The Best Pacific Crest Trail Water Filters
Using the data from the Pacific Crest Trail survey, I’ve come up with a list of the best PCT water filters and treatment systems. It’s a question that many hikers struggle with every year (unless you don’t believe in treating because your thru-hiking power level is over 9,000) – how to turn delicious pathogen-filled water sources into delicious won’t-get-you-sick water sources on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Although many PCT thru-hikers say things like “I only filter my water in the desert” or “I don’t filter above 10,000 ft (3,048 m)” or “People don’t get sick from not filtering, they get sick from not washing their hands” this does not mean you should give up treating your water (but you should definitely be washing your hands). Do you know how often I treat my water? Always. Do you know how many times I’ve been sick because of contaminated water? Zero. I’m not saying I had to filter my water all those times, but it’s like my parents always told me: better safe than sorry (or “get off the damn internet, I need to use the phone!” Remember those days? No? You’re lucky).
February 25, 2025
Mac
Mac is a contributing writer for Halfway Anywhere.
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Medya Mansyone
This stuff flat-out works and this bottle from Sawyer is easy to apply, lasts for six weeks or six washes, and is less than $20.
Medya Mansyone
Smart backpackers now combine a lightweight filter like the Sawyer Squeeze with chemical tablets as backup – a system that processes water from alpine streams and desert potholes alike.
Medya Mansyone
This insect repellant's permethrin spray provides long-lasting insect and tick protection for clothing and gear, effective for up to 6 weeks.
Soti nan eskwadwon an
Konvèsasyon Kanfi ak kominote nou an, ki soti nan Manm Eskwadwon ak Anbasadè yo nan Brand Patnè ak ekip la Sawyer.
