Re: [ft-l] Central Florida FTA Meeting - Gear, gear and more gear...

So far I've resisted using the hydration systems because I was concerned about
the sanitation.   The bags would seem to be an excellent place for the growth of
bacteria -- damp, warm, etc. -- especially between hikes.  Is this a problem or
am I overly picky??

Diane



D_Blick wrote:

> I didn't like the idea of putting raw water into my hydration system (I use
> the Gregory Hydrocell.)  So with some ideas from another list I've made a
> gravity-feed filter system.
>
> The ingrediants are: a Sweetwater Anywhere in-line filter, a Platypus
> Big-Zip 2-Liter Hoser system (a 4-liter would be better for times when water
> is a distance from the campsite but raises total weight 2-3 oz), a platypus
> hose-to-filter connector (optional if using water bottles rather than
> hydration bladders) and an old stuff sack.
>
> To assemble: Place the Big-Zip into the stuff sack and cut a hole in the
> bottom corner of the sack for the hose to run through. Cut the hose approx.
> in half and insert the in-line filter - the clear end goes towards the
> Big-Zip.  Attach hose-to-filter connector nipple into free end of hose.
>
> To use: Fill Big-Zip with raw water at water source (use bandana to filter
> out big junk if needed and add iodine if you like).  Carry back to campsite
> in stuff sack.  Hang stuff sack from tree, picnic table or other convenient
> place.  Attach cap at end of hose to another platypus or just insert hose
> end into water bottle.  Sit back and watch it fill.  Fills a 1-liter
> platypus in about 1 minute.
>
> Advantages: No pumping, gives you a water carrying bag, gives you an extra
> water baldder for when water stops are far apart, and weighs 7-8 oz total,
> saving about 1/2 lb over a pump filter.  One thing to watch for if filling
> bladders - remove all air from the bladder before attaching cap and remove
> cap before entirely full or water + air in bladder can actually blow a hole
> in the bladder.  Or - just thought of this - drill a tiny air hole in the
> cap.
>
> BTW, all the pieces-parts were a birthday present from my hiking partner -
> Flamingo, aka Pam Glass.  A nice Christmas gift for the hiker on your list.
> The down side is, since she saved me 1/2 lb of pack weight, I'm now
> responsible for filtering water for the both of us  :-)
>
> Cricket
>
> >
> > The Sweetwater Inline filter was also shown with emphasis on the Platypus
> > Water Hydration System.  Many people are now catching onto the idea of
> using
> > a water bag with an inline filter.  It's easy to use and lightweight.  I
> > just wish the Platypus water bags didn't cost so much....  I'll just stick
> > to my Sweetwater Filter Bottle.
> >
>
> * From the Florida Trail Mailing List | http://www.backcountry.net *

* From the Florida Trail Mailing List | http://www.backcountry.net *

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