tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Sept 8, 2021 10:18:21 GMT -8
Although not exactly backpacking filters (although a few were included in the experiment), I found this very enlightening and brings up a few questions...
What I question - Just because the water "looks" clear after filtering, obviously the filtering is very questionable on some of the products. I would definitely recommend getting your filter tested before relying on the tech stats from the manufacturer.
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Post by dayhiker on Sept 8, 2021 12:39:28 GMT -8
Not sure what testing w tap water means, along with just using ppm, does that count viruses, lead etc:
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rangewalker
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Agitate, organize and educate.
Posts: 1,029
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Post by rangewalker on Sept 8, 2021 13:49:12 GMT -8
Back in the dark ages, in the time of bomb and fall-out shelters, my parents had two bench mount Katadyn ceramic element filters. With spares. the urban and prepper survivalist types lead the way now. MSR has spent a lot of its R&D making units for third-world communities and the military. Just because the water "looks" clear after filtering, obviously the filtering is very questionable on some of the products. I would definitely recommend getting your filter tested before relying on the tech stats from the manufacturer. The worst stuff is what you can't see. Like heavy metals. And viruses. I had a bad encounter with some alkali water a few years ago that was so pretty and tasted great. And my second dose of giardia was from the beautiful Torrey Creek in the Northern Winds i gulped in during a screaming snowmelt bath. Clue, don't scream or carry on in those conditions. A stoic is a happier camper.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Sept 11, 2021 8:20:24 GMT -8
Most backpackers get into the mountains so the filters tend to specialize in filtering out protozoans (namely the one causing Giardiasis). Of course that’s mostly my focus so it’s been awhile since I’ve looked into other areas (besides Pt Reyes but it has regulated camping areas with faucets).
For those going into the lowlands, like bicycle trips in South Texas or the drainages of Tucson/Phoenix area, … or a kayak/canoe/raft trip of the Mississippi, ..etc, etc… believe a buried water purifier is recommended. These will have added features to kill off viruses and maybe even some charcoal to dampen any unwanted tastes/scents. Then there’s UV and chemical (namely Aqua Mira) treatments.
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bushmaster
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The mountains are calling, and I must go.
Posts: 50
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Post by bushmaster on Nov 16, 2021 10:58:12 GMT -8
At home, when the power goes out and need to use rain water off the roof, I use the berkey. When I'm out and about in the bush, I use a sawyers mini, with a back up, a life straw. I hate the taste of chemical tabs, etc. If all else fails, I boil.
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,291
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Post by desert dweller on Nov 16, 2021 12:57:32 GMT -8
I go to the local Sprouts grocery store where they have a reverse osmosis water purifier that dispenses from a kiosk. It costs 30 cents a gallon to fill a 5 gallon water bottle. That's 5 gallons for $1.50. When I get home I use a PUR pitcher filter to run the reversed osmosis water through. That second filtering isn't for getting rid of any latent contaminates, it's for improving the taste. Activated charcoal will take the "sharpness" from the taste of water that has been treated by reverse osmosis. IMHO, that is.
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