Just wondering what you all do for water. I have a Katadyn pro and plan on using that a lot.
I used a MSR Sweetwater Microfilter last year in the Colorado mountains and liked it a lot. :thumbsup:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Sticks I feel you have one of the best water purifiers its what I use.
Kathadyn base camp for this guy. If I were buying new I'd also take a look at the sawyer squeeze jobs.
I used a MSR autoflow in the Quetico a few weeks back. It provided water for 6 of us with no problems at all.
My katadyn has not failed me.
I have the PUR/Katadyn Hiker microfilter and have used it a lot. However, my past few hunts, I simply use the sweetwater purification tabs. Mostly to save weight in my pack. If you get the kind that can be neutralized, the water tastes just fine.
Thanks everyone I have used my katadyn several times and like iot a lot.
I have used the Katadyn tablets, much lighter to carry. Ounces=Pounds!
I have been using a Sweetwater for about 12 years (use it about every other year on an elk hunt) with no complaints. Works well and reasonably priced.
Since you have a great filter already...
But I use a Steripen. Way smaller, lighter and never clogs. I stopped carrying a filter altogether and now all my buddys use one too after they watched me sterilize my water faster with a smaller unit.
Always top up when you can- your path may not include that "next" water source- even if you "think" it will.
Joshua
I've been using the MSR Sweetwater filter for many years with no problems. This year I switched to a Platypus GravityWorks water filter. Much less effort to use and so far it's been problem free.
I use a Sawyer 3-way inline gravity filter with a cheap collapsible jug from Wally world.
We used the Katadyn Pro. Worked great
Had tablets as backup
QuoteOriginally posted by Numunuu:
I have used the Katadyn tablets, much lighter to carry. Ounces=Pounds!
Tablets, for the most part, are to be used as a last source alternative (not all that safe for ones body) and filtration should be your main source for water. Tablets in an emergency is what a survival class will tell you.
Any outdoor store carries several filters, big name brands being better to get filters years down the road. I have a First Need I have had for 20 years and can still get the filters for it.
QuoteTablets, for the most part, are to be used as a last source alternative (not all that safe for ones body) and filtration should be your main source for water. Tablets in an emergency is what a survival class will tell you.
I would like to see the data showing that tablets/drops are not safe, and that filtration should be the main source. Most municipalities chlorinate water supplies.
In fact, our province still recommends the "four drops/litre" bleach method for water purification when water advisories are given.
http://www.glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com/katadyn-micropur-purification-tablets.html
There are thousands of threads on the tablets, I have never seen anyone suggest using them as your main source for water, here is a thread mentioning water PH and temperature and tablet use
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml
Do what you want, it's just my opinion and what I was taught. Clorine in municiple water supplies is monitored and tested, there is no testing after you drop a tablet into a container and wait 4 hours to drink it. Filtered water can be consumed immediately. Just trying to help out here.
op did not indicate if he would be out multiple days.
if so, my msr for sure.
but for day hunting, i prefer to just lug my 96oz. bladder, with nasty but safe iodine tabs for backup.
i think my msr is called the "stinkwater", but i am often wrong.
joe
I have the Katadyn hiker and it works well. A word of caution: Be careful when removing the hose from the plastic outlet barb. I broke mine off on the first day of a 3 day backpacking trip but fortunately had iodine for an emergency back up. They have excellent customer service and replaced the damaged body of the unit very quickly free of charge.
I use the steripen adventure and the tablets worked well for me last year so I will be using them again
nope. not stinkwater.
mini- works.
don't reckon msr will be calling me for marketing advice.
joe
Water? Purifiers. tablets? You have to have a water source to use such. We do not have many, so we carry our water. Heavy, but necessary
20 yr old PUR still doing a great job!
Sweet-water for me, going on 20 years now. Pumps a lot of water in a short amount of time. Cleans easy. The only thing I don't like is the weight. But the trade off is a good one in my mind.
I worked in water treatment for years inspecting municipal systems and pretty much do what is required for them. I filter (there are many good ones) and then add a couple drops of bleach (unscented of course, 2 drops per quart). I personally would never use the steripen or tablets alone.
QuoteDo what you want, it's just my opinion and what I was taught. Clorine in municiple water supplies is monitored and tested, there is no testing after you drop a tablet into a container and wait 4 hours to drink it. Filtered water can be consumed immediately. Just trying to help out here.
Rich, i was that annoying kid at the back of the class going "why?" and "why not?" all of the time. The curse of curiosity.
When i hear a statment given as a fact, i always wonder the source. Clarifiying it as your opinion helps.
The new generation of water purification tabs take 1/2 hour to potability, and are not iodine based (no risk to thyroid).
My friend and his family used the tablets extensively in West Africa when they lived there for a year (he is an MD), and he was the one who pointed them out to me upon his return.
I camp next to creeks and boil much of the water I drink. I boil a lot in camp at night for my food, coffee, etc., and fill my canteen as well. Use iodine tablets when I have to pull water from a stream/seep to drink.
I too worked in the water purification business for 37 years before retiring. There are several acceptable methods for making water potable.
Ultra-filtration works (especially reverse osmosis) as does Ultra-Violet disinfection and chemical disinfection.
The most common problem in the mountain west would probably be parasites (chrypto, giardia, etc.). While UV will not necessarily kill 100% of all parasites, it will render them unable to reproduce... effectively preventing illness from ingestion.
Most potable water plants (with either underground sources OR surface water sources) use "all of the above" methods.
Bottom line for me? I've used both the PUR filtering system (now Katadyn) AND tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets. Coleman is one retailer of such tablets. They also sell a follow up treatment tablet that is basically ascorbic acid which neutralizes (removes the residual treatment chemical) the taste and smell of the disinfectant.
I prefer the tablets as I have more confidence in the chemical reaction than a physical filter.
In the streams I have used as a water supply, parasites are my only concern. I also add tang or gatorade powdered drink mix as I like the added flavor anyway.
Whichever method you use should suffice.
Good info here and an opportunity to research down to a procedure in which one has confidence. Thanks, all. We still carry much of our water and seldom go out for 3days without 50 gallons in the truck.
There is gigantic feedback on Steripen use on the web, over time and often in sketchy areas.
If you do your part and don't get sloppy with your method they are as safe as anything out there.
The downside is the psychological part- you pretty much have to have faith that it works, there is no taste difference like some tabs, no filter you see water coming out of, nothing to tell you its safe but a light in some water for a measured period of time.
J-
tablets or boiled tea... it doesn't take long and its a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You actually don't have to heat it for long before you're ready to go. If you have a thermometer you don't even have to get it to a boil. It takes the same amount of time to filter as is does to make tea (think herbal). It always tastes great - even cold and the extra bottle of fuel I carry weighs the same as a filter. (think dual purpose).
no clogs or worries with x contamination.
Tablets are fine in a pinch. The modern ones are great and fast acting but still not my favorite.