Water purification in Desert areas

[elkhunter505]

Hey everyone, I’ve been looking into doing a backpack hunt at some point in the near future. I enjoy hunting in Southern NM and would like to do it there, problem is water is not always available. What do you guys do when hunting areas like that? I was honestly thinking about having a full 10 L going in and that’ll probably give me 3 days to hunt and then head back out.

 

[BRTreedogs]

If you're pretty sure of the core areas you would hunt I'd make some water staches before the hunt.

And probably considering carrying a pump filter I think they are better for getting the water out of small puddles etc.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Definitely recommend caching water ahead of time. Do not forget to pack it all out, including your trash, once the hunt is over.

10 liters sounds like a lot of water. However, the reality is it is not that much water when you are physically active at elevation. And if it is warm/hot you'll go through it a lot faster than anticipated.

 

[GrantMan]

A pump filter system and 3 liter bladder at minimum with good planning and recon of water sources will get you a long way in the desert. If you can not find water it probably is not a good area to hunt.

 

[mtnrunner260]

If you do find sources of water, either natural or developed for livestock you will want something like a diesel bag filter or similar in addition to other filter method.
Spend some time on google earth and i bet you'll find a stock tank or green patch of vegetation where water could be found.

 

[elkhunter505]

Thanks for the ideas guys, appreciate it

 

[Middleofnowhere]

I had to dip water from a Wildlife guzzler on Saturday and Sunday. 13 mile backpacking trip in SoCal desert and hot AF.

I prefer a gravity filter over a pump. MSR is made in USA and the best imho.

I also use a couple aqua pure tablets in the filtered water

I find I need 10 liters of water a day in the desert. I’m a fairly heavy dude and sweat a lot though. My 10L Dromedary bag is a PITA to carry though...

staging water is a great idea. I’ve pre staged a few gallons in the past while scouting. A gallon jug hidden is piece of mind

 

[BRTreedogs]

Carrying a life straw isn't a bad idea ether.
You can sip from the smallest of puddles with that.

I prefer a gravity filter as well but you need a pretty substantial water source to get any in the bag.

 

[aaronwragg]

What has been your favorite filtering system?

 

[BRTreedogs]

What has been your favorite filtering system?

Sawyer squeeze and a cnoc bag.