Your best bet is a portable filter.

Yes — use a physical water filter. A good one removes bacteria, protozoa, and most parasites without chemicals or heat.

The two most common options are a pump filter (like a Katadyn Hiker) or a squeeze filter (like a Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw). They work by pushing water through a membrane with pores small enough to trap bugs. No chemicals, no boiling, no waiting. You get clean water in seconds to minutes.

UV light (like a SteriPen) is also an option if you don’t mind carrying batteries and waiting 60 seconds per liter. But it needs clear water to work well, and it won’t remove sediment or heavy metals. A filter handles that stuff better.

Solar stills and DIY sand filters technically work but are slow and unreliable in the field. I wouldn’t rely on one if I was actually thirsty.

Just get a Sawyer Mini or a Katadyn BeFree. They’re cheap, light, and no fuss.