[pct-l] Water filter

[JSmithFam@aol.com (JSmithFam@aol.com)]

       Someone mentioned maybe getting a PUR water filter and I just couldn't 
resist a comment.  
       We carried a PUR Hiker on our 2001 thru-hike.  We used it to regularly 
filter water for two and were careful to not subject it to murky water...we 
boiled that stuff.  The filter cartridge was advertised to filter ~800 liters 
(depending on water conditions), but we never achieved that, and we filtered 
only clear looking water through it.  After <200 liters the filter would get 
hard to pump and then...pop...the plastic outside casing would crack shooting 
water 10 feet off to the side.  Duct tape was used regularly on the hike for 
a variety of functions, but it was used the most repairing the water filter.  
We carried the 1-800 number for all pertinent equipment manufactures and the 
only one we needed to call was PuR.  I wasn't impressed with their product, 
but their service help department was great.  They shipped us a total of 
three new casings during the course of the hike.  And yes, we did 
occasionally replace the filter cartridge, but not one made it to the 250 
liter mark. We also meet other thru-hikers with similar experiences...they 
were happy to get the 1-800 number. 
       If I had to do it over again I'd consider a MSR (filter) or maybe Aqua 
Mira (drops)...we saw both used on the trail with good reviews.  We'll see if 
that holds up to the scrutiny of the folks on this list...
             http://www.ldpcampingfoods.com/Aquamira.htm
             http://www.tomsbackcountrystore.com/filtersg.html
Jerry


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