[pct-l] water filter/purifier?

[jeffmoorehead1 at cox.net (Jeff Moorehead)]

Aaron,
 I agree with you on taste/health issues of chlorine dioxide. I bought the 
Katadyn Pocket filter as well but in an attempt to explore other options for 
a distance hike, I also bought a Steri-pen, which is a device that kills all 
biological molecules with UV light. The problem is, of course, other 
dissolved solids and macroscopic particulate matter are not removed. For 
that they recommend using a prefilter (i.e. a cloth funnel). This device is 
pretty cool-- it is definitely safe and very convenient. I haven't tried it 
in the wild yet but it is fast.
 The other lightweight option is made by the ULA company out of Utah-- I 
think it is something called the 'H2O buddy'. It is basically a drip system 
that demands a bit more time at each watering site but was developed with 
weight in mind. Google these and check out the web sites for further specs.


>Anyways that's how I justify carrying a filter.  As heavy as the Katadyn
>Pocket filter is, it still weights less than 1 liter of water.  However,
>I would be willing to try a lighter filter if there are any good ones
>out there, any suggestions?

> Aaron


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Eric Lee
(GAMES)
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 3:17 PM
To: David Tibor; PCT-L
Subject: RE: [pct-l] water filter/purifier?

David Tibor wrote:
>
I would not think about bringing a water filter along
on a PCT thru-hike. Aqua Mira's the only thing for me
- tiny bottles, very effective, treat lots of water
quickly, etc.
>

On the other hand, assuming your goal is to thru-hike the trail in one
season, you have to judge the cost of carrying the weight of a filter
against the cost of possibly getting sick from bad water and decide
which is a bigger threat to completing your hike.

In the Northwest I often don't bother to treat my water at all if I'm up
high and feel good about the water source, so I don't have some
squeamish hangup.  However, I understand that water sources in SoCal can
be awfully nasty and for some of them I would personally want to both
filter and treat with chemicals.  (I haven't seen them personally, yet.)

Regardless, there are many different strategies and they all work for
most people, so hike your own hike.

Eric
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