[pct-l] Water Treatment

[kdpo at pacbell.net (Ken Powers)]

We have struggled with this question for years. The weight of a Pur filter
seems so heavy. We have met hikers using Miox, iodines, no chemicals,
bleach, etc. They were all happy with their water situation and reduced
weight. It was always tempting when we heard of their reduced weights.

Last year on the AT we carried the Pur Voyager/Hiker from Georgia into
Maine. When we reached the 100 Mile Wilderness we decided to try iodine for
the last 105 miles. Water was frequent with lakes/ponds, rivers, and creeks
so we could dip water pretty frequently. What we didn't count on was the
time to treat the water - 20 minutes after dipping. This was the start of
our learning experience. When we carry the filter we pump water and "camel
up". It is not unusual for each of us to drink a half liter or more of
water. When we chemically treated the water we carried that half liter plus
the other treated water for the first mile before we could drink. Plus the
now treated (flavored) water was not as cool and refreshing as the
spring/creek water we filtered. And since we were still in our original
mindset, we didn't pump until our bottles were empty.

After 5 days of this we decided to go back to the Pur filter. It was almost
the same weight as the water we were carrying while we waited for the
chemical treatment. Of course there is some period of time where chemical
treatment would be lighter during the day. But never during the day would we
get that cool, pure water.

Ken (who is still struggling with the weight of his filter)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rudolph Duda" <Rud_dud45@hotmail.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 4:57 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Water Treatment


I have a question about water treatment on the PCT. I have used the PUR
Hiker for the last 3 years, but in trying to reduce my pack weight am
considering using the MSR Miox system. It is listed at 3.5 oz as opposed to
11 oz for the PUR Hiker. Has anyone used this new water treatment system and
does anyone have any feedback on it.

I will be starting at Campo on May 2, 2004 and will be hiking up to US 15. I
was not able to schedule the kick off but will perhaps meet some hikers on
the trail.

By the way, I just received Yogi's handbook in the mail, read all of the pre
hike info,
and found it to be excellent. Thank you Yogi.

Happy Hiking, Reindeer
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