An editorial a few years ago, in a peer-reviewed medical journal, argued that scientists should point out that, based on evidence, hand-washing, rather than filtering water, is best means to avoid gastro-intestinal complaints related to backcountry travel.

On the other hand, a certain, fairly high percentage of the total population, in a given year, will invariably suffer minor problems; mostly they are home in bed. A much smaller number will be overtaken, unfortunately, while camping.

Given incubation period of these "problems," most of these campers actually got the bug at home.

I'd rather be at home and get it from handling change at the local convenience store. But is basically like catching a head-cold. Stuff happens.

Some say taking many vitamins while regularly visiting your chiropractor or herbal enema specialist, can also help.