Midwest Hikers

“Hello, I'm relatively new to backpacking, and I was told this was a good forum to ask advice on. My question is: do water filters filter out things like pesticides and fertilizers? I'm asking because I'm in Illinois, and as I'm sure you all know, there are farms and livestock everywhere!

Also, I'm looking to hook up with some experienced hikers. So far, all I've done are over-nighters, and I've carried all the water with me!!! Ugh, I'm too skinny to carry all that weight, which is why I'm asking about filters. And I could probably benefit from sage advice on many, many other things, too.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to reading your replies!

-Megan”

“Welcome meg.

Please overlook the advances that Crazy Mike and Buddha Bear are going to make.

It's getting closer to rutting season and they are beginning to shed the velvet off their antlers.

Good question on the water filter. I have always presumed it does, but I will leave the scientific questions to those better qualified.”

“pesticides and fertilizers are not filtered out by a backpackers water filter but I am not real sure how to avoid them other than avoiding sources that might have run off from the farms.”

“Not really sure. I DO know that when the water comes out it is cleaner than the water from my kitchen sink. I have pumped out of beaver ponds, trickling streams, mud puddles and other unsavorey places and the water always comes out good. I live in Ohio and we have a lot of farm run off also and it's never been a concern. I like the Pur (now Katadine) filters best.”

“Not too many of us in Illinois, but Crazy Mike's over in Indiana.

Here's the website for his hiking club: Northwest Indiana Hiking And Backpacking Club

As for your filter question, no, most filters don't filter out organics, just cysts. The Katadyn Combi and Combi Plus will, at least according to Katadyn. It's a lot more expensive than the other filters, but if you're worried about that, I suppose it will be worth it to you.”

“That's what I was afraid of - that they don't filter it out. I can't stand the thought of drinking a bottle full of chemicals. But I'm not strong enough to carry all the water I need on my back (and walk more than a mile - lol). Speaking of which, my backpack, when loaded, is still too heavy for comfort even without the water. I'm not exactly a fitness freak - maybe backpacking is not the best choice for a skinny woman to get into!

I guess I'm looking for experienced people who know where to find clean water and that can help me with my pack weight.”

“"I am not real sure how to avoid them other than avoiding sources that might have run off from the farms."

I doubt you can avoid them. I think an actual PURIFIER is the best route for Megan to go. They cost a little more but they get all the crap out by using iodine also. The water has a slight iodine taste but if ya want everything out, that's the way to go.

Here's an addie for a First Need Purifier. It's the only one that is truely a purifier. It's a little heavier and cost $85 but sass and Birch tell me it's the bomb. Whatever you do, do not, I repeat DO NOT buy a Sweetwater. Hunks o' junk learned from personal experience.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=38866&prmenbr=226”

“Thanks, bitpusher.”

“Even First Need doesn't claim it removes pesticides.

The easiest way to avoid runoff from farms is to hike places where there aren't any farms (at least not anymore), like in the Appalachians. Don't have to worry about farm runoff there.”

“yw, Meg. And welcome to the board.”

“Nigal, I'll check out that PURIFIER, but if it's heavy, that's probably a no-go for me. Thanks!”

“It's maybe 5 oz. heavier than a regular filter.

Here’s a few links that you might find interesting for tips on how to get pack weight down.

http://www.backpacking.net/index.html?noframes

http://members.tripod.com/halbertri/

http://onestep4me.tripod.com/index.htm

http://www.dirtbagsdeluxe.natureavenue.com/

The best rule of thumb is the rule of three’s- try to get your three big pieces of gear as close to three pounds a piece as possible. Tent, sleeping bag, and pack. Food is the biggest weight killer for me. If you do a search here for lightweigh foods you’ll get more than you need or dreamed of.”

“Thank you Bit for the link.


Welcome to TT I hope you have fun!


8)”

“Oops, I was wrong about First Need...they do claim to remove pesticides. It just wasn't listed in the "Product Specs" box. My bad. Cheaper than the Katadyn too.”

“I always send the ladies your way, Mike!”

“Thank you!


8)”

“No prob...”

“Nigal, you're awesome! My brother was right - Trail Talk has some knowledgeable people on it.

-Megan”

“Crazy Mike, how come they call you crazy? Do you do much hiking in Indiana or do you go out east?”

“The plot thickens.”

“Crazy Mike Backpacks is my trail name and I am a big kid at heart and I am very very full of energy!!!!!


I hike all over the Midwest and I do out East shoot me a email on my clubs website and I will add you to the clubs email list.

8)”

“Crazy Mike, I love your club member pictures! You look like a fun bunch. I'll send you an email. Maybe some day I'll have my picture on your website! It would be only the second time that someone put my picture on the Internet!”

“Very cool I look forward to backpacking with you.


8)”

“I have the firstneed and I love it. I fill my bottles up real fast with this filter. Oh, they call it purifier.”

“Crazy Mike, it's hardly fair that I get to see all of you before I meeting you, and you extend an invitation without any such courtesy on my part! So, here's the one picture of me that my best friend put up on her wedding website. Believe me - I don't look anything like this normally!!! But now you'll know why I say I'm too skinny to backpack. The guy in the picture is my brother Steve. He might want to come along too.

http://members.aol.com/PuzzleOfMe/SteveMeg.jpg”

“That picture is better appreciated in it's original context...”

“So I'm confused, Meg...is Steve your brother or your boyfriend?”

“Huba huba, Meeeeow! Welcome Meg!”

“Backpacking to me is a great wayo to meet new people and make new friends that enjoy the wilderness.


Like I said you are more then welcome to come out and hike with us anytime.

8)”

“Busted! Thanks a lot bitpusher. I'm a little leery meeting up with people I don't know to spend the night with them in the wilderness. He's my ex and very good friend, and has promised to help me meet backpackers in a safer way by coming with me. I have an awful history with attracting psychos.

Sorry for the charade, but I'm sincerely looking for friends - not lonely male creeps that are going to hit on me. And I'm not calling anyone here a creep, you understand. I want to avoid them.”

“I have meet and backpacked with over 91 Trail Talkers off of this board and I have made so many new friends becuase of it.


Don't worry if you come out with us or any of the other TT'ers we are all a great group of people.

8)”

“Like "Manny Shagswell", for instance. That is what I want to avoid. I thought I'd put up a picture of myself in a pretty dress to weed out any perverts. Fortunately, Crazy Mike seems like a decent person!”

“Meg, look on the trip board for upcoming trips. A trip that is shaping up to be a good one will be in November in Ohio. Look for the thread on The Big Z. We will all be there.”

“Thank you.

Ya that is a troll!


Just ignor them!


8)”

“Who are we ignoring Mike? Specifically?”

“upurs
peter glideswell
thepackman
kittyirish
whosyourdaddy
crazy mikes backpack
slapmyassandcallmespanky
alaska
ineffectual #&%!$
yeardly345
oskar67
minstercreek
jello fog
lee
trailslacker
waterdog
one in
ohio hiker
holy
mrs dash
capti
manny shaggswell”

“WOW! Nice detailed list.

I don't see oneinchwang on there.”

“Let me find it!


8)”

“I'm actually surprised that CMB's list isn't longer since he loves trolls so much.

CMB, I saw you signed up as a maybe on my Sipsey trip. I was pleasantly surprised to see you there. It'll be a long trip for you, but the scenery is truly beautiful. The nearest town for you do to a trip plan to would be Double Springs, AL. Sorry for the sidebar, but I knew this thread had your attention.”

“It is a 10 hour drive for me now that I think about it I am going to try my best to go on this trip.


8)”

“Great! Basecamping is a good way to see this area. From trailhead to I-65 is about 1 hr.”

“That is very PIMP!!!!



8)”

“Everyone move back,,,,CMB is on a mission here, dammit.

He is the official greeter for newbie's who post pics.

LOL.”

“Only three of mine made Mike's list!”

“That is so PIMP!”

“Chin up old chap!”

“Thanks Chili!


8)”

“Is this what you call a trial by fire? If CMB doesn't scare them off then they'll fit in fine around here. Is that our strategy now?”

“pretty much, dayhiker.”

“works fo me.”