Backcountry Water Treatment, Part 1: Boiling vs Pasteurization

This video is Part 1 in a series. It takes a detailed look at the safety and efficiency differences between pasteurizing vs. boiling water in the backcountry for disinfection. Learn how you can cut your fuel expenditures in half compared to traditional methods that rely on the conventional wisdom. It’s an ultralight solution to an age-old problem. Also discussed: use and various models of the Water Pasteurization Indicator (WAPI), as well as the Boil 3, Add 1 Method. Which flame is more efficient for heating water, high or low? Find out here! Lastly, the impact of using pasteurized (instead of boiling) water is examined as it relates to rehydrating backpacking meals (both freeze-dried and dehydrated), and for the drinking of coffee or tea. 0:00 Introduction 3:16 Conventional Wisdom 4:03 Pasteurization (milk) 6:56 Caveats and Conditions 7:34 Log Reduction 9:22 Time-Temperature Profile 11:33 Water Pasteurization 13:22 Challenge of Maximum Efficiency 14:37 Water Pasteurization Indicator (WAPI) 17:04 Testing the WAPI 22:00 Fuel Weight Savings 28:39 Comparing WAPI models 31:11 Boil 3, Add 1 Method 33:23 Rehydrating Meals 38:16 Making Coffee and Tea 40:19 Summary 41:36 Addendum World Health Organization list of studies: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_...