It would be impossible to carry all of the water needed for hiking. A water purification system is necessary to filter water from streams and lakes along the way. Water is heavy, so it is necessary to balance safety with weight.

1 liter of water = 2.2 pounds

Each type of water purification has its own strengths and weaknesses when treating different types of contaminants. Backpackers need to be aware of the 4 main contaminants: Cryptosporidium (Crpto), Giardia intestinalis (Giardia), Bacteria, and Viruses. Each contaminate can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps and can be caught by drinking water contaminated with human and animal fecal waste. Crypto and Giardia are rare but it is better to be on the safe side and not ruin a great backpacking trip.

For more information on water treatment visit the Center for Disease Control. "A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry & Travel Use"

All contaminants 

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes

Cryptosporidium and Giardia

Factors that effect filtration's effectiveness are the filter's pore size, amount of the contaminant, particle size of the contaminant, and charge of the contaminant particle

Bacteria and Viruses

Factors that effect disinfectant's effectiveness are contact time, disinfectant concentration, temperature, cloudiness, and water pH

Treatment methods can be combined to increase their effectiveness. I prefer to use a Sawyer Squeeze filter as my main water purification method but also bring Aquamira disinfectant drops for bad water conditions. 

To protect others from disease, bury human waste 6-8 inches into the ground and at least 200 feet from natural water.

The following treatments are all great options for Colorado backpacking. If you believe that we missed something or disagree please let us know at our contact page. 

Weight: 3 oz

Price: $30

Effective Against: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Bacteria

Not Effective Against: Viruses

The Sawyer Squeeze is the gold standard for backcountry water filtration. It is light, easy, and dependable. The squeeze is the most common filter on the Colorado Trail for a good reason. Add lake or river water to the included bladder and screw on the filter. Simply "squeeze" the bladder to push water through the filter and into your mouth or water bottle. The Squeeze filters down to 0.1 micron and filters 99.9999% bacteria and 99.9999% protozoa. When the flow reduces, back-flush with the included syringe. Some hikers use a $3 coupling to allow the filter to attach the front end to a water bottle to act as their syringe. This saves weight and allows for a gravity filtered system. 

Advantages: The Squeeze is light, inexpensive, and well tested. The flow rate is exponentially faster than the Sawyer Mini for not much weight increase. 

Disadvantages: Sawyer products use a special fitting that doesn't perfectly fit with most water bottles. The included bladder is known to rupture if squeezed to hard. Many hikers prefer to ditch the included bladder for SmartWater bottles or Evernew Bladders which both use the same fittings as Sawyer. Additionally, the filter can be compromised if frozen. 

Weight: 3 oz

Price: $40

Effective Against: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Bacteria

Not Effective Against: Viruses

The Katadyn BeFree is a relatively new filter which was designed to complete with the Sawyer Squeeze. It features a similar 0.1 micron filter and included reservoir. What sets the BeFree apart is the easy of use. The 0.6L reservoir is made of a collapsible plastic which is stronger and can stand up on its own. The opening is much larger which makes filling up at a stream easier. Additionally, no equipment is needed to clean the filter. The EZ Clean membrane can be cleaned by shaking or swishing the filter in water. This is a great feature for hikers looking for a lightweight filter. 

Advantages: The Katadyn BeFree reservoir features a large mouth opening for easy filling and the EZ Clean membrane doesn't require any special equipment to clean. It is light and filters water fast. 

Disadvantages: The 0.6L reservoir is on the small side for most backpackers. The filter is slightly more expensive than competitors and it is not made for in-line systems. 

Weight: 2 oz

Price: $15

Effective Against: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Bacteria, Virsues

Not Effective Against: Doesn't remove particles

Aquamira is a pair of water treatment drop dispensers which offer a lightweight water solution for backpackers. For each liter of water, mix 8 drops of Part A with 8 drops of part B. Wait a few minutes for the mixture to react and pour into the dirty water. Within 15-30 minutes the chorine dioxide will oxidize any microbes and leave the water safe to drink. There is no taste imparted on the water like Iodine or other water treatment drops. 

Advantages: Aquamira is lightweight, inexpensive, and great at killing disease causing microbes. No unpleasant colors or favors are imparted on the water. 

Disadvantages: Aquamira does not remove particles. Use a bandana as a filter when filling up a water bottle so you are drinking river chunks. Water cannot be drank immediately. A reaction time of 15-30 minutes is required which can be a deal breaker for some people. 

Weight: 2 oz

Price: $20

Effective Against: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Bacteria

Not Effective Against: Viruses

The Sawyer Mini is for backpackers trying to cut down their weight at the cost of convenience. The filter only weights 2 oz and will not break the bank. It uses the same method of filtration as the Squeeze but in a smaller size and flow rate. The Squeeze filters down to 0.1 micron and filters 99.9999% bacteria and 99.9999% protozoa. The mini can be used inline on a camelbak without the need for additional couplings. The flow can be frustratingly slow at times. The suction required to drink directly from the filter is similar to sucking a milkshake through a straw. 

Advantages: The Mini is lightweight and inexpensive. Great for inline systems. 

Disadvantages: Sawyer products use a special fitting that doesn't perfectly fit with most water bottles. The included bladder is known to rupture if squeezed to hard. Many hikers prefer to ditch the included bladder for SmartWater bottles or Evernew Bladders which both use the same fittings as Sawyer. Additionally, the filter can be compromised if frozen.