Drinking Water In The Outdoors

LifeStraw water filter

Drinking Water In The Outdoors

What Is Hydration?

In addition to a clear thinking mind, hydration, or ensuring that your body has sufficient water to function properly is undoubtedly the second most important factor to your survival. The clear thinking mind, being the most important.

In biology, hydration means providing an adequate amount of water to body tissues. Scientific studies show that water percentage in humans can vary from the low 40’s in the obese to highs of 70% in the newborn.

While there is substantial variation in these studies based on age, weight, health, and gender most studies agree that, in adults of all ages, the human body is approximately 65% water.

How Important Is Water?

If we think of the rule of 3’s for a moment, we see that it states ;

1) 3 minutes without air,

2) 3 days without water, and

3) 3 weeks without food.

While this statement can be flexible in the area of ‘ food ‘, it has little or no leeway in the first two statements.

Bad Things In Your Water

Cryptosporidiosis, E.Coli, Giardia and Hepatitis A. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are Protozoa. Protozoa are single-celled animals and human parasites. They are known to cause diseases such as Dysentery, Giardiasis, and Malaria.

These are the two most common parasites found in North America bodies of water. They are literally found in all bodies of water and their source is animal and human waste – animal scat and human bowel activity.

The study of these organisms would provide a lifetime of work to biologists, and is not the purpose of this article, however, we can all agree that these living organisms are present in our drinking water and we need to protect ourselves from them.

 

Landscape, Lake, Beach, Trees, Water

How To Safely Drink Water In The Outdoors

Given my experience, see my previous post, LifeStraw-personal-water-filter, and an extensive body of scientific evidence it is quite evident that the use of water filters is of the utmost importance while quenching our thirst in the wilds of Nature.

There are many water filters available for use in our outdoor activities, however, the easiest to use and most reliable is the LifeStraw.Product DetailsThis water filter is so easy to use and inexpensive that not carrying one is almost frivolous and reckless.

You simply use it as a straw to drink from a lake, creek or river – or dip your cup in the water and then use the LifeStraw to drink from your cup or container.

These are some of its specifications and awards.

  • Award-winning LifeStraw has been used by millions around the globe since 2005
  • Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction) and surpasses EPA standards for water filters
  • Removes minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction) and filters to an amazing 0.2 microns
  • Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals
  • Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing for emergencies

This very useful and necessary piece of outdoor technology can be purchased for under 20 dollars in North America, making it a no-excuse item to carry in your backpack or to have at home in the event of an emergency.

What a great birthday or holiday gift idea for all your outdoor “junkies”!

4 thoughts on “Drinking Water In The Outdoors”

  1. Hi Paul, very interesting article.

    I’ve recently taken up camping – nothing too extreme, given that I don’t yet know what I’m doing 😉

    So I’m wondering, how does the LifeStraw measure up to plain old boiling? Does boiling the water before drinking it kill all the bacteria or would you still recommend using the straw?

    Best, al

    Reply
    • Good Day, Al, and thanks for stopping by to read my blog. 

      It’s impossible for me to determine the quality of the water supply you are drinking from. This water filter does not filter heavy metals and certain viruses. I use this filter in British Columbia, Canada, rivers, lakes and similar environments. I have been using it for years with no ill effects. 

      While boiling is an acceptable way to purify drinking water, it does take 5 minutes. This straw will have your thirst quenched in 5 seconds. Hope this helps. Do not hesitate to return if you require more information. 

      Paul. 

  2. Paul, thank you so much for this article!

    I’m heading to India this summer for an auto-rickshaw roadtrip, so we’ll definitely be out in the wilderness. Before today I was just planning on stocking up on water purification tablets, but this straw sounds like a MUCH better solution!

    You mention North American water bugs… would It have the same success regardless of location? I know Indian rivers, the Ganges especially, are incredibly polluted, but to be able to drink from the Ganges, ‘The Mother’, would be awesome.

    For a 6 week trip would one be enough?

    Thank you again for opening my eyes

    Reply
    • Hi Fray and thanks for the visit …

      This LifeStraw is being used in Africa and throughout Asia . It is perhaps the handiest water filter available today and it is quite inexpensive . If I were you , I would bring a couple .

      They will filter 1000 liters of water .

      Wish I was coming along with you . Have a great trip , and perhaps you can write a short blog on my site , about your trip , when you return !

      Paul

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