Backup Chemical Purification Tablets & Pre-Filter Bandana

Carry a lightweight backup for water, and use it the right way.

Beginner

4 min

BACKUP CHEMICAL PURIFICATION TABLETS & PRE-FILTER BANDANA
[ ] Chlorine Dioxide Tabs
[ ] Cotton Bandana
[ ] 30-Min Reaction Timer

Chlorine Dioxide Tabs: the owner's spec. Follow the maker's label for dose, wait time and shelf life.
30-Min Reaction Timer: the owner's number. The label on your tablets decides the real time, and it may be longer.
Cotton Bandana: use a clean one and wash it between trips.

Read the label every time. Wait times and dose depend on the product, the water temperature and how clear the water is. Why it matters: cutting the wait short is the common mistake.
Pre-filter first. Strain out particles before you treat. Clearer water treats better.
Have a second method. Carry tablets as a backup to a filter or stove, not your only plan. See cdc.gov for current advice on water treatment.

Gear types only.

Chlorine dioxide purification tablets
Cotton bandana or cloth pre-filter
Wide-mouth treatment bottle
Small waterproof tablet case
Wild Dirt stickers for your bottle or pack (sticker category)

Water sources, access and camping near water vary by park, forest or land agency, and local advice on water quality can change. Check current local rules and advisories before you rely on any source. Start with nps.gov, fs.usda.gov, blm.gov or your state park site, and for guidance on treating water, cdc.gov and epa.gov.

A backup you read the label on beats one you hope works. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Treatment gear

Chlorine Dioxide Tabs in their original foil packs
Check the expiry date on the package
30-Min Reaction Timer: a watch, phone or small timer
Cotton Bandana to pre-filter floating bits
Clean bottle with a wide mouth

Prepare the water

Collect clear water when you can
Strain cloudy water through the bandana into your bottle
Let heavy silt settle before you treat it
Fill the bottle to the size the tablet is rated for

Treat it

Read the package label before you drop in a tablet
Add the tablet, cap the bottle and start the timer
Wait the full time on the label, longer if the water is cold or cloudy
Loosen the cap and wet the threads with the treated water, if the label says so
Leave the treated water alone until the time is up

Pack and store

Keep tablets dry, in a sealed pouch
Keep them away from heat and sun
Wash the bandana and let it dry in the sun

Know the limits

Tablets do not clear mud or chemicals from water
Do not drink from water near mines, farms or industry unless you have a plan
Know that some tablets take longer for certain germs, per the label

Treatment gear

Chlorine Dioxide Tabs in their original foil packs
Check the expiry date on the package
30-Min Reaction Timer: a watch, phone or small timer
Cotton Bandana to pre-filter floating bits
Clean bottle with a wide mouth

Prepare the water

Collect clear water when you can
Strain cloudy water through the bandana into your bottle
Let heavy silt settle before you treat it
Fill the bottle to the size the tablet is rated for

Treat it

Read the package label before you drop in a tablet
Add the tablet, cap the bottle and start the timer
Wait the full time on the label, longer if the water is cold or cloudy
Loosen the cap and wet the threads with the treated water, if the label says so
Leave the treated water alone until the time is up

Pack and store

Keep tablets dry, in a sealed pouch
Keep them away from heat and sun
Wash the bandana and let it dry in the sun

Know the limits

Tablets do not clear mud or chemicals from water
Do not drink from water near mines, farms or industry unless you have a plan
Know that some tablets take longer for certain germs, per the label