However, backpackers and hikers in wilderness areas do not have that option. A weighing and balancing of the risks, advantages and disadvantages is necessary when choosing water treatment options. For a day or overnight hike where water is scarce, bad, or non-existent, packing a full water bag or several plastic bottles of water may be the best solution. Another safe but inconvenient option is to boil all water.
Many campgrounds recommend boiling all water in the back country.
Disadvantages include the length of time needed to treat the water, the fuel necessary to boil the water, and the poor taste of the water itself after boiling. Most experienced wilderness users filter or chemically treat water. Either method offers more convenience than packing water or boiling. A good water filter eliminates much of the risk of parasites, while retaining the water s natural taste. Some high-priced filters even claim to be able to filter out viruses.