Post by: Wea300mag on January 29, 2011, 03:34:13 PM
Post by: woodswalker on January 29, 2011, 03:53:06 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 29, 2011, 04:03:28 PM
Post by: mossy8352 on January 29, 2011, 04:29:49 PM
:twocents:
Post by: Bean Counter on January 29, 2011, 04:40:01 PM
Stay away from the Steri Pen. Its a UV light you stick into water and the UV kills the bacteria's ability to breed. Great idea, but.. I tried a three day backcountry trip with it and it wouldn't work most of the time. I don't know if its because the water was cold or the cold kept sucking the batteries dead. Either way, I took it back to REI and never looked back. It almost ruined the trip.
Post by: JPhelps on January 29, 2011, 04:51:03 PM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on January 29, 2011, 08:03:37 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 29, 2011, 08:24:21 PM
Quote
I've been out with a few that drink straight from the streams as long as it's cold, up high, and flowing rather quickly.
I used to do that. I've been really lucky!
I use a Katadyn pro hiker filter when I've backpacked in. Other day hikes, I carry two fresh 20oz bottles of water when I start out. Or use a 42oz bladder in my pack. I've hiked many miles in a day on less than those two bottles without muscle cramps. On long hikes in colder weather, One of the bottles is good for two hot soups. Of course I drink all the broth.
-Steve
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on January 29, 2011, 08:28:47 PM
http://www.rei.com/product/799003 (http://www.rei.com/product/799003)
Post by: Wea300mag on January 29, 2011, 08:30:11 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 29, 2011, 08:34:46 PM
I have a friend that drinks out of clear streams all the time. Never had an issue.. So he says.
-Steve
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on January 29, 2011, 08:38:32 PM
Post by: Bob33 on January 29, 2011, 08:42:04 PM
If it were a matter of being dehydrated or drinking untreated water, I would choose the latter. Symptoms typically take 7 to 10 days to appear, and that's often the problem: patients often get sick a few weeks after drinking the water, go to the doctor, and get treated for something entirely unrelated. If you do drink untreated water, pay attention and see a doctor at the first signs of any symptoms. Properly and quickly treated, the chances of complete recovery are generally high.
There are purifiers and there are filters. Filters remove certain bacterial particles but do not kill all viruses. REI has some good reading material here: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/water+filter+howto.html (http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/water+filter+howto.html)
Post by: Bearhunter on January 29, 2011, 08:47:56 PM
http://www.rei.com/product/737349 (http://www.rei.com/product/737349)
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 29, 2011, 08:56:37 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 29, 2011, 09:18:27 PM
A filter can make things taste better.
Quote
•Water filter— A microbiological device that removes bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni) and protozoan cysts (Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium) from contaminated water.
•Water purifier— A microbiological device that removes bacteria, protozoan cysts and viruses (e.g., hepatitis A) from contaminated water.
I am not worried much about contracting Hep or other viruses here in the NW. I do take care to not draw from water where cattle have frequented as I really don't want Ecoli.
-Steve
Post by: ICEMAN on January 30, 2011, 07:27:09 AM
Dan check this filter bag out. Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter. This is what we used on our 9 day backcountry hunt in Wyoming this year. Its about the cheapest route to go and is extremely light. Its top rolls up like a dry bag which is basically what it is. You can stuff your clean sock, underwear, camera or anything in it that you dont want wet, then when you get to camp you unload it and fill with 2.6 gallons of water hang in a tree in the shade and have clean filter water to drink and makes a handy wash station as well because the output it slow so you can wash up and not use a ton of water. I personally think this is the absolute best system out there for shear light weight, packability and multitasking with it. Its cool because no one recommended it to me, just kind of stumbled upon it and absolutley love its multiple uses!!!
http://www.rei.com/product/737349 (http://www.rei.com/product/737349)
Is the filter in this device replacable?
Post by: Bearhunter on January 30, 2011, 07:50:48 AM
Post by: Wea300mag on January 30, 2011, 09:01:18 AM
Post by: ribka on January 30, 2011, 09:34:13 AM
Dan check this filter bag out. Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter. This is what we used on our 9 day backcountry hunt in Wyoming this year. Its about the cheapest route to go and is extremely light. Its top rolls up like a dry bag which is basically what it is. You can stuff your clean sock, underwear, camera or anything in it that you dont want wet, then when you get to camp you unload it and fill with 2.6 gallons of water hang in a tree in the shade and have clean filter water to drink and makes a handy wash station as well because the output it slow so you can wash up and not use a ton of water. I personally think this is the absolute best system out there for shear light weight, packability and multitasking with it. Its cool because no one recommended it to me, just kind of stumbled upon it and absolutley love its multiple uses!!!
http://www.rei.com/product/737349 (http://www.rei.com/product/737349)
That is a great idea. Looking for something like that when I pack in.
I always use a filter or tablets. I caught giardia in N Quebec on a cariboo hunt. Wild and pristine area. Not worth takng the risk :twocents:
Post by: Machias on January 31, 2011, 08:19:01 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 01, 2011, 10:17:30 AM
Post by: danderson on February 06, 2011, 09:45:14 AM
Post by: timber tiger on February 26, 2011, 06:40:34 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 26, 2011, 06:45:26 PM
Post by: saylean on February 27, 2011, 09:03:29 AM
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 19, 2012, 05:29:36 AM
Tim
Post by: Miles on March 19, 2012, 05:43:38 AM
Thinking of all the water I drank while swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams growing up.... I'm not too worried about it. I can remember filling up my water bottle in a stream and not even thinking twice about it.
Post by: ICEMAN on March 19, 2012, 05:45:20 AM
Post by: brocka on March 19, 2012, 01:18:25 PM
Post by: JLS on March 19, 2012, 01:35:42 PM
I use a filter when I have it in my pack, but I have drank from a stream without using one and been fine.
Thinking of all the water I drank while swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams growing up.... I'm not too worried about it. I can remember filling up my water bottle in a stream and not even thinking twice about it.
To all who subscribe to this philosophy, be warned. I drank from many untreated water sources for many years with no incident. I thought I was immune to anything I could find. One good case of giardia changed my outlook about this considerably.
Katadyn Pro Hiker for me from now on.
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on March 19, 2012, 01:44:12 PM
After chugging through the woods for a while he ran across a stream. He tanked up and then headed up the creek. About 100 yrds upstream was a dead and decaying animal laying in the middle of the creek. He said that was the last time he drank out of creeks. Guess he wound up with a bad bout of intestinal distress after that day at work.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on March 19, 2012, 01:55:11 PM
Post by: hillbillyhunting on March 19, 2012, 02:01:34 PM
I am very tempted to get a steripen, but I have hesitated for two reasons. 1) Filters make the water taste better. I could filter a stagnant muskag and not think twice about drinking it, but with a steripen it would be hard to drink. 2) ther are lots of reviews indicating that the steripens are not reliable. I would not be happy if my pen stopped working 20 miles into the backcountry.
Post by: et1702 on March 19, 2012, 02:18:02 PM
Dan check this filter bag out. Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter. This is what we used on our 9 day backcountry hunt in Wyoming this year. Its about the cheapest route to go and is extremely light. Its top rolls up like a dry bag which is basically what it is. You can stuff your clean sock, underwear, camera or anything in it that you dont want wet, then when you get to camp you unload it and fill with 2.6 gallons of water hang in a tree in the shade and have clean filter water to drink and makes a handy wash station as well because the output it slow so you can wash up and not use a ton of water. I personally think this is the absolute best system out there for shear light weight, packability and multitasking with it. Its cool because no one recommended it to me, just kind of stumbled upon it and absolutley love its multiple uses!!!
http://www.rei.com/product/737349 (http://www.rei.com/product/737349)
REI is too expensive = 80 + shipping!
Amazon has the same one for $59 & free shipping.
BTW, filtered is my vote, but also carry pills if need to refill in the middle of nowhere (i.e., away from base camp)
ET
Post by: brocka on March 19, 2012, 04:32:03 PM
Post by: Bearhunter on March 19, 2012, 08:36:37 PM
Post by: hillbillyhunting on March 20, 2012, 09:12:39 AM
Rei may be expensive..... BUTTT you get 10% off because you will get it back the following year and if you dont like it or it breaks or anything else they will take it back or replace no matter what. Ive tried out gear and did not live up to my expectations and returned it with absolutely no guff, worth the extra to me :twocents:
Yeah REI is worth the little extra cost :twocents: You never have to deal with manufactures. They will take any of their products back no questions asked. I have gone through 4-5 packs after only buying one about 6 years ago. They have taken back a soft shell jacket with failed velcro on the sleeve after 2 solid years of use and they took back a $400 rain jacked with a rip in it. I hesitate to buy anything anywhere else because hunting is hard on equipment.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 20, 2012, 09:58:16 AM
-Steve
Post by: hirshey on March 20, 2012, 12:21:47 PM
Being a recipient of 'beaver fever' AKA Giardia, will change your mind on going without SOME kind of purification.
Yes! Better safe than sorry... if a water filter is going to bulk/weight you out you have other packing issues. :)
Post by: C-Money on March 20, 2012, 12:42:38 PM
Post by: JLS on March 20, 2012, 12:49:19 PM
Being a recipient of 'beaver fever' AKA Giardia, will change your mind on going without SOME kind of purification.
Yes! Better safe than sorry... if a water filter is going to bulk/weight you out you have other packing issues. :)
The giardia will definitely "lose" some bulk and weight for you.
Post by: KopperBuck on March 20, 2012, 12:54:25 PM
How often are you guys replacing the element? I can't find anything about how often you should.
Post by: hirshey on March 20, 2012, 12:55:20 PM
:chuckle:Being a recipient of 'beaver fever' AKA Giardia, will change your mind on going without SOME kind of purification.
Yes! Better safe than sorry... if a water filter is going to bulk/weight you out you have other packing issues. :)
The giardia will definitely "lose" some bulk and weight for you.
Post by: C-Money on March 20, 2012, 01:00:32 PM
Use the Katadyn as well. Good stuff. I carry tablets in my emergency kit just in case. Only in a last case scenario will I drink straight from the crick. Too many goodies in there.
How often are you guys replacing the element? I can't find anything about how often you should.
As long as you keep it clean, it will last a long time. A green scrubby pad from the kitchen will clean up the sediment after each use. One filter will last a year with moderate to heavy use, if you keep it clean.
Post by: hirshey on March 20, 2012, 01:08:50 PM
Agreed. Just like any piece of gear, cleaning really extends the life of the product. Do Katadyn filters also have the out-spout that pushes water out of the filter instead of through it if the filter is too dirty? Our old sweetwater does... kinda a nice dummy-proof way of knowing if you've pushed it too far.Use the Katadyn as well. Good stuff. I carry tablets in my emergency kit just in case. Only in a last case scenario will I drink straight from the crick. Too many goodies in there.
How often are you guys replacing the element? I can't find anything about how often you should.
As long as you keep it clean, it will last a long time. A green scrubby pad from the kitchen will clean up the sediment after each use. One filter will last a year with moderate to heavy use, if you keep it clean.
Post by: C-Money on March 20, 2012, 04:05:39 PM
Agreed. Just like any piece of gear, cleaning really extends the life of the product. Do Katadyn filters also have the out-spout that pushes water out of the filter instead of through it if the filter is too dirty? Our old sweetwater does... kinda a nice dummy-proof way of knowing if you've pushed it too far.Use the Katadyn as well. Good stuff. I carry tablets in my emergency kit just in case. Only in a last case scenario will I drink straight from the crick. Too many goodies in there.
How often are you guys replacing the element? I can't find anything about how often you should.
As long as you keep it clean, it will last a long time. A green scrubby pad from the kitchen will clean up the sediment after each use. One filter will last a year with moderate to heavy use, if you keep it clean.
The Water pretty much wont feed threw the filter if it is to dirty. You can feel a difference as you pump it threw, and you know its time to clean.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 20, 2012, 07:07:04 PM
The Water pretty much wont feed threw the filter if it is to dirty. You can feel a difference as you pump it threw, and you know its time to clean.
Agree'd... If you push a bleach solution through it after ever other trip or so, it'll last you a long time. Also, always use the pre-filter on the pickup tube. I'm going on three years on the same cartridge.
-Steve
Post by: wints13 on March 21, 2012, 01:10:31 PM
Post by: shanevg on March 21, 2012, 01:18:57 PM
Post by: elkpack on March 21, 2012, 10:30:09 PM
Post by: TangoU on March 21, 2012, 11:02:12 PM
I don't always filter though around the PNW. I have a couple of thoughts and personal rules about it. The faster the water is running and the higher the elevation the more likely the water is to be clean. For example, if I'm above tree line I won't filter. I'll actively or passively melt snow above tree line and drink it without filtering. If I can't find a spot where the water comes directly out of the ground and is moving I'll drink it without filtering. I filter everything outside the US and Canada.
I've swallowed so much water in places like Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, Lake Tapps, etc on accident after biting it while wake boarding, skiing, etc and I don't worry much about that. And that water is way messier than a stream high in the cascades.
-Allen
Post by: kalamasasquatch on March 22, 2012, 12:46:22 AM
I prefer to boil it when feasible. Otherwise, use a filter. Tablets are definitely space and weight efficient, but all those chems can't be good for you.
Stay away from the Steri Pen. Its a UV light you stick into water and the UV kills the bacteria's ability to breed. Great idea, but.. I tried a three day backcountry trip with it and it wouldn't work most of the time. I don't know if its because the water was cold or the cold kept sucking the batteries dead. Either way, I took it back to REI and never looked back. It almost ruined the trip.
I was having the same problem with my steri-pen, i talked to them and they told me what happens is that fresh melt water can be so pure that there is very little conductivity for the sensors to sense it is in water. they said if i run into that again to add something to the water like E-mergency to give the water some conductivity. tried it and it worked....... love my pen!
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on March 22, 2012, 05:47:45 AM
Post by: danderson on March 22, 2012, 06:27:41 AM
Post by: hillbillyhunting on March 22, 2012, 07:21:02 AM
I won't buy anything from REI, bunch of :tree1:
I see your point and I am not responding to this to defend REI, but couldnt all of us on here who voice opinion about how to manage resources be considered tree huggers. Just a thought. I know I could be seen as a tree hugger just based on the fact that I am passionate about our natural resources. :dunno:
Post by: netcoyote on March 22, 2012, 08:50:45 AM
Quote
QuoteI won't buy anything from REI, bunch of :tree1:
I see your point and I am not responding to this to defend REI, but couldnt all of us on here who voice opinion about how to manage resources be considered tree huggers. Just a thought. I know I could be seen as a tree hugger just based on the fact that I am passionate about our natural resources. :dunno:
I agree with hillbillyhunting. There is much more to be gained by looking at our common interests as outdoorsmen, that to fall for the trap of decisiveness which politicians love to get us into. I used to shop at REI a lot when I was doing a lot of mountain climbing. Bought a majority of my gear from them. During my climbing trips I met a lot of people from all walks of life and political views. Doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, construction workers, journalists, teachers, etc. Most of the time we didn't talk much about jobs since we were all focused on the objective of reaching a summit. I thought it was a good environment to sort of "cross-pollinate" ideas. It worked well until someone decided to get into a political battle, but that was few and far between.
So, back to the water purification....For many years I used only purification tablets or an iodine solution. The water tasted like crap but the method was effective and I never carried a bulky and heavy filter device. On a trip to Argentina, we both filtered water and then treated it with iodine because of the high risk of pathogens.
Now I travel without my ropes, crampons and climbing gear and carry a rifle and game dressing gear. I figure I have room for a filter so I have been using a small PUR filter for the last few years.
FWIW...the BEST water I ever drank was directly out of a stream coming down off of a two day climb of the North Ridge of Mt Stuart. I was so thirsty I was willing to gamble any bad juju that might come my way.
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on March 22, 2012, 10:37:48 AM
Post by: hillbillyhunting on March 22, 2012, 10:44:25 AM
Post by: JLS on March 22, 2012, 10:49:41 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on March 22, 2012, 12:51:41 PM
I shop at REI, and when I'm looking for hunting gear I tell them specifically what it will be for. I've never been treated disrespectfully as a result.
:yeah:
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 22, 2012, 01:00:15 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on March 22, 2012, 01:30:49 PM
I've never been treated disrespectfully as a result.
:yeah:
Once upon a time I was shopping for a fanny pack for my girlfriend. The salesman straight from PC central came over to help. When he saw what I was looking for, he told me that I really wanted a "lumbar pack" because fanny packs went in the front. I replied that fanny was another word for ass, and they all went in the back. I was then told that he found my language offensive.
I could only say that he kind of had his head up his fanny if he thought that was offensive.
I was able to shop alone without bothersome salespeople for the rest of the day
Post by: CoachNemo on March 22, 2012, 01:52:43 PM
Post by: brocka on March 22, 2012, 03:59:34 PM
Post by: William B. on March 22, 2012, 08:10:13 PM
Post by: William B. on March 22, 2012, 08:19:39 PM
Post by: 7mag. on March 22, 2012, 09:18:52 PM
Dan check this filter bag out. Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter. This is what we used on our 9 day backcountry hunt in Wyoming this year. Its about the cheapest route to go and is extremely light. Its top rolls up like a dry bag which is basically what it is. You can stuff your clean sock, underwear, camera or anything in it that you dont want wet, then when you get to camp you unload it and fill with 2.6 gallons of water hang in a tree in the shade and have clean filter water to drink and makes a handy wash station as well because the output it slow so you can wash up and not use a ton of water. I personally think this is the absolute best system out there for shear light weight, packability and multitasking with it. Its cool because no one recommended it to me, just kind of stumbled upon it and absolutley love its multiple uses!!!
http://www.rei.com/product/737349 (http://www.rei.com/product/737349)
That's what I use, and it works very well. Once I took a collapsible water jug with me, and would fill the Katadyn before going to bed, letting it drain into the jug. 2.5 gallons of nice drinking water waiting in the morning.
Post by: mazama on March 23, 2012, 08:06:37 PM
Post by: BLUEBULLS on March 23, 2012, 09:28:41 PM
For me the space and weight savings is worth using tabs over a purifier.
What are the other cons you've found with tablets?
Post by: archery288 on March 23, 2012, 09:43:02 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on March 23, 2012, 10:19:14 PM
I can't believe more people don't use tablets. I imagine the main reason is taste???? I've found that if you rinse your container before you add tablets each time, the taste is almost non-existant as long as you use the white tabs. I never put them directly in my bladder, I pack 2 empty 20oz bottles for purifying.
For me the space and weight savings is worth using tabs over a purifier.
What are the other cons you've found with tablets?
No filtration, a bit of a wait for the water (and it warms up by then in summer ), also the flavor. Just bad experiences as a youth.
Post by: deerslyr on March 23, 2012, 11:50:17 PM
I picked up a steri pen last year.. Ultra violet light that kills the bacteria. Works like a charm! I also carry a few tablets as backup..
That is where its at right now. Almost as small and light as tablets with out the taste. No sense in carrying a filter these days.
Post by: CoachNemo on March 24, 2012, 10:02:19 AM
Post by: JLS on March 24, 2012, 10:27:36 PM
Also, I don't like waiting a half hour or more for my water to be safe. Sometime when you end up good and dehydrated, you'll go ahead and drink it and end up with beaver fever. Don't ask me how I know.
Post by: bowhunterty on March 27, 2012, 09:00:50 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on April 10, 2012, 08:19:39 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 11, 2012, 07:08:59 AM
Six pages in and nobody's mentioned Aqua Mira? It's a two-part chem treatment that takes a couple of minutes of sitting after mixing then another five minutes of sitting in the water before being ready to drink. But it's very light and there is no after taste. It was the choice of most thru-hikers a few years ago when I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, which should tell you something about effectiveness and light weight.pretty sure that falls under tablets... :dunno:
Post by: timberghost72 on April 27, 2012, 07:52:29 PM
Post by: CoachNemo on April 30, 2012, 01:11:54 PM