View Full Version : Water Filter/Trekking Poles?
Hey guys,
First post on here - looking to do a thru-hike in 2009 or 2010 (depeneds on several factors). Anyways...
I am a small guy - 5'4 120lbs and after a 10 day trip with a 38lb pack, going light seems almost a necessity for me to enjoy the trail more. I am looking at packs tonight (probably get myself a GG nimbus or vapor) and I have a tarp tent contrail, but don't have the trekking poles to go with it. Any suggestions on what trekking poles are the best/mostuseful/lightest? I work at an outdoor retailer that sells a large variety of trekking poles, so I have the luxury of saying that price isn't an issue.
Also, I still have my Katahin Pro water filter - handheld pump filter. I've always had my eye set on one of those smaller UV filters just because they seem lighter/smaller. Any ideas?
Much appreciated! Hope to be on these forums for a while :)
- Greg
I have used Black Diamond trekking poles in the past because of the ease of adjustment with the Flick Lock system, but recently went to REI Peak UL poles that I got at the most recent REI Garage Sale, so we'll see how those work out. As far as water treatment is concerned, I have a ULA Amigo Pro (http://www.ula-equipment.com/amigo.htm) and love it. ULA gear is made right there in Utah, so it's at least worth a try. Good luck, no matter what you decide.
ULA packs are great.
PacerPoles are worth every penny. Unique, more comfortable, more efficient. I agree with everything said on this website and highly recommend them:
http://www.pacerpole.com/
ChinMusic
09-17-2008, 13:53
Poles: I have both a Leki and Diamond models. I prefer the Diamond model because of the locking mechanism. My Lekis are a PITA sometimes to get to lock and since I use a tent that requires a pole this gets REAL annoying. The Diamond locking system is far superior. I like the feel of the Lekis in my hands.
Water: The Steripen or Adventurer (UV) models are the way to go in my opinion. Water on the AT is clear for the most part. Make sure you have a back-up when you go UV or filter. Have some MicroPur tablets as an emer in case either your filter or UV have a bad day.
Since you're of shorter stature REI Peak UL Carbon Compact poles are 11.2 oz for a pair, remove the wrist strap and the baskets and probably lose another oz or two.
http://www.rei.com/product/756152
I haven't used it yet but have been looking at a Sawyer inline filter, filters down to 0.1 microns and weights only 1.8 oz for just the filter itself then add whatever you want to use for tubing either direct from your water bladder through the filter to drinking or from the bladder to another bladder. Could probably get away with less then 4 to 5oz depending. No pumping needed and they claim a "1 million gallon guarantee".
http://www.sawyerproducts.com/SP121.htm
Poles are like boots, I have vasque and had wal-mart at one time. Use what feels best to you.
On the water. I have the pro pump and love it. I was thinking about a UV pen for my hike next month. I was then reminded of how much trash I get out when I clean my filter. But the biggest reason to keep the pump is that sometimes you get water out of the tiniest places and you have to pump to get it.
have fun!!!
If price isn't an issue with poles, the lighter the better. I've had a pair of Leki Makalu titanium poles for several years now that work for me. Personally I like wrist straps and the little baskets near the tips, and don't want the angled handles because I rest my hands on top of the poles quite a bit.
As someone else said about the water...on the AT you're usually dealing with nice, clear water. I'm a Steripen enthusiast now because it doesn't change the flavor of the water, and is quite quick to use.
Homer&Marje
09-17-2008, 16:04
Don't use trekking poles... my suggestion on the filter is the MSR miniworks II, just bought a new one after many years of using an old one. Weighs 1 pound but it is extremely easy to clean in the field and has never broken on me. Well worth the 80 dollars.
_terrapin_
09-17-2008, 19:40
If price isn't an issue, get a nice light pair of poles. I'd suggest collapsible poles, because there are lots of situations where they're in the way (eg., hitching into town, or the occasional steep climb or descent where hands are needed.)
UV based water treatment is fine as far as it goes, but it won't deal with the case where the only water to be found is a shallow, murky puddle. Granted, that's a rare case, but water is one of those things you just can't do without.
ChinMusic
09-17-2008, 19:51
UV based water treatment is fine as far as it goes, but it won't deal with the case where the only water to be found is a shallow, murky puddle. Granted, that's a rare case, but water is one of those things you just can't do without.
This is where the tablet (Micropur) back-up comes into play.
Also, if you have the time, you can allow such murky water to settle, decant off the clearer water, and then treat. I've done this at camp. I will just fill my Platypus Water Tank and let the mud settle out.
_terrapin_
09-17-2008, 20:29
ChinMusic: Partly, my point was that with a pump-type filter, you can extract safe, drinkable water from a shallow mud puddle or a fetid swamp. The simple mechanics of "scooping up" the water from such a source is much easier when all you have to do is stick the end of a hose into it. Nobody looks forward to doing this, but every now and then... (sh)it happens.
Blissful
09-17-2008, 20:29
I have the Leki makalu ultralight poles and like them very much. Except they are a pickle to adjust.
Aqua mira worked fine on our hike. It was rare we had a problem with murky water on the AT.
take-a-knee
09-17-2008, 20:29
Goodson, since you already have a hiker pro filter you might be interested in this:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearGravityFilter.html
ChinMusic
09-17-2008, 20:55
ChinMusic: Partly, my point was that with a pump-type filter, you can extract safe, drinkable water from a shallow mud puddle or a fetid swamp. The simple mechanics of "scooping up" the water from such a source is much easier when all you have to do is stick the end of a hose into it. Nobody looks forward to doing this, but every now and then... (sh)it happens.
I usu have to bring my filter for Illinois and Indiana.....mud, tannic, mud. I use the Steripen for the AT and out west.
Last fall though, at Walnut Mountain Shelter, I was stuck with a water source that was basically, dig a hole, wait for water to seep in, scoop out the muddy water, repeat. I was just glad to find IT. Luckily I had time to let it settle out in my Water Tank so I didn't have to resort to tablets. So, yes, **** happens.
Or you can simply boil the murky water, and put some drink flavoring in it.
Or dip it up with a cup and strain it through a bandana into your bottle.
On the AT, you're probably talking about a once-or-twice-in-a-thru-hike occurrence.
_terrapin_
09-17-2008, 21:11
On the AT, you're probably talking about a once-or-twice-in-a-thru-hike occurrence.
It happened about three times in six weeks, on last summer's AT hike. But that was an exceptionally dry summer. In each case, I was happy to have my filter, but in each case, it did a number on the filter element.
Cupping the water from the source, straining it through a bandanna into another container, would have been smarter (but more work.) Either that, or go back to my MSR filter, where the filter element can be cleaned up when it starts to gum up.
Hey folks,
First off, thanks for the help and your suggestions. I haven't decided on the trekking poles yet, but I did end up deciding on a steripen.
I got my tarptent contrail in the mail today - I am very giddy! I set it up outside my apartment... got a lot of weird looks but the tent is darn sweet. Can't wait to put it to use.
Talk soon!
Well worth the cost - hands down MSR HYPERFLOW!
My hiking buddy has the steripen and I still was finished with my water way before him.
Incredibly fast and easy to clean.
http://www.msrgear.com/watertreatment/images/hyperflow_xl.jpg
High Flow Rate: Pumps more than 3 liters per minute or one liter every 20 strokes.
Ultralight: Just 7.4 oz. (209 g).
Ultra Small: Just 7x3.5 in. ( 17.8 x 8.3 cm) makes it easy to take along even when space is at a premium.
Field-Maintainable: Can be cleaned repeatedly for flow recovery without tools.
Super Convenient: Quick-Connect bottle adapter lets you filter water directly into a variety of containers, including all MSRŽ hydration products and NalgeneŽ bottles.
http://www.msrgear.com/watertreatment/hyperflow.asp
SunnyWalker
09-26-2008, 17:38
figuring out all your equipment, trying it out, dreaming and what not is almost as much fun as the hike itself. Have a great time. Be sure to stop and smell the roses while you hike.