Water Purification Methods...

[Thirsty_River]

What do you use to filter water? Need help in my new purchase...

[_terrapin_]

You'll get 100 different opinions, and that's all they are... opinions. Why base your choice on what others think? Why not read up and decide for yourself?

For what it's worth, I'd recommend a read of Chapter 13 of "Long Distance Hiking" by Roland Mueser. Some interesting conclusions there. In any case, the book is a classic and I'd recommend it to anyone considering a thru-hike or long section hike on the A.T.

[ChinMusic]

I prefer Steripen (with Micropur tablets as a backup) when I know the water sources will be relatively clear, like the AT or out west. For areas around where I live, where I am using lake or creek water, I use a filter (with Micropur tablets as a backup).

[Two Speed]

Uhh, I'm gonna need to be able to select three methods 'cuz I change my approach depending on the hike, location and the nature of the water source. Sometimes I use a filter, sometimes I go chemical and some water I just drink without treatment.

[Seeker]

Aqua Mira drops replaced my filter on backpacking trips a few years ago (I still keep it for canoing though). Weight was the biggest factor (3oz, vs 15-17 for many filters). Some people claim there's an aftertaste, but i don't taste it. YMMV. Some people don't like to wait 5 minutes to mix parts A and B, and then wait 15 more minutes for it to work. I'm seldom in that big a hurry. Polar Pur would be another option i'd explore, especially for a long-distance hike (cheaper).

[Almost There]

Haven't filtered the last two years, except from a mudpuddle up at Beauty Spot. That being said, if the wife goes out with me, I think I'm gonna get a Steripen. I'll risk the Revenge, but if the little lady gets sick following my example, once again it will be my behind that ends up suffering!:eek:

[russb]

Uhh, I'm gonna need to be able to select three methods 'cuz I change my approach depending on the hike, location and the nature of the water source. Sometimes I use a filter, sometimes I go chemical and some water I just drink without treatment.


I use multiple methods (or none) depending on the source too.

[gold bond]

I normally use a pump type filter. I have since tried the Aqua Mira drops. I went to our local paint store and purchased a paint "net" that is used for straining paint to get the bubbles out and any real small trash. I slide it over the mouth of what ever bottle I am using when getting water.

I am however goint to purchase a Steri Pen! Hiked some this year with a couple that used one and was pretty impressed.

Whatever you do try it for awhile at home or on day hikes to make sure that it works well for you! Opinions are nice but whatever it is has to work for you!

[Cannibal]

I've used a SteriPen for the last year and really like it.

[sheepdog]

I am a big fan of the Steri-Pen. I used it a lot last summer and had no problems. I also always carry micro pur tabs as a backup. I had to use iodine once when a filter broke. They are nasty.

[bigboots]

Theres a reason why the pump/filter has the bigsest line....
Just MHO of course!

Bigboots

[SlowLightTrek]

I used a hiker-pro last year. The bad water still tasted bad. If i was to hike it again I would go with steri-pen or chemical. Probably bleach.

[bigboots]

I used a hiker-pro last year. The bad water still tasted bad. If i was to hike it again I would go with steri-pen or chemical. Probably bleach.

I'd gladly take the bad water taste over the chemical taste, I drink enough chemically altered water right here in my house, don't need it on the trail too. The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Bigboots

[SlowLightTrek]

I'd gladly take the bad water taste over the chemical taste, I drink enough chemically altered water right here in my house, don't need it on the trail too. The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Bigboots

Yea but then u gotta carry extra drink mix, which gets old after awhile. I never ran into much 'bad' water. Some of the water in New Jersey and New York is pond runoff, which has algae growth in it. Not to metion it plugs filters fast.

[ChinMusic]

The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Crystal Light - Peach Ice Tea is my mix of choice. I haven't tired of it yet.

[Bob S]

I use a Katadyn Hiker filter or the Thermette (Boiling.) I use a coffee filter on both to pre-filter. I know the Katadyn has a pre-filter, (I wrap the coffee filter around it) but it’s easier to just replace the coffee filter then to back-flush the pre-filter.

[turtle fast]

I use my General Ecology First Need purifier...it takes care of the little nasty critters and viruses too!! It also removes pesticides and other impurities..I have found it improves the water taste too. Yes it has some weight, but that is the cost of fresh water, when pumped is still cool and refreshing with no chemical taste. I also boil in camp, also use micro pur as a backup if needed.

[Pokey2006]

I used iodine for six weeks in Nepal, and the one and only time I got sick was from dinner in a restaurant. That water was nasty! Not safe at all, not even out of the tap. So the fact that the iodine kept my from being sick has made me a huge fan of the stuff. Plus it's cheap and lightweight.

I also use a squeezable filter bottle. Very convenient for scooping up water as you hike. I'm surprised they're not more popular.

[tech30528]

I came here looking for advice in selecting a filter pump, and I guess I got it.

I have a Katadyn Hiker pump. Love it. Have used it for YEARS with no problems. I just went to order a replacement filter for it, and the filter (same as for the Hiker Pro) costs ten less than the whole pump. Never had any problem with the pump, but I don't use a bladder anymore. Instead I carry 2 20 oz. disposable sport bottles. I like right at the southern base of the Appalachians, and water is plentiful, so I rarely carry more than 30 ounces. And with a bladder, you never know how much is left unless you remove your pack and pull the bladder out to check. The disposables fit in the two side mesh pockets on the outside of my pack, and I always know how much I have.

So I thought maybe I would go to a filter bottle instead. But here is the catch: The pump can be used in very shallow water. VERY shallow. I've dug a pocket 2 inches deep at the base of a weeping cliff wall and filled my bottles. Just let the silt clear, hold the prefilter bulb in place with a rock, and pump slowly. That won't work with a bottle.

So I'm going to spend the extra $20 and upgrade to the Katadyn Pro. Same weight and filter as the Hiker, but the pump is a double action and pumps twice as fast, which cuts down on time dealing with bugs in summer time. So there you have it. Thank you, and you are welcome.

Oh, and never assume water is OK to drink without filtering. It may be clear, cold and sweet, but that doesn't mean there is not a dead raccoon laying in the stream up around the next bend.

[garlic08]

Aqua Mira is pretty popular among thru hikers and it's not an option on your poll. It's what I carry most of the time, but seldom use. All those dead animals I keep hearing about have not made me sick yet.

Just because most people who respond to a WB poll use a certain piece of gear doesn't mean it's best for you. I know a lot of people who drink too much, even more who overeat and are fat, and many smokers. These people have made decisions for themselves and I'll make my own.

[MikenSalem]

I always used Aquamira and I never minded the wait... till I used Summit's Steripen. I have a Steripen coming in the mail as i write. 90 seconds is all it takes. dip, swirl and drink. 20 minutes is a long time to fight the skeeters.. for one liter of water..

[snaplok]

Another First Need filter user here. I was torn between the XL and finding another gravity filter system like the Aquamira Frontier Pro, until I saw a youtube video on something being sucked thru the 5 micron prefilter mesh on the First Need, growing for 3 days in the filter and coming out during a backwash. That sold me on the XL completely.

[Connie]

I selected Other.

I like the gravity-feed system.

I use the Platypus Big Zip SL for the "dirty bag" and the plusBottle for the "clean" because I like the easier clean out of the Big Zip SL and the plusBottle goes into the PlusBottle Holster, and I use the plusBottle for wash-up like in the Jason Klass video.

I have two plusBottles, I like them so much.

I do use the I use the Sawyer in-line water filter, because it is rated for more uses than using a gravity-feed system with Aquamira® Frontier Pro™ Water Filter that weights a little less.

I give my gear a lot of use.

I want it durable and convenient for me.

I like the gravity-feed system for a number of reasons.

I get "double-duty" out of the water bags: filter water, carry water.

I like to "prefilter" silt out, before the water gets into the "dirty bag".

I also like the convenience of the gravity-feed system, either while I am setting up the camp or, if not freezing weather, overnight for water in the morning.

I still boil water, whenever I can make the time.

I do not like chemical additives. That said, I will use Aqua Mira after I "prefilter".

I am considering the mÜV (http://www.uvaquastar.com/skins/2008Style/standard2.aspx?elid=249&plk=76) over the SteriPen for "fast-packing".

[Mr. Underhill]

I use a filter with iodine backup (which I never had to use). I watch my guidebooks and time of year to see how much to carry. When water's plentiful, I just keep one 20 oz bottle. When the next source is uncertain, I'll fill 2 bottles. I like to use something like the gatorade crystals for flavor. Seems like I drink a bit more when I do.

[mweinstone]

i drink from every source straight from my dirty hand. and filter when i must.

[Toolshed]

I carry an MSR waterworks oe miniworks (Cannot recall specifically) I like that it is field maintainable, simplistic to operate and hase given me trouble free performance for around 12 years.
Each spring I pull from storage and completely dissamble, check all the o-rings and relube with silicon grease. scrube the filter element as well as the housing. I have had to replace the hoses once, so far.

I know it is kinda heavy at a pound and doesn't pump as fast as other newer pumps, but it ain't broke and does a great job of giving me decent water...
If I had unlimited income, I would consider a newer more efficient pump but right now that's not important....

[jbwood5]

I came here looking for advice in selecting a filter pump, and I guess I got it.

I have a Katadyn Hiker pump. Love it. Have used it for YEARS with no problems. I just went to order a replacement filter for it, and the filter (same as for the Hiker Pro) costs ten less than the whole pump. Never had any problem with the pump, but I don't use a bladder anymore. Instead I carry 2 20 oz. disposable sport bottles. I like right at the southern base of the Appalachians, and water is plentiful, so I rarely carry more than 30 ounces. And with a bladder, you never know how much is left unless you remove your pack and pull the bladder out to check. The disposables fit in the two side mesh pockets on the outside of my pack, and I always know how much I have.

So I thought maybe I would go to a filter bottle instead. But here is the catch: The pump can be used in very shallow water. VERY shallow. I've dug a pocket 2 inches deep at the base of a weeping cliff wall and filled my bottles. Just let the silt clear, hold the prefilter bulb in place with a rock, and pump slowly. That won't work with a bottle.

So I'm going to spend the extra $20 and upgrade to the Katadyn Pro. Same weight and filter as the Hiker, but the pump is a double action and pumps twice as fast, which cuts down on time dealing with bugs in summer time. So there you have it. Thank you, and you are welcome.

Oh, and never assume water is OK to drink without filtering. It may be clear, cold and sweet, but that doesn't mean there is not a dead raccoon laying in the stream up around the next bend.

I concur with the pump being very handy when water is just trickling. There have been several times I could not get water (of any significant amount) into a bottle by dipping or daming, but with a filter you can suck up amounts and get clean water into a container. I use the same filter with Micro-Pur backup tablets.

[Raul Perez]

Aqua mira drops or my MSR Sweet Water micro filter

[daltontr]

I use the MSR Miox. Yes, it's expensive, but it does the job.

[Moose2001]

Aqua Mira is pretty popular among thru hikers and it's not an option on your poll. It's what I carry most of the time, but seldom use. All those dead animals I keep hearing about have not made me sick yet.

Just because most people who respond to a WB poll use a certain piece of gear doesn't mean it's best for you. I know a lot of people who drink too much, even more who overeat and are fat, and many smokers. These people have made decisions for themselves and I'll make my own.

Garlic - I so agree. How to handle your water is one of the most personal decisions a hiker has to make. However, there seems to be a lot of "follow the leader" and misinformation passed around. I've been suggesting hikers check out this CDC website on Backcountry Water Treatment. It talks about the pros and cons of most of the common options

http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html

Here's the quick and dirty (sorry....no pun intended) from the webpage

•Protozoa - Cryptosporidium
◦Potential health effects from ingestion of water contaminated with Cryptosporidium are:
■Gastrointestinal illness (for example, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
◦Sources of Cryptosporidium in drinking water are:
■Human and animal fecal waste.
◦Methods that may remove some or all of Cryptosporidium from drinking water are:
■Boiling (Rolling boil for 1 minute) has a very high effectiveness in killing Cryptosporidium;
■Filtration has a high effectiveness in removing Cryptosporidium when using an absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter);
■Disinfection with iodine or chlorine is not effective in killing Cryptosporidium;
■Disinfection with chlorine dioxide has a low to moderate effectiveness in killing Cryptosporidium;
■Combination filtration and disinfection has a very high effectiveness in removing and killing Cryptosporidium when used with chlorine dioxide and an absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter).
•Protozoa - Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia)
◦Potential health effects from ingestion of water contaminated with Giardia are:
■Gastrointestinal illness (for example, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
◦Sources of Giardia in drinking water are:
■Human and animal fecal waste.
◦Methods that may remove some or all of Giardia from drinking water are:
■Boiling (Rolling boil for 1 minute) has a very high effectiveness in killing Giardia;
■Filtration has a high effectiveness in removing Giardia when using an absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter);
■Disinfection with iodine or chlorine has a low to moderate effectiveness in killing Giardia;
■Disinfection with chlorine dioxide has a high effectiveness in killing Giardia;
■Combination filtration and disinfection has a very high effectiveness in removing and killing Giardia when used with chlorine dioxide and an absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter).
•Bacteria - (for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli)
◦Potential health effects from ingestion of water contaminated with bacteria are:
■Gastrointestinal illness (for example, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
◦Sources of bacteria in drinking water are:
■Human and animal fecal waste.
◦Methods that may remove some or all of bacteria from drinking water are:
■Boiling (Rolling boil for 1 minute) has a very high effectiveness in killing bacteria;
■Filtration has a moderate effectiveness in removing bacteria when using an absolute less than or equal to 0.3 micron filter;
■Disinfection with iodine or chlorine has a high effectiveness in killing bacteria;
■Disinfection with chlorine dioxide has a high effectiveness in killing bacteria;
■Combination filtration and disinfection has a very high effectiveness in removing and killing bacteria when used with iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide and an absolute less than or equal to 0.3 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter).
•Viruses - (for example, enterovirus, hepatitis A, norovirus, rotavirus)
◦Potential health effects from ingestion of water contaminated with viruses are:
■Gastrointestinal illness (for example, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps), hepatitis, meningitis.
◦Sources of viruses in drinking water are:
■Human and animal fecal waste.
◦Methods that may remove some or all of viruses from drinking water are:
■Boiling (Rolling boil for 1 minute minimum) has a very high effectiveness in killing viruses;
■Filtration is not effective in removing viruses;
■Disinfection with iodine or chlorine has a high effectiveness in killing viruses;
■Disinfection with chlorine dioxide has a high effectiveness in killing viruses;
■Disinfection has a high effectiveness in killing viruses when used with iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide.

Things to Remember


Please remember that:

•Boiling can be used as a pathogen reduction method that should kill all pathogens. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute. At altitudes greater than 6,562 feet (greater than 2000 meters), you should boil water for 3 minutes.
•Filtration can be used as a pathogen reduction method against most microorganisms, depending on the pore size of the filter, amount of the contaminant, particle size of the contaminant, and charge of the contaminant particle. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed. More information on selecting an appropriate water filter can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/crypto/gen_info/filters.html. Only filters that contain a chemical disinfectant matrix will be effective against some viruses.
•Disinfection can be used as a pathogen reduction method against microorganisms. However, contact time, disinfectant concentration, water temperature, water turbidity (cloudiness), water pH, and many other factors can impact the effectiveness of chemical disinfection. The length of time and concentration of disinfectant varies by manufacturer and effectiveness of pathogen reduction depends on the product. Depending on these factors, 100% effectiveness may not be achieved. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
•If boiling water is not possible, a combination of filtration and chemical disinfection is the most effective pathogen reduction method in drinking water for backcountry or travel use. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
Other treatment methods can be effective against some of the above pathogens:

•Ultraviolet Light (UV Light) can be used as a pathogen reduction method against some microorganisms. The technology requires effective prefiltering due to its dependence on low water turbidity (cloudiness), the correct power delivery, and correct contact times to achieve maximum pathogen reduction. UV might be an effective method in pathogen reduction in backcountry water; there is a lack of independent testing data available on specific systems. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
•MIOX® systems use a salt solution to create mixed oxidants, primarily chlorine. Chlorine has a low to moderate effectiveness in killing Giardia, and a high effectiveness in killing bacteria and viruses. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
Important: Water that has been disinfected with iodine is NOT recommended for pregnant women, people with thyroid problems, those with known hypersensitivity to iodine, or continuous use for more than a few weeks at a time.

[peakbagger]

Aquamira for me, if the water is silty or has a lot of solids, I usually decant it first by pouring it in a pot, letting it sit and then carefully pouring off the upper 3/4's of the pot into my water bottle then treating if with AQ. If it still looks nasty, I may even repeat. If its got a lot of color, I double the dose.

[StorminMormon]

I haven't read all the posts on this thread, but I purchased the Polar Pure Iodine Crystal bottle earlier this year. It works, and there's very little taste...but, it can kind of be difficult to use while backpacking. It basically takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to use. I won't bore you with the instructions (they're online and easy to follow), but if you run out of water (which I did) and have to wait an additional 80 minutes to treat your water. It's the worst feeling. I have since switched over to the aquamira A and B drops. Very light, very small, and unless you are using a REALLY good water filter (sorry Katadyn users - you don't fall into this category) you are getting a much safer drink after using aquamira then you are with a filter.

The only filter I would trust over aquamira is the LifeSaver bottle. It filters down to 0.15 microns. Not 15 microns, mind you, but 0.15 microns.

[SMSP]

I have an Katadyn Hiker Pro and Aquamira as a back-up.

SMSP

[theinfamousj]

I just want to point out that Polar Pure is Iodine, so you have two choices for the same option, in the poll. And none for Chlorine Dioxide which is Aqua Mira (mix on the trail) or Micropur (tablets).

I started out using iodine in the form of Polar Pure, but being the chemist that I am, quickly switched to Aqua Mira. Not only do I get to see the chemical reaction in progress (on a cold day you can actually see the heat coming off of the reaction) as the chlorine dioxide is made, but it also is one of the treatment chemicals used in my local municipal water treatment center.

It is moderately effective against crypto and highly effective against giardia. Iodine ranks a "low" in effective against both of these. It is also lighter than a filter, which gets clogged in the lab (our 1 micron ceramic disk filters) so I can only imagine would be a PITA when there is a real contaminant to worry about.

[Sir-Packs-Alot]

I - like some of the others that have responded - adapt to type of hike to select what I do to treat my water. If I was a thru-hiker it'd definetely be using Aqua Mira drops - if it were a shorter hike at times of good water a steri-pen - if it were warm weather / not a thru-hiker / undependable water at times (like Georgia-my neck of the woods) I'd use a dependable, easy to maintain in the field, lightweight filter. I have tried out just about every old or new filter that you've ever heard of.
That said - I usually carry a standard Katadyn "Hiker" water filter - and beef up the pre-filter screen that you throw into the water by wrapping a piece of panty hose around it with a rubber band. The stocking pre-filter extend the cartridge life - and when you DO have to replace the cartridge (silty Smoky Mts. water is notorious for this) you didn't spend an arm and a leg for the entire filter in the first place - so it all evens out (replacement cartidges are $35).

[Trailbender]

•Boiling can be used as a pathogen reduction method that should kill all pathogens. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute. At altitudes greater than 6,562 feet (greater than 2000 meters), you should boil water for 3 minutes.



This is a common misconception. Water only has to hit a rolling boil for it to be safe. Pathogens can only last 30 seconds at 185 degrees. It takes longer than this for water to go from 185-212. The altitude thing is wrong, as well.

I keep hearing the boil for x minutes thing, it just won't die. I have heard 1,3,5, and 10 minute boiling times.

[yari]

You'll get 100 different opinions, and that's all they are... opinions. Why base your choice on what others think? Why not read up and decide for yourself?

For what it's worth, I'd recommend a read of Chapter 13 of "Long Distance Hiking" by Roland Mueser. Some interesting conclusions there. In any case, the book is a classic and I'd recommend it to anyone considering a thru-hike or long section hike on the A.T.

That was my first AT book. Loved it, thought the information was very well presented and would also highly recommend it.

[swjohnsey]

I have used filters (Katadyn Pocket Filter) a pain especially in silty water. I use household chlorine bleach, 1 drop for clear water/pint 2 drop cloudy water, let set 30 minutes, longer if water is very cold. Chlorine is chlorine. Water straight out of a spring might be safe to drink. Water out of any stream is questionable.

[realdusi]

Been reading a lot of good stuff on here about Aqua Mira. I've been carrying el-cheapo iodine tablets from WM because I bought in bulk.
While it isn't the iodine taste that bothers me about the tablets so much as it takes 30 minutes to kill giardia and it doesn't kill Cryptosporidium cysts.
I see that aqua mira is made from Chlorine Dioxide. How is this different from chlorine bleach? Also, for those who use it, do you use aqua mira tablets or drops?
I'm wondering if this stuff is good enough for me to chuck my iodine tablets and pick up a bottle or two instead.

[rip waverly]

i like the gravity type filter system

[ChinMusic]

i like the gravity type filter system
Gravity filters would be great for camp but I would think a hassle during the day.

[cbeaves]

I started with a filter on my thru but switched to Aqua Mira and was very, very happy with it. I wished I'd started with it. Overall, if you treat all your water then Aqua Mira costs less than purchasing a filter and replacing the carteridge 4-5 times on a thru. Plus, it weighs less!