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cochon
08-15-2011, 11:06
I am going on a week-long hike in the New York part of the AT. What is the most effective and safest way to get clean water, since carrying a week's worth of water is completely unrealistic?

rjhouser
08-15-2011, 12:05
For a short period of time like that you could get by with purification tablets, they are the least expensive. Wal-mart has the same brand that REI carries. On longer trips it is recommended to get a filter but those can cost some $$. Only because the tablets contain some chemicals and can leave an aftertaste, but it's not that bad. It's safe, inexpensive and when you're AT thirsty, who cares?

4eyedbuzzard
08-15-2011, 12:43
Aqua Mira, Potable Aqua, and other Chlorine Dioxide tablets (about $10 for a bottle of 30 or so) taste better than Iodine based ones IMO. They sell both - read the ingredients. SOme say just use bleach, but it isn't as accepted a method by health professionals. I usually just use a UV device called a Steripen (more expensive). That said, if the water is running and clear sometimes I'll just drink it.

cochon
08-15-2011, 12:51
What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?

Hooch
08-15-2011, 13:08
What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?
Yes.

1) Uses extra fuel that could be used for other purposes.
2) Takes forever and a day (including wait times for water to boil for a minimum of 3 minutes and cool down).
3) Changes the taste of water to a very sterile, bland taste.

You're better off chemically treating or filtering. Other option is to drink it straight up (my personal choice).

JeF4y
08-15-2011, 13:09
The biggest downsizes to boiling are Time, Heat & Fuel Consumption.

leaftye
08-15-2011, 13:27
Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

(http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm)The filter element in that is popular for good reason, and the use of it in this configuration makes for a very light, compact and convenient system.

Hooch
08-15-2011, 14:01
Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

(http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm)So much for HYOH. :rolleyes:

DLANOIE
08-15-2011, 14:51
I am a big fan of aqua mira, but HYOH!

sloetoe
08-15-2011, 17:09
Treat your water with "R E S P E C T" and leave the rest of it at home.

Spokes
08-15-2011, 17:13
What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?

I agree with Hooch. Only the clinically insane would consider boiling water on a long distance hike. Do what most AT thru hikers do and use Aqua Mira.

Hooch
08-15-2011, 17:49
I agree with Hooch.Best. Post. Ever. :D

Feral Nature
08-15-2011, 17:49
Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

(http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm)The filter element in that is popular for good reason, and the use of it in this configuration makes for a very light, compact and convenient system.

Thanks for the link!

tolkien
08-15-2011, 19:38
I bought Iodine tablets that turned the water Kool-Aid orange, but it tasted fine. Plus, most people need more Iodine. A couple bottles of Iodine tablets will set up back 10-20 $, and last for a month or so.