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Start Smart
Treat Water
» Choose a method
Backcountry lakes and streams could contain bacteria and other microorganisms. Your happy-gut options:
BoilingKills everything
Pros Easy; cheap; requires no special equipment
Cons Wastes fuel
Chlorinedioxide Kills everything
Pros Ultralight; cheap; easy
Cons Takes 30 minutes to kill Giardia and four hours to neutralize cryptosporidium; affects taste
Filter Kills bacteria and protozoa
Pros Fast (1 to 3 liters per minute); no funny taste
Cons Bulky; pricey; can require field maintenance
Ultraviolet lightKills everything
Pros Fast; light; no taste
Cons Pricey; requires batteries