In outdoor activities, it is extremely important to ensure the safety of drinking water. Drinking water with unclear water quality often leads to a series of health problems. The common ways of drinking water in the outdoors include directly drinking outdoor water sources, carrying drinking water, and using water purifiers to obtain drinking water. Currently, the common outdoor water purifiers on the market are mainly portable ultrafiltration water purifiers and Reverse Osmosis portable water purifier. Each drinking water method has its own unique advantages and limitations. Next, we will conduct a detailed comparison of four outdoor drinking water methods: directly drinking outdoor water sources, carrying drinking water, carrying portable ultrafiltration water purifiers, and carrying RO portable outdoor water purifier, and recommend suitable usage scenarios based on their characteristics.
I. Directly Drinking Outdoor Water Sources
Advantages: Directly drinking outdoor water sources is the most natural and convenient way, requiring no additional water sources or equipment. In clear streams, lakes, and other locations, one can drink directly.
Disadvantages: Outdoor water sources may contain pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, posing a high health risk when consumed directly. Additionally, chemical pollutants and heavy metals may exist in the water sources, posing potential threats to human health.
Usage Scenarios: Not recommended for regular use. However, in emergency situations such as getting lost or running low on water, one can cautiously select relatively clean water sources for direct consumption after understanding certain water treatment techniques.
II. Carrying Drinking Water
Advantages: Carrying drinking water is the most straightforward way to guarantee water safety. Bottled or kettle water that has been treated can be consumed directly, eliminating concerns about pathogenic microorganisms and chemical pollutants.
Disadvantages: Carrying drinking water adds weight, which can be a burden for outdoor activities such as long-distance hiking or mountaineering. Additionally, bottled water may become hot due to sunlight exposure during outdoor activities.
Usage Scenarios: Short hikes, camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities where water quality requirements are high.
III. Carrying Portable Ultrafiltration Water Purifiers
Advantages: Portable ultrafiltration water purifiers utilize ultrafiltration membrane technology that can effectively remove pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites from water. Compared to directly drinking outdoor water sources and carrying drinking water, they provide a more convenient and safer drinking water solution.
Disadvantages: Portable ultrafiltration water purifiers have limited effectiveness in removing chemical pollutants and heavy metals. Additionally, they require a suitable water source for use, making them less convenient than directly drinking bottled water. Moreover, filtered water needs to be stored in a water bottle.
Usage Scenarios: Suitable for multi-day hikes, expeditions, and other outdoor activities. When selecting portable ultrafiltration water purifiers, it is advisable to choose products with reliable filtering effects. At the same time, it should be noted that due to the limited filtering effect of the ultrafiltration membrane, it is usually used for relatively safe water sources such as municipal tap water. When using them for hiking trips, we should try to choose relatively clean water sources to replenish water.
IV. Carrying Reverse Osmosis Portable Outdoor Water Purifier
Advantages: Reverse Osmosis portable water purifier utilizes Reverse Osmosis filtration technology that can efficiently remove harmful substances such as pathogenic microorganisms, chemical pollutants, and heavy metals from water. The safety level of its filtered water is similar to that of directly carrying drinking water, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Disadvantages: Like ultrafiltration water purifiers, it requires finding a water source and carrying a water bottle. In addition, compared with other drinking methods, since the reverse osmosis water purifier requires a water pump to provide pressure, even if it is portable, it will not be too light.
Usage Scenarios: It is suitable for a variety of scenarios, including RV life, long-distance travel, multi-person outdoor camping, and other outdoor activities with vehicle accompaniment or long periods of time. It can also be used as a household and emergency device.
