View Full Version : Got Water?
discgolfer
04-05-2009, 22:43
I'm planning on taking thru hike on the Appalachian Trail and was wondering about water sources. I know I can get a book about the trail but wanted to hear from 1st hand sources how often I will have a chance to pump or if I should fill up every chance I get.:-?
Tennessee Viking
04-05-2009, 22:52
As for right now, most of the sources, if not all, are flowing. Even some unofficial sources are flowing.
The only sources to stay away from are farm run off and road side sources.
The only thing you will want to figure out is to either treat or filter your water? Aqua Mira is popular, Iodine is also a great one (though some people say the taste takes getting used to), bleach (just need to know the exact ratio for the amount of water you will be gathering). Usually gave to wait for about 15-30 minutes for full effectiveness. Filtering, either go ceramic or paper. But filters can be bulky and clog/break easily. But great for immediate drinking.
Then boiling is the alltime classic method.
garlic08
04-06-2009, 01:58
On the AT in a wet year, I very seldom carried more than one liter and never carried more than two and change. I often carried none at all in the Springtime. There was so much good water coming out of the ground everywhere, it was hard to keep dry feet. But there were still plenty of people carrying all their water for the day, three liters or more, from the start of the day. So it's a personal decision how much to carry, and it depends on how fearful you are of running out.
EverydayJourneyman
04-06-2009, 08:14
Has anyone used an Adventurer SteriPEN (http://www.amazon.com/SteriPEN-Adventurer-Handheld-Water-Purifier/dp/B000PGYDSE)?
bigcranky
04-06-2009, 09:04
Has anyone used an Adventurer SteriPEN (http://www.amazon.com/SteriPEN-Adventurer-Handheld-Water-Purifier/dp/B000PGYDSE)?
I've seen some of those in use on the trail. The hikers I talked to were pleased with them -- when they worked properly. I'm just not sure I'd rely on a battery-powered device for water treatment in the backcountry, but that's just me. I've been using Aqua Mira drops for several years.
EverydayJourneyman
04-06-2009, 09:12
I've seen some of those in use on the trail. The hikers I talked to were pleased with them -- when they worked properly. I'm just not sure I'd rely on a battery-powered device for water treatment in the backcountry, but that's just me. I've been using Aqua Mira drops for several years.
The version of SteriPEN I have is also solar-powered (which praying for sunrays may be an entirely other issue).