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?

crazycap 2, steripen ultra, steripen ultralight, tech, ultraviolet, water bottles, Water purifiers, water treatment

Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review (6L)

May 15, 2020 by Drew Smith

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

hydration systems, water filter, water treatment

Estimating the Age (Lifespan) of Your Backcountry Water Filter

Aug 16, 2019 by Jon Fong

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.

befree, gravity, katadyn, Sawyer, water filter, water filtration, water treatment

MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Review

Oct 9, 2018 by Andrew Marshall

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

hydration systems, mountain safety research, msr, water filter, water filtration, water treatment

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

Jul 19, 2017 by Ryan Jordan

Katadyn BeFree Review - the light and fast water bottle filter.

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

katadyn, water bottle, water filter, water treatment

Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review – 4.0L Water Filtration System

Dec 7, 2016 by Josh Belcher

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

gravity filter, platypus, water filter, water treatment

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

Dec 4, 2015 by Eric Vann

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.

backcountry skiing, Grand Canyon, hyperlite mountain gear, long distance hiking, Maine, new feature, New Hampshire, packrafting, tarp camping, Washington, water treatment

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