If I had to boil it down, I’d say a good water filter is absolutely essential for me. After years as a nurse, I’ve seen what can happen when folks underestimate how quickly water quality can become a problem even in short emergencies. I keep a Sawyer Mini in my bag at all times—doesn’t weigh much and has saved me on camping trips more than once. Honestly, it gives a bit of peace of mind knowing I can always make the creek or even a puddle drinkable if all else fails.
Funny thing, though: when I run local drills or workshops, people are always focused on knives or fire starters and don’t even think about water until we make them try going a day on what’s just in their house. It’s a real eye-opener. Anyone else here actually had to use their water filter in a real world pinch? I’m always curious to hear about situations where theory met practice.
