Since it is unlikely you will have access to a reverse osmosis solution
, you will need to have other options to explore when you are camping if you want to have your own portable water purification system. The most common water purification system consists of a microfilament strainer and iodine tablets, however the survivalist camper may resort to straining the water through a clean shirt and boiling the strained water.
Unfortunately, no matter what way you use to purify your water, it is probably going to taste a little off. This could be attributed to the fact that it has been so long since humans have drank clean water. This could also have to do with iodine being not the most appetizing thing in the world. Either way, a portable water purification system is necessary on a camp out. Your health in the long run is more important than odd tasting water now.
A portable water purification system should be two pronged. Do not rely on just one way to purify your water if you can help it. One way may not kill all of the harmful bacteria or particles that could be floating around in the water. Anything from simple dirt to e coli bacteria to rocket fuel particles could be floating around in the water and any of these particles could make you sick. With the advent of numerous drug companies the ground water and run off tend to be contaminated as well.
It is up to you to keep yourself and others safe with your purification practices. Doing research on the internet will provide you with a lot of information about various purification practices that you can apply to not only a portable water purification system, but your home purification system as well.