Carry Water or Collect Along the Way? How to Transport and Purify Drinking Water While Hiking in Finland

Finland’s nature offers excellent opportunities for hiking and outdoor travel. However, even though lakes and streams are plentiful, clean drinking water cannot always be taken for granted. On long hikes or remote routes, carrying all the water you need for the entire trip is often impractical. This is why a reliable system for water transport and purification is one of the most important parts of any hiker’s gear.

This guide is intended for hikers, trekkers, and day trippers who want a lightweight but safe way to manage drinking water in nature.

Not All Streams Are Safe to Drink From – Water Purification Is a Responsible Choice

Although Finnish nature is known for its clean waters, not every stream or spring is safe to drink directly from. Invisible risks may exist below the surface. For example, a dead animal upstream or human and animal activity nearby can contaminate the water.

If you become ill or develop stomach issues in a remote area, getting help can be slow and expensive. For this reason, water purification is not just for international travel. It is a smart and responsible part of outdoor equipment in Finland as well.

Water Transport: Lightweight, Durable, and Practical

CNOC Outdoors water bags and soft bottles are an excellent option for carrying water. They are lightweight, roll down into a small space, and are compatible with many water filters. CNOC Vecto bags have a wide opening, which makes collecting water from streams and lakes easy.

They also work well as part of a gravity-based water filtration system. Simply hang the bag and allow gravity to do the work.

Another popular option is titanium bottles and canteen-style containers. Titanium is lightweight yet extremely durable and can withstand boiling water. Depending on the model, a titanium bottle can be used both as a drinking bottle and as a vessel for boiling water. This makes it an excellent choice for hikers who value versatility.

Water Purification: Gravity or Squeeze Filtration?

• Sawyer water filters are versatile and effective. They can be used in three different ways.
• With gravity filtration, the filter is connected to a CNOC water bag and water flows through the filter without physical effort.
• With squeeze filtration, a soft bottle is filled and water is pushed through the filter by squeezing the bottle.
• With direct drinking, the filter is attached to a bottle or hydration system and water is consumed directly from the source.

Sawyer filters remove bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics and are rated for up to 100,000 gallons of use. They are lightweight, serviceable, and very popular among hikers.

Note: Sawyer filters do not remove viruses.

Sagan Life – Virus-Filtering Water Purification

The Sagan Life XStream Straw has performed very well in independent testing and stands out especially for its ability to filter viruses. It is designed for hikers who want maximum protection in a lightweight and simple format.

• It removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses without the use of chemicals.
• It is lightweight and easy to use, allowing you to drink directly from the water source or connect it to a water bag using a hose.
• It does not require pumping or backflushing.
• The replaceable filter cartridge lasts for hundreds of liters of use.
• Sagan Life products are a good choice for day hikes, lightweight trekking, or as a backup system when reliable drinking water is needed without adding unnecessary weight.

Which System Is Right for You?

• Gravity filtration is the best choice when you want to fill multiple bottles at once without physical effort, such as at camp.
• Squeeze filtration is fast and practical during breaks or while moving.
• The lightest system is created by combining a CNOC water bag with a Sawyer or Sagan filter. The entire setup weighs only a few hundred grams and fits easily into a pocket. When connecting to Sagan filters, additional adapters may sometimes be required.
• Sagan filters are the best choice when virus filtration is needed, especially when using questionable water sources or when traveling abroad.

Everything You Need from Mavaja.fi

Whether you are heading out on a week-long trek in Lapland or a short day hike close to home, Mavaja.fi offers practical and lightweight solutions for water transport and purification.

Explore the selection and build a water purification system that suits your needs, allowing you to enjoy nature safely and responsibly.

Explore water purification products at Mavaja.fi

Sawyer Mini, Micro and Squeeze – General Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Sawyer water filters – Mini, Micro, and Squeeze – are highly effective and long-lasting when properly maintained. Regular cleaning and correct storage ensure good flow rate and extended filter life.

The filter should be cleaned at the latest when the flow rate slows down. It should also be cleaned after long periods of disuse. Rinsing the filter also moistens the internal membrane, allowing water to flow more easily. Clean the filter by pushing clean water through it using the cleaning syringe. Repeat until the water coming through is clear.

When to Clean?

– After use, especially if the water was turbid or the filter has been unused for a long time.
– If the flow rate slows down, the filter is likely clogged.
– Before long-term storage, such as over winter.

Backflushing

Supplies: Cleaning syringe and clean water

Steps:
1. Fill the syringe with clean water.
2. Attach the syringe to the clean water outlet of the filter.
3. Push water back through the filter in the opposite direction.
4. Repeat several times until the water coming out is clear.

Note: Do not use excessive pressure. If the filter is completely dry, moisten it first.

Disinfection (Long-Term Storage)

Supplies:
– 2 liters of water
– 1 capful of unscented bleach
– Cleaning syringe

Steps:
1. Mix bleach with water.
2. Push the solution through the filter using the syringe (2 liters).
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Blow air through the filter using the syringe until no droplets come out.
6. Let dry in a well-ventilated area or store wet and clean before next use.

Vinegar Soak (Limescale Removal)

Supplies:
– Sawyer water filter (Mini, Micro, or Squeeze)
– White vinegar
– Clean container
– Cleaning syringe

Steps:
1. Prepare solution: Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part clean water (e.g., 100 ml + 100 ml). Use pure vinegar for severe clogging.
2. Soak the filter: Place the filter with the water inlet facing down into the container. Ensure it is fully submerged. Soak for at least 1 hour, overnight if needed.
3. Backflush: Remove the filter from the solution. Fill the syringe with clean water and push it through the filter in the opposite direction. Repeat until the water is clear.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the filter with at least 2 liters of clean water. Ensure no vinegar remains inside.

⚠️ Notes:
– Do not use vinegar regularly – only when needed for limescale or mineral removal.
– Do not use vinegar if the filter is damaged or has been frozen.
– Ensure the filter is fully rinsed before use.

Storage and Transport in Freezing Conditions

– Unused filters can withstand freezing.
– Used filters cannot withstand freezing.
→ Store in a chest pocket during hikes and inside a sleeping bag overnight in cold conditions.

Storage

– Dry: Clean and dry thoroughly, store in a ventilated space.
– Wet: Clean before storage and again before use.

Does Sawyer Remove Taste or Chemicals?

– Removes taste caused by bacteria and sediment.
– DOES NOT remove iron, sulfur, chemicals, or heavy metals.
→ Taste can be masked using drink mixes (e.g., sports drink powders). Always clean the filter immediately after such use.

Frequently Asked Questions – OuterU Face Protection (faceGlove)

This OuterU FAQ helps you choose the right OuterU faceGlove® for different conditions and explains how nose and cheek taping compares to using a technical face cover.

Why should you protect your nose and cheeks in cold or sunny conditions?

The skin on the nose and cheeks is among the most exposed areas of the face because it is:

• farther away from the naturally sheltered parts of the face
• often directly exposed to airflow and wind
• highly susceptible to frostbite
• exposed to UV radiation, which is amplified by reflection from snow and ice

Activities such as skiing, cycling, winter hiking, skating, and cold-weather trekking place significant stress on the nose and cheek area.

Nose and cheek taping – what should you know?

Many outdoor enthusiasts use sports tape or skin tape for added protection:

• tape can block direct wind exposure
• it reduces direct contact with cold air
• it may lower the risk of frostbite in specific spots

Limitations and drawbacks of taping:

• tape can irritate the skin, especially during long use
• tape does not reliably protect against UV radiation
• tape does not breathe or regulate temperature like technical facewear
• skin may dry out or become damaged under prolonged taping

👉 For these reasons, tape alone is not an ideal solution, especially for long outings or changing conditions.

Why is OuterU faceGlove® a better alternative to taping?

OuterU face protection is specifically designed to protect the nose and cheeks more naturally and effectively than tape:

✔️ Protects simultaneously from cold, wind, and UV radiation
✔️ Breathes significantly better than tape
✔️ Stays securely in place during movement
✔️ Does not irritate the skin like adhesive materials
✔️ Multiple models for different temperatures and activities

Which faceGlove is right for me?

Your choice depends on weather conditions and use:

• faceGlove FLEX – a versatile all-round option for changing conditions
• faceGlove SUN – lightweight and breathable, with UPF 50+ sun protection
• faceGlove GO – warm, pre-shaped design for cold conditions and use with goggles
• faceGlove DIY – customizable fit for individual facial structure

When should I choose the faceGlove SUN model?

Choose faceGlove SUN when:

• you are active in sunny or warm conditions
• you need combined sun and wind protection
• you want a tape-free solution with high UPF 50+ UV protection

The SUN model is lightweight and comfortable and attaches directly to sunglasses without straps, making it an excellent alternative to taping while also providing UV protection.

What is faceGlove FLEX best used for?

faceGlove FLEX is ideal when you want one technical face cover for multiple uses:

• protects from cold, wind, and reflected sunlight
• suitable for hiking, cycling, and winter activities
• breathable and packable

When is faceGlove GO the best option?

faceGlove GO is especially suitable for:

• cold conditions
• skiing and snowboarding
• situations where you want a warm, pre-shaped solution without tape

The GO model is thin yet insulating and works well with ski goggles.

Who should choose faceGlove DIY?

faceGlove DIY is a good choice if you:

• want to shape the mask yourself
• wear prescription glasses and need a higher nose profile
• value a customized fit

The DIY model is shaped at home using a cup and a microwave.

How difficult is it to shape faceGlove DIY?

Shaping is easy:

• you only need a cup and a microwave
• the process takes just a few minutes
• the result conforms precisely to your face

What is the difference between faceGlove DIY and faceGlove GO?

• DIY: higher nose profile, user-shaped, works well with glasses
• GO: pre-shaped, warmer, optimized for use with goggles

Do all models include headbands or ear loops?

• faceGlove DIY includes both headbands and ear loops
• faceGlove GO includes one headband optimized for goggle use
• FLEX and SUN models use attachment systems designed specifically for their intended use

Why is the top of the Bala model open?

The open-top design of the Bala model:

• improves temperature regulation
• allows you to remove your hat without removing the entire balaclava
• makes the balaclava more versatile, as it can be worn down around the neck like a tube scarf

Do OuterU face covers also protect from the sun?

Yes. OuterU face protection helps shield the skin from direct and reflected UV radiation.

• faceGlove SUN provides UPF 50+ sun protection
• FLEX and other models also offer effective protection in sunny conditions

Summary

There are several ways to protect your nose and cheeks:

• tape may offer limited wind protection but lacks breathability and UV protection
• OuterU faceGlove® face protection is more comfortable, breathable, and suitable for long-term use

Choosing the right model improves comfort, safety, and skin protection in all conditions.

👉 Select the OuterU model that best matches your activity, weather, and personal protection needs.

What is a Pee Cloth – Kula Cloth?

What is it?

Kula Cloth® is the first of its kind – thoughtfully (and obsessively) designed reusable antibacterial pee cloth.

In the wilderness (or even in an outdoor toilet!), good hygiene is extremely important. Traditionally, large amounts of toilet paper are carried or the “shake dry” method is used. Neither of these is a good option. A pee cloth is a hiker’s tool to maintain personal hygiene while positively impacting the environment.

A pee cloth is an alternative to toilet paper. When you use a pee cloth, you leave no trace and no waste. Simply pee, pat the pee drops dry with the Kula Cloth – no toilet paper, no waste!

Who uses Kula Cloth®?

Kula Cloth® is designed for anyone who squats to pee or uses a pee funnel. Some use Kula as a handkerchief or a small washcloth.

When can you use Kula Cloth®?

Kula Cloth® is perfect for all kinds of activities when you are not near a flush toilet.

What does Leave No Trace mean?

Leave No Trace is every hiker’s trail etiquette, an ethical standard for moving in nature. As hikers and nature enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve nature as it is. Many carry toilet paper into the wilderness and leave it there, believing it will “disappear.” By using Kula Cloth®, you reduce the amount of paper you need to carry in the wilderness!

How to use Kula Cloth®?

Pee normally (note: in wilderness conditions, it is good to choose a spot at least 60 m away from water bodies and sources). Use the black side of the Kula Cloth, which has small bumps, to absorb residual moisture. Since the clean/patterned side is waterproof, you don’t have to worry about liquid seeping through to your hand. Note: Kula Cloth® is not intended for anything other than drying urine. Do not wipe front to back like with toilet paper, but pat the urine drops onto the cloth.

Is it gross?

Many are initially skeptical when they hear about a pee cloth, but once you try it – we promise – it changes the game completely. It enhances your adventure and makes you feel clean and dry, never dirty. Trust us – once you try Kula, you won’t go back! Kula Cloth® is made from materials specifically designed for hygiene. The material is antibacterial and absorbs odors and scents.

Can I use Kula Cloth® during menstruation?

You can absolutely use Kula Cloth® during menstruation. The black absorbent side hides any visible menstrual blood. We recommend using Kula together with a menstrual cup.

Why buy Kula Cloth® when I can use a buff or gauze?

If you decide to use a buff or gauze, that’s completely okay. This is a personal choice. Honestly, the fact that you are doing something to reduce your environmental impact is the most important thing. The reason many use Kula instead of gauze is that Kula is specifically designed as a pee cloth. It is made from textiles treated with antibacterial silver, intended to be in contact with the human body. In fact, one layer of absorbent silver-treated fabric replaces three layers of microfiber terry cloth and six layers of French terry cloth!

Most people who have previously used gauze say that after trying Kula, they don’t go back. Additionally, Kula looks great hanging on your backpack, supports artists and organizations striving to make a difference. It is designed for the responsible hiker who leaves no trace.

Is Kula hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly?

We use only non-toxic fabrics and environmentally friendly materials (many are organic), manufactured and woven sustainably in the United States.

How to clean Kula Cloth?

A pee cloth does not need to be washed after every use. The gentlest way is to wash it by hand and hang it to dry. If you don’t want to wash it by hand, you can also machine wash it with the snap closed. If you are on a multi-day hike, wash the cloth as needed with a few drops of biodegradable soap and hang it to dry. Always wash Kula away from water bodies. If Kula gets wet in the rain, it can still be used wet (it then acts as a “moisture wipe”). Kula dries very quickly – we recommend hanging it on a tree or hiking pole. The sun’s UV rays also help “sterilize” it while drying.

As mentioned earlier, Kula can be machine washed, but it shortens its lifespan. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Make sure to snap the Kula closed before washing, we recommend using a laundry bag or bra wash bag.

Will the cloth show pee stains? Will it discolor?

We have specifically chosen black absorbent fabric so that pee stains do not show. If you are concerned about visible bodily fluids on Kula, we recommend folding it in half and snapping the corners together.

Kula does not discolor unless washed vigorously with another product that releases color. The cloth may release a little color during the first few washes.

Is Kula disposable?

Kula is intended as a reusable pee cloth! You can use it as many times as you want. The idea of Kula is to reduce our dependence on disposable products (like toilet paper). When you feel it’s time to replace Kula, wash it and take it to a recycling point that accepts rags.

Will Kula stain my backpack/items it touches?

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, Kula is a much more hygienic option than a traditional pee cloth, like gauze (which has no antimicrobial properties). The sun also helps sterilize bacteria on the fabric. If you are very concerned about the cloth touching other items, we recommend folding it in half and snapping the corners together.

Is silver a safe material?

We strongly believe that a product designed to reduce environmental impact should not cause more harm during the manufacturing process. If you want more information about the silver used in the fabric, contact us and we will send you more details.

Can I use Kula for something else?

We have seen people use clean Kulas as a handkerchief, sweat cloth, dust mask in Mongolian horse races, and insect killer. If Kula is clean, it can be used for anything – but when you use it to wipe urine, we recommend keeping it for that purpose only. If you take two Kulas on a trip, you can easily use one as a small towel and the other as a pee cloth.