Thankfully, these methods/gadgets don't cost an arm and a leg, and most of them are exceptionally packable. I review and compare some of the best selling brands on the market. Several of these water filters or purifiers just so happen to be my preferred approaches. So raise your glass of fresh water and cheers with me to the wonders of modern backpacking technology. Let's begin.

The difference between water filters and water purifiers?

The key difference is that backpacking water filters generally do not treat viruses. They're great for getting out bacteria, protozoa, sometimes things like micro-plastics and heavy metals. Purifiers, on the other hand, will take care of those viruses, as well as many of the aforementioned buggers. The exact profile and effectiveness will vary depending on the product. It's best to check each brand's website for full details. 

Does the Rapidpure water filter really work? 

The Rapidpure filtration system is a newer product on the market. The purifier acts within an insulated, stainless steel water bottle. This makes it a little on the heavy side but the advantage is that it is durable and can handle freezing temperatures better than some of these other guys – in some cases much better, as certain filters become unusable if they freeze, even once.

The Rapidpure's removable filter can withstand those chilly nights and still treat the quadruple-threat of viruses, protozoa, parasites, and bacteria. This makes for a reliable system that improves overall peace of mind. With one of those more vulnerable models, you would have to be conscious of the conditions. Probably sleep with it beside you. Be aware that if it freezes while in storage, it may not do its job come your next adventure. The advantages of the Rapidpure do come at a cost. Aside from the extra weight, the $99 (USD) price tag is also on the upper end. 

Does Grayl filter pesticides? 

I've had the Grayl GeoPress Purifier in my arsenal for a few years now and have been very pleased with its performance. This latest model ($99.95 USD) is a little bit smaller; down from just under a liter to a sleaker 710 milliliters volume. I have to say, I actually preferred the larger capacity. It saved having to refill it as often (even if that meant carrying a bit more weight). Nonetheless, the system uses an effective and unique plunger method to filter water. It takes a bit of strength to do, but nothing crazy.

The GeoPress is a purifier and not a backpacking water filter. It purifies viruses (as well as bacteria and protozoa) and filters pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and micro-plastics. This system makes for a great international travel buddy. Buying bottled water is a common practice in many countries. If you're not a fan of the waste/cost, the Grayl GeoPress can help whenever you're uncertain of the water quality. The advantage of the GeoPress over a straw style (which requires sipping) is that you can redistribute the clean water. So that you can filter multiple liters at a time, or pour a cup for your partner. 

What is a SteriPEN and how does it work? 

The Katadyn SteriPEN is a completely different system than any other item on this list. The other filters/purifiers work by pulling the contaminants out of the water. The SteriPEN instead relies on UV light to neutralize backcountry goons like bacteria, protozoa (including giardia and cryptosporidia), and yes, even viruses. The light is battery-powered (4AAs), so make sure to pack extras for a longer trip, and does its thing while being stirred around in your water bottle.

Note that the pen needs to be able to fit in your bottle, and so something with a wide cap (like a Nalgene) is needed. Also, be sure to check the time that is needed to purify different quantities of water. Finally, understand that the SteriPEN, on its own, will not remove debris from your water. If you're not a fan of the extra textures, you can use the prefilter when obtaining the water. Or take special care to collect your batch from clean-looking, faster-moving water sources. 

The SteriPEN once again rings in at $99 (USD). Its packability is certainly an advantage (though the weight with batteries is comparable to other products). I said before, there can still be some particulate in your water. If any invisible nasties are hiding behind bigger pieces, then they may not come in contact with the light, and therefore may not be entirely wiped out. If your water is clear, you can have confidence in the purification quality. I am left wondering and crossing my fingers. The SteriPEN has been on the market for a long time and has certainly built up a more trusting group of followers. 

Can you drink any water with LifeStraw?

The Lifestraw falls into the classic backpacking water filter category, and so it can be relied upon for bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, but not viruses. This will cover many water sources in the wild, but not the full-spectrum of real-world ones. Because of its packability, Lifestraw is another long-standing, popular choice amongst hikers. You've probably seen the ads with someone plopped down by a river, sucking straight from the source.

I can attest that the straw does not require much effort to draw up the water. I don't look forward to getting down on my belly every time I need a drink. The Lifestraw can also attach to a water bag hoze and do a slower-burn gravity filter while you wait around at camp. Otherwise, you can always just scoop the water into something else and dip the straw in there instead. This option is by far the cheapest on this list ($20 USD). That advantage can't be overlooked. I'm not personally as big of fan of the Lifestraw. I can see its utility, especially if used throughout the day in conjunction with one of these other purification/filtration methods. 

What does Katadyn BeFree filter do?

The Katadyn BeFree removes bacteria (including giardia), cysts, and sediment, but not viruses. Again, since this covers much of the backcountry spectrum, the easy-to-use and collapsable BeFree backpacking water filter is a favorite amongst thru-hikers. At only $45 (USD) this is also one of the more economical choices when it comes to treating water.

I like how the bottle is both suction operated (like the Rapidpure) and squeezable. This speeds up the flow and allows for transfering the water to other outlets. The drawback, by my assessment, is that the flexible bottle is vulnerable to punctures and slices. Be sure to keep an eye out for where and how you're stowing it, and have a patch kit with you in case it fails. 

I hope this rundown helped you make sense of the various water filtration/purification options that are out there. As with all backpacking gear, there are pros and cons to just about everything. Thankfully, buying a new treatment device is nowhere near as expensive as shopping for a new tent, pack, sleeping bag, etc. So test out what works best for you, and maybe even consider multiple approaches if your adventure calls for it. In any case, stay hydrated!

For more tips, reviews, and backpacking goodness, check out BackpackingTV.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Eric Hanson earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!

The post $100 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers appeared first on Hazeadventure.

#1: Water Hauling Device

Lately, I've been all about the Sea to Summit Watercell X. The point isn't so much the brand (though I do recommend this one), but rather the carrying capacity and other features.

I often go backpacking in the desert. This means watering holes can be few and far between and I therefore need to haul more than just a liter or two at a time.

But even if you're in a wetter climate, don't underestimate the utility of having something that can help you bring a bunch of water from the creekbed to your cooksite. Plus, the Watercell X has a slick showerhead function in case you can't get a decent bath near your camp. 

#2: Camp Pillow

Earlier in my backpacking career, when I thought I had a neck of steel, I would laugh at the prospect of a pillow and instead just ball up some shirts before bed. As I got a bit older, and was spending more and more nights in the backcountry each year, I embraced the glory of a proper pillow as part of the equation for enjoying the outdoors.

I currently have the Sea to Summit Aeros in my arsenal. It's lightweight and it inflates so it doesn't bulk up my pack during the day. The difference in my sleep quality is night and day versus my grubby days of yore. I definitely recommend you add a pillow into the mix of your backpacking gear. Your body and morale will thank you. 

#3: Good Down Jacket and Good Rain Jacket

Both of these items are considerations for safety and comfort. A quality down jacket is the best option in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio. I bring one with me in almost all situations, including summertime hiking, as it can still cool off significantly during the bookends of the day. The only downfall is that if it gets wet then it can clump up and stop working its usual charm. That's where a solid rain jacket comes into play.

I always, always bring a rain jacket; even in the desert, even if the forecast shows no rain in sight. Nature plays by her own rules and you truly never know what to expect. Having a sure-fire way to keep dry is backcountry safety 101. Plus, a hardshell, waterproof jacket works wonders against the wind.

#4: Comfy Pair of Camp Shoes

If you've been on the trail all day then there's nothing better than getting out of your hikers and into something lighter, airier, and just simply different. I recommend a nice pair of sandals or a soft slip-on style shoe. There are nuanced decisions to consider, like maybe packing the heavier and beefier hiking sandals so that you still have the ability to move around a rugged campsite without issue.

But other times, it is just as advantageous to simply stuff in the cheapest pair of flip-flops you can find. Anything simple, dry, and breathable will help your feet and your hiking shoes recharge for the night. Camp shoes are a worthy piece of backpacking gear.

#5: WileyX Sunglasses (w/ Hard-Shell Case to Protect Them With)

Not much to this one. WileyX Sunglasses go a long way to protect your eyes from the UV rays, and to make you look super cool and pensive. But there's nothing worse than dinging up a fresh pair (even if they're not the most expensive on the market). Those little knicks and scratches can be annoying at best, and even dangerously distracting at their worst.

So whenever you're not wearing your shades, bust out that protective hard-shell to keep them as good as new. A bonus is that it's also harder to lose your sunglasses when they're in an obvious container. 

#6: Good Camp Coffee!

Or tea, if you're one of those weirdos (kidding of course…kind of). I've settled on the dehydrated, single-use sleeves from Alpine Start. I've searched high and low and this is by-far the best option that I've found yet. What works best will be an individual pursuit but make sure to include a rewarding beverage that hits home for you.

I find that a nice hot cup of coffee gets me going after an inherently sub-optimal sleep. It helps me get mentally prepared for the upcoming day. 

That's it my friends! Those are the six simple things that I refuse to start any adventure without. I hope a couple of these backpacking gear items caught your eye and can help enhance your next outing. If you liked this article about backpacking gear then make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

The post Don’t Overlook This Backpacking Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Step 1: Use the best sleeping bags

Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 Review

If you follow along with Backpacking TV, then you've heard me recently brag about this brand new sleeping bag. When I first saw it, I hardly knew what to think. I had never seen a sleeping bag like this. Probably because the Lost Ranger Ultralight is more of a comprehensive system, rather than a single unit that you haphazardly climb into at night. This 3-in-1 package was originally rated to 20-degrees fahrenheit. It has recently been revised to 15-degrees, due to its exceptional performance. 

The first thing to note is that you essentially get 2 sleeping bags when you buy this system. There is the inner, mummy bag, which on its own is rated to 35-degrees. So in a good range of conditions, this is all you will need.

When the occasion calls for it, the inner bag easily slides into the outer layer, which ends up looking more like a cozy quilt. The outer bag, on its own, is rated to 50-degrees. If you're a fan of fastpacking and you have the right weather-window, this baby will be your best friend.

What's even better is that the quilt wraps around and attaches to your sleeping mattress. AND it has a pocket for your pillow! No more wrestling with your balled up bag, or blindly searching for your errant pillow in the middle of the night. Cursing your one cold leg and stiff neck in a fit of frustration will no longer be required. This whole system stays in place for that REM-inducing goodness. 

Another fun fact about the Big Agnes system is that the full-length side zipper can attach to a 2nd unit, if you feel like expanding the slumber to 2 people. Oh, how we have been historically misled about the potential romance of backcountry camping. But no more! Just don't eat too much of those dehydrated meals before bed (if you catch my drift).  

A final hot-tip about the Lost Ranger 3N1

is that you can rotate in your existing sleeping bags for even more refined temperature ratings. The updated limit of 15-degrees is certainly impressive, but I'm no stranger to winter camping. I sometimes will need that extra boost. I have another 20-degree bag that I've leaned on a lot in the past. The other night when I saw that the nighttime low would drop to a mere 14-degrees I used this mix. This turned out to be a great call as I slept comfortably through the night. 

The bottom line is that the core elements of the Lost Ranger make me feel like I'm at home in bed. At first glance, I had my reservations, but now I'm a tried-and-true convert. I do recognize that the price point ($549.95 USD) might be a bit intimidating for the average camper.

Going with the non-ultralight version is still a great choice and will save you a few extra bucks. The Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 will give you excellent range and a comfortable homebase, which will ultimately lead to improved sleep.  

If you want more info on this sleep system, check out my video: Gear I'm Stoked About.

Step 2: Use wider sleeping pads

How wide should a sleeping pad be?

A quality sleeping bag is only part of the equation. Don't discount the power of the sleeping pad/mattress. I used to strictly prioritize minimalism, which led me to balancing on a piddly 20-inch-wide mattress. Lately, I've upgraded to a 25-inch one, and I can't believe the difference it has made. That increase in width means that my arms can rest comfortably at my side, rather than slipping off the edges onto the cold, hard ground. And more importantly, in the middle of the night, my inevitable adjustments don't send half my body confusingly into no-man's-land. 

The funny thing about this discovery is I happened upon it by accident. I went with the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Insulated Sleeping Pad, which was definitely the one I wanted. When I got home, I realized that I accidentally bought the 25-inch version, rather than the intended 20. Taking this as a sign from the Sandman, I decided to give it a whirl. I awoke 3 days later in an unexpected reverie. I knew that I had been living a lie up to that point. Screw the slight extra bulk and miniscule weight difference, a good night's rest is well-worth other sacrifices. 

Best night sleep backpacking

Usually getting through the night is just a grind-it-out means to completing otherwise incredible hiking trips. But nowadays, I'm legitimately enjoying my time in the tent. When you actually catch some zzzs, it makes recovering from the previous day's efforts that much easier. Therefore, sets you up for a noticeably better day 2, 3, and beyond. Once you figure out your best set-up, just get someone to read this article to you in their best ASMR voice and you'll be all set! Sleep well friends. 
If you enjoyed this rundown and want to learn more, check out all my gear reviews and other tips on BackpackingTV.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links where Eric Hanson earns a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!

My favorite backpacking gear list

NOTE: These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!

Backpack

Sleeping Bag

Satellite Communicator

Camp Stove

Cook pot

Freeze dried Food

Headlamp

Rain Jacket

Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie

Down Puffy Jacket (warm!)

Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)

Hiking Boots

Hiking Socks

Gloves | Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Glove

Water Filter

Water Bladder

Camp Pillow

Folding Knife

Trekking Poles

Sunglasses

The post Sleeping Tips for Backpacking appeared first on Hazeadventure.