MSR Aquatabs Purification Tablets for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

I think for what these are they work great. Tabs are tiny and fit in any emergency kit. I’ve tried these as primary purification system on a trip to lone peak and on the cathedral traverse in the Tetons this summer. Even with flavoring the taste is grimace worthy. Probably worth bringing a small bottle filter and these as a back up.

My research shows: While Aquatabs are effective at neutralizing viruses, bacteria, and Giardia, they are not effective against Cryptosporidium. Aquatabs are not chlorine dioxide tablets, a water filter is needed first to remove larger particles and parasites like Cryptosporidium. While Cryptosporidium is not present in all backcountry water sources, if your filter breaks or clogs, it would be prudent to have a backup purification method that offers complete coverage, Clorine dioxide water purification tablets like Katadyn Micropur, Potable Aqua, or Aquamira Water Purification Tablets.

Sure, having a filter is nice to get rid of the floaties when you come across a source with lots of CPOM or FPOM (that's coarse and fine particulate organic matter for you non-science types). But, if you spend most of your time in areas with pristine flowing water (like I do), there really is no need for a filter. These tablets nuke Giardia, protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses (unlike most filters). They do have a taste, but it is very subtle compared to iodine/potable aqua tabs. These are my 1st line of defense. And my backup. And my backpacking buddy's backup when his filter breaks on day 5 of seven. Just have some. Pro tip: If the water is really cloudy/murky, you can always strain it through a hankerchief (I always have one) or a coffee filter (weighs nothing), first.

Do I prefer to use a Steripen so I can actually taste that fresh, crisp mountain water? Yes, Obviously. But if it fails, or you forget it, this is the best bet. Weighs practically zilch so no excuse not to bring it along (Don't @ me ultralighters). The taste is, in purification tablet terms, subtle; you can taste it but pretty mild and honestly I've had metro water that was much MUCH stronger. I will say if you have to use a few of them over several days, when you return to metro treated water access, refills in your nalgene will seem to pick up an extra chlorine character if left in there for a few hours, dissipates mostly in about a week.

I keep these in my medical kit, just as a backup. Definitely nice to have these around if you get in a sticky situation where you need treated water! They're lightweight and take up almost no space, so why not have them around?

There weren't any options of sanitized water on my recent trek to Nepal. We had to filter mountain water throughout the duration of our climb. Besides waiting 30min for it to dissolve, it worked as advertised.

I always carry these as a back up to my filtration system I use when in the backcountry. Hardly any taste, super easy and gets the job done.

I always take a filter- pump, gravity, or SteriPen but I also throw a pack of these in my pack as well. I have had each of the filters above fail for one reason or another so I don't leave home without them.

When I'm climbing/hiking in the backcountry I always bring an MSR Trailshot filter, and these. The filter is great for getting water while on the move, a liter or two at a time; but these are perfect for once you've made camp, and want to have a few liters ready to go in the morning. Just fill up your bottles/bladders, and drop one of these in for every .75 liters, and in 30-60 minutes you've got safe drinking water ready to go. They're cheap and indispensable, and there's no reason not to have them in your kit.

good enough to rely on as your plan A

Weigh basically nothing and a great option to throw in your kit as a backup water purification method.

I purchased these tablets mainly for travel. While most countries have clean drinking water available, the water quality can be questionable in some locations. I have used these tablets while in the Backcountry and found that they are easy to use, light weight to carry, and relatively quick at treating the water you intend to drink. I also really like that this particular tablet does not cause your water to taste like pennies or a swimming pool once treated. Overall never hurts to have a few stashed in your travel kit.

Work great. Everyone needs these for emergency use.

They're small, they're lightweight, and they don't make the water taste weird. Neat!

I'm not one that hates the taste of iodine like most people, but with these tablets, I really couldn't even taste it at all. They're a great way to save space and have with you at all times just in case.

Tried these out on a backpacking trip recently and was pleasantly surprised by the taste (or lack thereof). I've used other tablets in the past that definitely have stronger smell/taste. I'll use these from now on.

I bring these in case there is a filter mishap

I used these to supplement my Steripen (when I wasn't exactly sure of the source, or just didn't have the pen nearby) on a recent trip. I didn't get sick, so seems like they work just fine! Oh, and they taste like being at the pool, which for me wasn't a terrible thing.

Always in my pack as a backup to my Steripen. Check out the product page and FAQs: http://www.globalhydration.com/product-info/aquatabs-water-purification-tablets-49-mg-usa-pack

This is a must have in any survival kit. Plain & simple