![]() ![]() My partner was immobilized after contracting Giardia from contaminated water. This causes extreme dehydration, dizziness, and the inability to think straight-all dangerous conditions when you’re out in the wilderness. Giardia is of considerable concern it’s a parasitic protozoan (one-celled animal) that derives from animal or human feces, thrives in cold, clear water, and will reproduce itself in your intestines. The consequences of doing so can vary from minimal diarrhea to extreme illness or even death! ![]() As a rule, unless there is a risk of dehydration, I never drink water that hasn’t been filtered. Unfortunately even crystal clear, flowing water can make you sick. Most importantly though, filters are effective in providing safety from viruses, contaminants, or any natural water source where bacteria is a concern. They also lighten your load overall since you won’t be carrying large quantities of water on the trail. ![]() Not only do they allow you to refill a bottle or hydration bladder from natural springs, creeks, or lakes, many solve the problem of water tasting dirty or having sediment. Today, I own three that are used regularly depending on the circumstance, and the question I love to answer most as a Curated Expert is: “Are water filters necessary?” Yes. Those hot, dry adventures were a good lesson in planning for hydration needs but after a few trips outside of the desert, I learned that carrying a water filtration system nearly eliminates the need to limit my intake. As the trails grew longer I almost certainly ran out of clean water every time, especially in the summer months. I would fill the Camelbak to the brim and limit myself to small sips of water along the trail to ensure there was enough to last the entire hike. ![]() When I first started hiking +20 years ago, it was in the desert near Las Vegas, of all places. ![]()
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