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Rhino-lfl
03-21-2007, 16:49
How do you guys handle water on the trail? Do you keep a camelbak with you, how does that fit with your pack over it? What about filters and pumps if you're in the middle of no where for a few days?

VictoriaM
03-21-2007, 17:12
My bag fits in the mesh pocket on the back of my pack (not all packs have that) and string the tube under my arm, clipping it just above the chest strap connection on one of my shoulder straps. I fill it up first thing in the morning and again whenere it runs dry. Sometimes twice, if it's a hot enough day (mine holds two liters). Filters and such are personal preference. I was set on using my Miniworks for my thru, but a few days out and I had switched to Aqua Mira.

FanaticFringer
03-21-2007, 17:17
I use the Katadyn Hiker Pro filter. Works great for me. I carry a 35oz. platypus plus an empty poweraide bottle.

hopefulhiker
03-21-2007, 17:22
I carried a two liter platypus, a one liter platypus and a gatorade bottle during the summer.. I treated the water almost always with Aqua Mira...

shoe
03-21-2007, 17:43
I am a filter girl myself. I don't like floaties in my water. And if it happens to be dry with just barely a trickle of water, you are still able to get water with a filter.

I carry 2 water bottles (Dasani, Aquamira, whatever I have) and 48 ounce Nalgene Cantene that rolls up small when empty. I usually only use this at camp though.

Aqua mira for backup in case my filter breaks.

bigcranky
03-21-2007, 17:49
A couple of one-liter Aqua Mira bottles, the ones with the wider mouth, carry all the water I need. Aqua Mira handles the cooties. I use a 6-liter Platypus big-zip to collect and treat water (and store it overnight if necessary). The occasional bug in the water just adds protein. :)

FanaticFringer
03-21-2007, 17:50
I don't like floaties in my water. And if it happens to be dry with just barely a trickle of water, you are still able to get water with a filter.

Amen to that sister.

gold bond
03-21-2007, 19:12
2 liter Camel-Bak with a 1 ltr Gatorade bottle. 2 Ltr wid mouth Nalgene for in camp / shelter use. Fill either at night or in the morning before starting. I use a pump type filter. Carry AM for a backup.

ShakeyLeggs
03-21-2007, 19:34
I carry a 2l Cammelback, 1qt Nalgene, 6l MSR dromedary. I filter with a Katadyn Hiker with Aquamira as backup. I ran out of water onece and will not allow it to happen again. That is the reason for the Nalgene. Depending on the stretch between water sources and the water conditions (dry, wet) at the time of year I am out I will either fill it or carry it empty.

Disney
03-21-2007, 20:50
I started using a filter, but switched to aqua mira. It's just not worth the weight. I use a Nalgene bottle attached to the outside of my pack, and a gatorade as a spare. Although next time, I'm going with two gatorade bottles. I used my camp T **** to filter the water so I didn't get floaties.

gold bond
03-22-2007, 09:37
I ran out of water a couple of times...learned mah lesson! Ran out one time on the palmetto trail in SC. After about 6-7 miles saw a house. Knocked on the door...no one at home...saw a spigot....met the nicest rotwallier (sp?)......

Rhino-lfl
03-22-2007, 09:48
What types of water sources do you use? I assume you would go for a large river first, but what about small creeks and little ponds? I know that the aqua mira kills off the bugs but what about pollutants like lead or chemicals, is there a filter type pump that works on these? I'm pretty paranoid about water while away and have frequently put up with the extra weight of carry 2 days worth.

TN_Hiker
03-22-2007, 10:41
If I'm not mistaking, First Need water PURIFER (not filter) is the only pump type on the market that will address your chemical concerns as well.

Midway Sam
03-22-2007, 10:50
I got tired of lugging the filter and I hated the taste of the chemical options, so I decided to bite the bullet and spend the money on dehydrated water...

http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/
http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4&zenid=cd081a13efb0d471ed479380c5bbb473

Of course, you could always dehydrate your own, if you're the DIY type...

http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9

dloome
03-22-2007, 16:43
On the AT and other well watered areas I use two 1 liter Aquafina bottles and a 2.5 liter Platypus (best volume/weight ratio). Treat with AquaMira. Here in AZ and in drier areas I use two 1.5 liter Aquafina bottles and two 2.5 liter Platypus. Also use a 1 oz. prefilter and treat with AquaMira.

As far as sources, on the AT water is frequent enough so you can easily afford to skip the larger rivers, nasty ponds, etc. I would say about 96% of the water sources along the AT are pure enough to not filter, there are easily enough clear running sources to leave the filter at home and stick to lightweight chemical treatment. Besides, most floaties are harmless, just get used to it.

Since I've never carried a filter even in dry areas with nasty water I've learned a few tricks to obtaining good water- Most of the unsightly floaties and things that make you sick are found floating on the surface of the water or in the sediment at the bottom. If you keep your bottle closed as you submerge it, open it, fill it, and close it all while underwater, you can avoid getting much of this stuff in your water. If you're getting water from a pond or non-flowing source, get your water from the side the wind is blowing from if possible. If wind is blowing from the west for example, it tends to move and concentrate surface debris on the east side of the pond.
For a flowing source on trail I always go upstream a short distance just in case some careless hiker has washed his socks (or worse) at the area where the trail crosses it.

Chache
03-22-2007, 17:03
I got tired of lugging the filter and I hated the taste of the chemical options, so I decided to bite the bullet and spend the money on dehydrated water...

http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/
http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4&zenid=cd081a13efb0d471ed479380c5bbb473

Of course, you could always dehydrate your own, if you're the DIY type...

http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9
WHAT THE F***

toddhiker
03-22-2007, 17:43
I have used my Steripen Adventurer a few times and have grown to really like it.

Chache
03-22-2007, 17:50
http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/wpd/CompareDevices.aspx

Rhino-lfl
03-23-2007, 10:30
WHAT THE F***

Ya no kiding, do you have to add water to dehydrated water to rehydrate it, or do you add sand lol.

Midway Sam
03-23-2007, 10:34
Ya no kiding, do you have to add water to dehydrated water to rehydrate it, or do you add sand lol.

Just order the free sample. You'll become a believer!