[pct-l] Sweet Water Filter

[Montedodge@aol.com]

I use to think only panzies used water filters. After hiking 20 plus years
without one , it finally  caught up with me in St. Helens National Monument.
Now I use the sweet water filter, here in Washington, water is rarely carried
unless climbing a peak as there is plenty below tree line.  I take the outlet
hose and pump water straight into my gut. No need to have any special bottles
to use with this filter. ( pop bottles are great ) Also has a special pre-
filter you can buy to filter silty mountain runoff water when climbing. I,m
happy with this filter.       Also early Sierra thu-hikers might check out the
MSR snowshoes with 22 inch length. They have good crampon fangs up front plus
side cleats for traversing. I used crampons on my trip and wasn,t sorry , but
around 11 am , I did start breaking through the crust and had to post hole. I
would have sure liked a cheap pair of snowshoes then! The crampons are great
in mourning passes but then are removed as things thaw out. When the sun hits,
the MSR,s would be good. The shoes weigh 4 pounds per pair. ps. The bakery at
Stehekin is still just as good as ever!
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