Filter or boil?
Start with the hazard.
Treatment methods solve different problems. Appearance cannot prove safety.
| Hazard / constraint | Backpacking microfilter | Boiling clear water |
|---|---|---|
| Parasites and bacteria | Check tested product claims | Inactivates germs when done correctly |
| Viruses | Many do not reliably remove them | Inactivates them |
| Dissolved chemicals / salt | No general assurance | Does not remove them |
| Practical constraint | Damage, freezing, maintenance | Fuel, burns, cooling |
A pore-size label is not a treatment plan. Purifiers and disinfectants have different claims. Suspected industrial, salt or harmful-algae contamination calls for another source or authority advice.
Explore a treatment scenario ↗Reference: CDC backcountry guidance.