Sourcing & Filtering Water on Course

In Wild&Co adventure races, water is supplied at most Transition Areas. However, teams will often still need to source water on course between transitions, particularly on longer or more remote legs.

Natural water sources such as creeks, rivers, and dams may be encountered, but these should never be consumed untreated.

Water Treatment Options

There are two main ways to safely treat water during an adventure race: filters and purification tablets. Many teams use a combination of both.

Water Filters

Water filters physically remove bacteria and protozoa from untreated water and allow you to drink immediately.

In-line filters for hydration bladders are a popular option in adventure racing. These allow teams to fill directly from a water source and drink as they go, without needing to stop and treat water separately.

Advantages:

• Immediate access to drinkable water

• No waiting time

• Ideal for long legs and hot conditions

Considerations:

• Filters must be kept clean

• Flow rate can slow in silty or muddy water

Purification Tablets

Purification tablets chemically treat water to kill bacteria and viruses. They are lightweight, compact, and simple to carry.

Advantages:

• Extremely light and compact

• Reliable backup option

• No moving parts

Considerations:

• Requires waiting time before drinking

• Can affect taste

Planning Your Water Strategy

Teams should consider:

• Distance and duration between Transition Areas

• Likely availability of natural water sources on course

• Weather conditions and temperature

• Carrying capacity (bottles vs hydration bladders)

Many experienced teams carry both a filter and tablets, using tablets as a backup in case a filter becomes blocked or damaged.

Final Notes

Even when water is provided at Transition Areas, teams are responsible for managing their hydration between legs. An effective on-course water strategy is essential for safety, performance, and race completion.