Because the Aquamira only filters down to 3 microns, if you are worried about smaller things (viruses, ect.) then you will have to pretreat the water then run it through the Aquamira. Even using it this way, it would still be very light. You will also need to have a designated "dirty water" bag. It might also be good to bring along an extra prefilter and plastic microfilter.

sk

Oh yea, since the filter is basically activated carbon, it will not remove arsenic and nitrates. It will lower heavy metal concentrations. But if you are in an are with high concentrations of these contaminants, you could overwhelm the filter way before your 50 gallons. I guess what I am saying here is be aware of what water problems are in the area you are going and treat appropriately.