If ever that you wanted to go and run in the wild in a weekend or your free day, then there are things that you need to do.  As you go to the wild, you naturally need to know everything there is to know about surviving out there. One of the most important skills is to filter water in the wild.

Imaging yourself being stranded in a remote area and you have nowhere to go. The main thing that you need to do is to have some clean water.

As we all know, water in the wild is not that clean and safe. There are plenty of bacteria and other harmful minerals that can make you and your companions sick.

 Why is it important to filter water in the wild? 

Water is the most important thing that you need when you are in the wild. Unfortunately, it is not drinkable in contrary to what people imagine water in the wild to be like.

Water in the wild may appear crystal clear and sparkling, but can be contaminated as well. It can carry some bacteria like streptococci, cyanobacteria, and other microbes found in water.

This is why you may want to consider on doing some emergency water purification for you to make sure that what you are going to drink is clean and safe.

 DIY How To Filter Water In The Wild 

There are a few ways for you to purify your water. Here are the things that you can do;

 A. Emergency Water Filter 

Below are the things that you need to make an emergency water filter all by yourself;

• Fine Sand
• Some fine stones
• Ground charcoals
• An empty bottle
• A knife
• A cloth
• Use a container to collect the amount of water you need
• Course stone
• Coarse sand

 Steps you need to do to make the DIY work; 

• Using a knife, go ahead and cut the bottom part of your empty water bottle.
• Starting with the cloth, start pouring in the items for filtering your water.
• After you put in the cloth, place the charcoal bits.
• And then, pour in the rest of the items in the exact order  below:
• Fine Sand
• Coarse sand
• Fine stone
• Course stone
• Once you have poured in all the items for filtering your water, make sure that you still have enough space for you to pour in the water.
• You can also use a set of rags or rubber bands for you to cover the top of the container.

The first dripping of water that you can collect can still look cloudy. This is because of the dust coming from the filter. You may discard this and then collect new water using your container.

 B. Boil Your Water 

Those water that you have collected using your water filter still need to be boiled. This can be done easily if you have the right tools with you.

The idea is here being for you to have a sweet spot from the amount of water that you can carry and of course the number of matches that you can sacrifice for you to boil the water. And to do this, here are the steps;

Step 1:  The amount of water inside the pot should be of an adequate amount. If you do not have a pot with you, make use of any fireproof container.

Step 2: Start a fire under your container.

Step 3: Pour the water into a bottle so that you can use it on the following day.

 C. Carry A Straw 

The straw here that we are talking about is not an ordinary straw that you actually use for sipping water. This item can be small, but it can surely help you in terms of purifying your water.

All you have to do here is to put the straw in your water container. Decide on which side of the straw goes to the container and which one goes in your mouth.

Then you can sip all the water that you want. After finishing your water, go ahead and blow the straw for you to clear some dirt on your filter.

 D. Make an Evaporation Trap 

First things first, we should note that this method may take some time. However, if what you need is a stable supply of drinking water, they might as well try this purification method.

Step 1: Choose an area that has a constant connection with sunlight

Step 2: Dig a shallow hole in the ground. This hole should have somewhat enough space for you to put in your water container. Be absolutely sure that no dirt will get in the container when you place it inside the hole.

Step 3: Cover the whole that you created using a plastic wrap for you to trap in moisture from the ground.

Step 4: Putting a small rock in the middle of the plastic wrap above your water container is a good idea. Because, this way you can make a dip.

Step 5: Watch carefully on how the sunlight evaporates the water from the soil. As the water evaporates, it will then touch the plastic wrap. Afterwards, it will condense and drip back into your container. The water that you gather using this method can be considered as already purified.

 E. Make Your Own Solar Still 

This is a bit similar to the one we have indicated above because it uses the same technique. Here’s what you need to do!

 Things that you need; 

• Basin
• Can
• Plastic wrap
• Small rock

 Here’s what you need to do; 

• Place the can in the middle of the basin. It is important to remember that you do not peek in the outer rim of your basin.
• Pour the dirty water into the basin. Make sure that no water will be poured into the can.
• Cover the basin using a plastic wrap.
• Put the whole thing under the sun. At the top of the wrap, place a small rock just above the can.
• Let the water evaporate and be condensed. All the water that is condensed with this method will be all in your can.

 Filter Water in The Wild – Best Backpacking Water Filters 

 Katadyn Hiker Microfilter 

When you have this tough 11-ounce water microfilter in your backpack, you won’t need to carry gallons of water. With hydration packs and water bottles full of clean, clear drinking water, a brief stop at a river or stream with the pump-action Katadyn Hiker Water Microfilter allows you to continue your trip. The 0.2 micron glass-fiber filter medium is intended to provide high output with minimal effort. It is immediately connected to your hydration pack through 1/4″ drink tubing and water bottles.

Ultra-light Pre-filter and Deluxe Carry Bag included inside the package, compact size excellent for hikers. The core contains activated carbon, which enhances the flavor and decreases the amount of pollutants in the drinking water. Suitable for use with hydration bladders.

Filters out all of the silt, particulates, and bacteria present in ‘fresh’ water sources. Depending on the quality of the water, the cartridge can clean up to 200 gallons (750 liters) of water.

Here are some other Katadyn water filter products that you may want to take with you when going into the wild:

 Katadyn Hiker PRO Cartridge Replacement 

This is an interesting tool that may come in handy during your backpacking trip. This replacement filter can supply up to 300 gallons of clean drinking water before needing to be replaced. Katadyn Hiker, Hiker Pro, and Base Camp microfilter systems are all compatible. A detachable filter guard extends cartridge life under harsh situations, and a glass-fiber element features an unique pleated shape that increases surface area for better filtering of silty or muddy water.

 Water Microfilter Katadyn Vario Multi Flow 

The Vario Dual Technology Filter technology has three filter levels: a high-performance glass fiber filter, a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted independently based on the cloudiness of the water, and active charcoal for odor removal. Depending on the quality of the water, the cartridge may hold up to 530 gallons (2,000 liters). The main microfilter’s life is extended with a cleanable ceramic disc. The replaceable Katadyn carbon core in water filters out pollutants, pesticides, and poor taste.

 Katadyn Pocket Water Filter 

This sturdy water filter is made of high-quality materials and is suited for long-term continuous usage. Using a Micro Filtration technique, the filter’s silver impregnated ceramic element is efficient against bacteria and protozoa. 1 quart (1 liter) per minute Depending on the quality of the water, the cartridge may hold up to 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters). This portable water filter is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, foreign travelers, and the United States Military.

 Information Regarding Safety 

Water microfilters do not guarantee the removal of all viruses from water. When viruses are detected, use Katadyn Micropure MP1 with any microfilter.

 Ingredients and Materials 

Hiker Water Microfilter; Anti Clog Microfilter Element; Intake Hose with Modular Prefilter; Output Hose with Universal Bottle Adaptor; Hydration System Connector; Carrying Bag; Complete Instructions and Field Tips

 Disclaimer of Liability 

Disclaimer of Liability WARNING: This product may expose you to chemicals such as TDI, which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive damage in the state of California.

 Platypus GravityWorks High-Capacity Water Filter System 

Platypus GravityWorks water filters make it simple to obtain clean water almost anywhere. Simply fill the reservoir with water and let gravity do the rest. GravityWorks filters deliver clean water faster than other pump systems and make it easy to store, carry, and distribute all of the water you require. All GravityWorks filters fulfill EPA and NSF requirements for Bacteria and Protozoa removal, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E.coli, Salmonella, and Cholera.

• Collect water anywhere
• Gravity does all the work
• Produces 1.75L of clean water per minute
• Antimicrobial, taste- and BPA-free

 Technology Based on Hollow Fibers 

GravityWorks filters are made up of hundreds of hollow fibers that are bundled together to form a single filter. Water passes through the walls of these fibers, carrying contaminants with it. The resultant filter has up to 18 times the surface area of conventional filter material.

 GravityWorks Carbon Element 

The new GravityWorks Carbon Element enhances the Platypus taste-free experience. It easily splices in after the GravityWorks hollow fiber element with an included hose segment, assisting in the removal of tastes, smells, and numerous organic compounds from filtered water for the finest possible taste. (Each sold individually.)

 GravityWorks Filter Cartridge 

Effective down to.2 microns and satisfies EPA Guide Standards for bacteria and protozoa elimination. Depending on the quality of the water filtered, the filter has an approximate life of 1500L. (Each sold individually.)

 Universal Bottle Adapter 

The Universal Bottle Adapter allows any GravityWorks water filtration system to filter straight into a variety of hard bottles and hydration systems, removing the need for a separate Clean Reservoir. Its multi-component design allows you to take only the pieces you need for your chosen vessel, significantly lightening your burden. (Each sold individually.)

 Replacement Hose Kits 

Clean and Dirty hoses, as well as a new Quick-Connect fitting and cutoff clamp, are included in kits for both the 4.0L and 2.0L GravityWorks systems. (Each sold individually.)

 Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter 

Carrying liters of water is unnecessary if you have reliable water sources with the 11-oz Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter. With a brief stop at a river or stream and the simple pump-action, you may resume your journey with clean drinking water. The field-cleanable Filter Protector Screen increases the cartridge’s life under harsh circumstances. It is immediately connected to your hydration pack through 1/4″ drink tubing and water bottles.

• Includes: Prefilter and Deluxe Carry Bag
• Ultra-light, compact size ideal for backpackers
• Activated carbon in the core improves the taste and reduces chemicals in drinking water
• Compatible with hydration bladders

 Reduce Your Anxiety 

Hiker Pro’s 0.2 micron filter eliminates potentially hazardous organisms such as bacteria and protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

 Keep Hydrated 

Quick-connect fittings link directly to 1/4-inch hydration pack connectors (Camelbak, Platypus, etc.) to keep you hydrated.

 Water Tastes As It Should 

Flavor the Way It Should Activated carbon in the center of the filter cartridge enhances the taste of your drinking water while reducing pollutants.

 Design That Is Both Long-lasting And Simple To Use 

At under 11 oz, the Hiker Pro’s designed, user-friendly design makes it an ideal choice for novice to professional hikers.

 Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System 

Maximum versatility and superior filtration the Sawyer MINI Water Filter is Sawyer’s lightest and most flexible personal water filtration system. It is ideal for anything from camping with the kids to going overseas when tap and bottled water cannot be trusted.

The MINI connects to the accompanying drinking pouch, normal disposable water bottles, and hydration packs – and the attached drinking straw allows you to sip directly from a water source.

• Removes 99.99999%* of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli
• Removes 99.9999%* of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium
• Removes 100% of microplastics
• Filter rated up to 100,000 gallons
• Independent testing by Laboratory Hydreion, LLC.; Microbiological Report S05-03
• Independent testing by certified authorities Aquadiagnostics Laboratories and Envirotek Laboratories (S1 – 2512B-12512C; S3 – 12514-12514A), 2017

 Prepared to Go Backcountry 

The Sawyer MINI water filter, which fits in the palm of your hand and weighs about 2 ounces, is excellent for lightweight backpacking and camping, as well as emergency preparation. Each MINI comes with a reusable 16-ounce squeeze pouch that folds up when empty and takes up no room in your pack.

 Anywhere Filtered Water 

While traveling, the reusable 0.1 absolute micron MINI water filter provides clean water from freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as taps in your house or hotel room (domestic and international). The MINI also has a straw that allows you to sip filtered water directly from a wand.

 Drinking Made Simple 

Fill the squeeze pouch with water from your water source, then screw the MINI filter onto the pouch and drink directly from the MINI or squeeze into a water bottle to share with others. The MINI also screws into ordinary threaded water or soda bottles, and it may be attached inline on a hydration pack to filter water from a bladder (sold separately).

 Membrane made of hollow fibers 

Sawyer’s water filters are made up of small hollow fiber membranes that allow water to pass through tiny micro-pores into their core. Sawyer fibers are 75 percent stronger* than standard hollow fiber membranes due to thicker fiber walls and a smaller inner diameter, resulting in rapid flow and the ability to vigorously backwash the filter to recover up to 98 percent of the original flow rate.

 Filtering to 0.1 absolute microns 

Each Sawyer water filter has 0.1 micron absolute filtration, which means that no pore size is greater than 0.1 micron. Microplastics, dangerous bacteria, protozoa, or cysts such as E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella typhi (which cause Cholera and Typhoid) are virtually difficult to pass through.

 Fiber Defense 

Sawyer’s hollow fiber membranes are completely enclosed and sealed to ensure their safety. Physical damage to exposed fibers may allow dangerous germs to flow through if they are not contained.

 Three times tested 

For your protection, each Sawyer filter is performance tested three times throughout the production process. To guarantee that no hazardous microorganisms seep through the sealed case or internal O-rings, testing is performed after the fiber element manufacturing and again after casing assembly.

 Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter 

This water filter is the an absolute survival gear for outdoor water needs. If you need clean drinking water fast and easily, this survival gear can help. The compact and lightweight filtration system is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. It’s also an excellent tool for scouting, local and international travel, and emergency preparedness.

 Portable and long-lasting 

With a length of 6.7″ and a diameter of 1″, this straw filter fits any bottle, cup, or glass. It weighs only 2 ounces and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, pocket, gym bag, backpack, survival pack, or handbag. Because of its long lifespan, it can offer up to 1500 liters (396 gallons) of drinking water. You may easily transport it wherever you desire.

 Four Stage Filtration 

4-Stage Filtration system includes a coarse filter screen, pp cotton, coconut shell activated carbon, and hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. It can eliminate 99.99999 percent of hazardous pollutants (pollution, stink, chlorine, and organic compounds, for example) and enhance the flavor Providing the safest water in the most hazardous settings.

 Smaller Pore Size 

We all know that the smaller the pore size, the more accurate the filtering. The pore size of this tool is 0.1 microns, which allows us to filter out 99.99999 percent of the microscopic particles. In comparison to the market’s 0.2-micron filter straw, Membrane Solutions’ 0.1microns pore size filter straw maintains the optimal flow rate while retaining filtering.

 Materials of Superior Quality 

Made of durable food-grade plastics and BPA-free ABS, it assures water safety and provides a better drinking experience. Membrane Solutions water filters feature a smaller frame and are easier to use than the large filter straws on the market.

 How To Use 

Using this water filter is extremely easy and contains only two steps. First thing you need to do is to open the caps on both sides of the filter. Make it stand in the water for around 30 seconds. Bare in mind that the mouthpiece must stay dry. After that, all you have to do is to take five quick sips from the mouthpiece. This way you can filter up to 1500 liters of water so you will never worry about running out of clean water during your backpacking trip.

One last thing, the water filter can be put in a comfortable and compact carry case that is sold separately.

 Final Verdict 

These are some ways that you can actually filter your water naturally when you are in the wild. There are also compact and comfortable water filter systems that you can take with you. It might come in handy if you can bring all useful tools with you during your whole journey. The main thing is to not forget to filter your water in the wild as the contaminants in the natural water may cause you serious damage.