[pct-l] water filter/purifier?

[AaronD at Cadwell.com (Aaron Doss)]

We (wife and I) are really not into chemically treated water, we tried
using Aquamira but didn't like it. Other chemicals which taste stronger
like chlorine and iodine are out of the question.  The biggest problem
we have is with taste and the second problem is convenience, waiting
half an hour for the chemicals to work is too long.  We like to get to a
water source, camel up, fill our bottles and leave.  The other problem
we have is with health issues, spending 5 months drinking a liquid which
kills microorganisms is not good for your intestinal flora; especially
when your digestive system will need to be at peak efficiency.

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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