Our Go-To Method: Purification Tablets in Boiled or Fresh Water
Our favourite method for treating water while trekking combines purification tablets with boiled or fresh water from natural sources (it’s normally pretty good in places like high in the Himalaya). Boiling the water first and then using a purification tablet as an added precaution is a great way to ensure that the water is safe to drink, especially at higher altitudes where water may not always boil at a high enough temperature to kill all bacteria.
The advantage? It’s easy, portable, and doesn’t rely on single-use plastic bottles. Plus, purification tablets are light to carry and don’t require any special equipment beyond your water bottle. They also work well if you’re not able to boil the water or don’t have access to a fire or stove.
Two Bottles, Colour-Coded
When trekking, we also recommend using two water bottles: one for water that is safe to drink, and one for water that’s currently being treated. A good trick is to use colour-coded bottles so you don’t accidentally take a gulp from the wrong one before it’s ready!
This method helps ensure that you’ve always got a bottle ready for drinking while you’re on the go. The downside is you need to stay on top of managing which bottle is safe to drink from, but after a few days, it becomes second nature.
Other Water Treatment Methods
1. UV Water Purifiers
UV water purifiers are compact, easy to use, and incredibly effective. You simply place the UV purifier into your bottle, turn it on, and let it work its magic for about a minute. The UV light destroys bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use.
- Doesn’t affect the taste of the water.
- Great for when you’re in a hurry.
Cons:
- Requires batteries or charging, which can be tricky on longer treks.
- Doesn’t remove sediment from murky water.
2. Water Filtration Straws
Straw filters, like the LifeStraw, are another handy option. These allow you to drink directly from a water source without having to carry treated water with you. You simply place one end in the water and sip through the straw, which filters out harmful bacteria and parasites as you drink.
Pros:
- Lightweight and simple to use.
- Perfect for drinking directly from streams or rivers.
- No waiting time.
Cons:
- Not ideal for carrying water with you, as you need to drink directly from the source.
- Doesn’t treat larger volumes of water for use later.
3. Pump Filters
Pump filters are a bit more old school, but they’re reliable and effective. You pump water through the filter into your bottle, removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediment.
Pros:
- Great for larger groups where you need to treat a lot of water.
- Removes sediment, which is helpful in areas with murky water.
Cons:
- Bulky and heavier than other methods.
- Requires manual effort to pump.
Why Not Just Buy Bottled Water?
Buying bottled water is still a common practice in many trekking regions, but it comes with significant downsides, both environmentally and logistically.
Environmental Impact: Every bottle of water you buy has to be transported, often up mountains and through remote regions. Once used, plastic bottles frequently end up in local landfill sites or as litter on trails. In some regions, recycling options are limited or nonexistent, meaning those bottles could be there for decades.
Logistical Downsides: Bottled water also gets expensive the higher you go, as everything has to be carried to these remote areas. You could easily spend a small fortune on bottled water during a multi-day trek.
Conclusion: Make the Sustainable Choice If You Can
When trekking, staying hydrated and staying sustainable don’t have to be at odds. With options like purification tablets, UV filters, and water filtration straws, it’s easier than ever to avoid single-use plastic while making sure your water is safe to drink. A little preparation goes a long way in reducing your environmental impact while you’re out there exploring the world’s most beautiful places.
At Earth Dog Travel, we actively encourage all our customers to choose sustainable water solutions. We know how important it is to leave no trace and the less plastic waste we create, the better for the places we visit. Plus, with the variety of water purification methods available today, there’s no reason not to ditch those plastic bottles for good.