How-To – Purify Water in the Field

GoBag.One™ | GoBag or Stay Home™

Water keeps you alive, but unsafe water will take you down faster than hunger. Bacteria, parasites, and chemicals don’t care about your survival plan. Purification isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical.

Always Be Ready to Go Camping™ means you know how to make water safe before you’re thirsty.

💧 Water Purification Basics

• Humans can survive 3 days without water—less in heat or heavy exertion.
• Not all “clear” water is safe. Microbes and chemicals are invisible.
• Always assume untreated water is dangerous.

⚙️ Core Purification Methods

• Filters: Portable pump, straw, or gravity bag. Fast, removes most contaminants.
• Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1–3 minutes. Reliable and simple.
• Chemical Tablets/Drops: Iodine or chlorine neutralize microbes. Lightweight, long shelf life.
• UV Light: Compact UV pens or solar exposure (SODIS) for backup disinfection.

🛠 Improvised Options

When gear fails or runs out, you can still improve water quality with improvised methods:

• Pour water through cloth to reduce sediment before treatment.
• Layer sand, charcoal, and gravel into a container for a simple field filter.
• Let muddy water settle before drawing from the top.

🔥 Field Tips

• Always pre-filter dirty water before boiling or treating.
• Carry at least two different methods in every GoBag.
• Treat more water than you think you’ll need—hydration beats rationing.

✅ Pro Tip

Test your gear before it’s life or death. Fill a bottle with questionable water and try your filter at home. Know its flow rate, taste, and limits now—don’t learn the hard way in the field.

If you want to keep learning, go here → Advanced Survival Skills

GoBag Essentials | First Aid / Medical Supplies Kit | Emergency Comms & Power Checklist

© 2025 GoBag.One™. All Rights Reserved. | GoBag or Stay Home™ | Always Be Ready to Go Camping™