Winter camping comes with many challenges. With the freezing temperatures comes a unique challenge for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists: finding and purifying drinkable water.
Hydration is just as vital in the winter as it is during summer adventures (if not more), even if you don’t feel as thirsty. The cold can dehydrate you faster than you think, especially when your body works overtime to stay warm. But how do you find safe, drinkable water when all the natural sources are frozen? This guide will teach you how to source and purify water during your winter camp.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Gather Your Water (and Avoid Contaminants)
While some fast flowing streams may still be active in the deep cold, you’ll find that snow and ice are your most accessible sources of water in winter. But not all snow or ice is created equal.
- Use Fresh, Clean Snow: Scoop up untouched snow from areas far away from trails and campsites to avoid contamination from dirt, animal waste, or chemicals. Avoid yellow or discolored snow—it’s just gross.
- Select Ice Carefully: Clear, dense ice is a better option for melting than snow because it provides more water volume. Avoid ice with visible debris or ice from stagnant sources (like ponds), as these can house bacteria or other contaminants.
An interesting tidbit I’ve learned over the years is to always fill your pot halfway with liquid water (if you can) before adding snow to melt. This prevents scorching your cookware and helps the snow melt faster.
You’ll also want to be cautious with snow near roads, as it’s often contaminated with vehicle emissions, road salt, or chemicals. If using snow from shady areas with heavy tree cover, check for debris like twigs or animal droppings before melting.
If you’re lucky enough to find a stream or get water from thawed areas of a frozen lake, collect it carefully to avoid sediment by using a bandana or a similar cloth as a filter.
Step 2: Purify Your Water Safely and Effectively
Now that you’ve gathered your water, it’s time to purify it! Winter’s frigid conditions make water purification trickier than in warmer months, but these methods will help you ensure your water is safe to drink.
Boil Your Water
Boiling your water is the most reliable way to purify it, killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Just be sure to have a metal container handy to help you boil the water in.
- Use a reliable heat source, such as a camp stove. Winter camping stoves designed for extreme conditions paired with propane or a multi-fuel are your best bet. Otherwise just build a fire and use that to boil the water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill pathogens. At higher altitudes (above 6,500 feet), boil it for 3 minutes instead.
Use Portable Water Filters (With Caution)
Traditional water filters can freeze in subzero temperatures, damaging the filter medium and rendering them useless. If you plan to use a filter system, follow these tips:
- Look for water filters designed for winter conditions or extreme environments. Many modern filters include insulated casings to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Keep your filter inside your jacket or sleeping bag to shield it from the cold.
- After using the filter, shake it thoroughly to remove excess water that could freeze inside.
Use Chemical Water Treatments
Chemical treatments, like iodine tablets or chlorine dioxide drops, are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a great backup option for winter camping. They work by killing bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa. However, cold weather impacts their effectiveness.
- Pre-warm the water before adding the chemicals to speed up the purification process. Cold water slows down chemical reactions, so you may need to wait longer than the typical 30 minutes (up to an hour in freezing temps).
- Follow the instructions on the product carefully to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Boiling your water is probably the best method in the winter because it can also be used to warm you up by leaving it in your bottle. It’s not uncommon to boil water before bed, put it in a bottle and then sleep with it until morning; at which point you are then able to drink it.
Final Thoughts
Water purification while winter camping can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and techniques, it doesn’t seem as daunting. In fact, winter is one of the best times to get fresh water as a lot of the landscape is untouched so the snow is as pure as it can be. Just be sure to take the time to purify the water correctly to avoid any issues.
