SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-filter-viruses

Do most portable backpacking water filters remove viruses?

No, most remove bacteria and parasites, but not viruses.

  1. Yes, all of them do
  2. Only if you pump fast
  3. No, most don't remove viruses ✔

Why: A filter with 0.3 micron or smaller pores removes bacteria and parasites, but viruses are tinier. Boil or add a disinfectant after filtering to handle viruses.

Huh, didn't know that: Reverse osmosis filters do remove viruses, but most hikers don't carry them.

The dad joke
Why did the water filter go to school? To get rid of its impurities.
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Sources

  1. A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment for Backcountry and Travel Use (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingAfter adding bleach to disinfect water, how long should you wait before drinking?Outdoors & CampingYour creek water is cloudy. What should you do before disinfecting it?Outdoors & CampingYour only water at camp comes from a creek. How long should you boil it before drinking?

That's stuff everyone should know.