[pct-l] Water treatment

[Amanda L Silvestri]

I have used several treatment methods, all with success.  Lately I have been using a bandanna to filter the chunks and a chlorine tablet or Steri-pen to get the microbes.  This method is lite-weight and efficient.  
 
Using the pen is only slighter more weight than the tablets and the water does not discolor and it is ready to drink in moments rather than twenty minuets.  Time can be an issue if you have been without water.  Both methods take up less room in the pack and less weight than a traditional pump.   
 
Otherwise, the tablets or drops work fine, fill up and keep on trekking while they do their thing.  Water is often found in the shade of a canyon with spring-feed trees and I do enjoy sitting down to rest in the shade while I drink. That way I only take one break and not two within the same hour.
 
As always, try to drink as near to the source as possible and not down stream from livestock or campers.
 
Amanda