Sawyer vs LifeStraw vs Tablets: Water on Everest

Safe Drinking Strategies

Water safety is paramount. Bottled water is bad for the planet. Filters and tablets are the solution. Which one wins for Everest trekking?

Chlorine Tablets

Pros: Cheap, light, fail-safe. Cons: Taste like pool water, take 30 mins. Verdict: The best backup. Always carry them on your Mount Everest expedition.

Squeeze Filters (Sawyer)

Pros: Instant water, no taste. Cons: Can freeze and crack in the cold. You must sleep with your filter to keep it warm at Everest Base Camp.

UV (SteriPEN)

Pros: Fast, kills viruses. Cons: Relies on batteries. If your batteries die in the cold, you have no water. Risky for high altitude.

The Winner

Use a squeeze filter for taste, but carry tablets as a backup. Never rely on just one method.