Best Low-Tech Ways to Purify Water Off-Grid?

[CrimsonWren145]

Looking for tried-and-true ways to purify water off-grid, without fancy filters or chemicals. Anybody had solid results with solar disinfection or just plain boiling? Open to hearing what’s worked for real in long-term scenarios—especially methods that don’t rely on store-bought gear.

 

[BlueMarigold]

Boiling's always been my main method—simple, reliable, just takes time and some fuel. I’ve also used solar disinfection for small batches (clear bottles in direct sun all day) when wood was scarce, and it worked fine for clear water but not so much if the water’s cloudy. Never fully trusted just cloth straining, though it helps a bit before boiling. Anyone here tried digging