Alternatives to expensive water filtrati onssystem?

“I was just wondering as a beginner hiker, are there any alternatives to water filtration systems for longer hikes?”

“well...

you could go without filtering at all

iodine tablets

chlorine bleach

miox

boiling

what am i forgetting...”

“do a search for old thread on this site - I posted a question about filters vs. chemicals a little while back that generated a pretty good discussion.”

“by the way, I use the PUR Hiker filter - it's light weight, compact and relatively inexpensive. I'll prob stick with it for a while.”

“Go to Mexico for a couple of months, acclaimate to the wter there and yer good to go for anything you'll drink outta the US. Good luck!”

“You could carry tincture of iodine. I think 7 drops will sanitize a gallon? Is that right? And also carry some vitamin C tabs to take the taste out. That solution is light and works well, if you're not iodine sensitive.

Aqua Mira is another lightweight relatively inexpensive solution for rendering backcountry water potable.

One thing to remember is that none of these solutions will clarify murky water, but you could carry a bandana to filter some of the dirt out of the water, then treat it.

Filters that are good enough to make your water safe to drink aren't really all that expensive though. The Kayadyn Hiker usually retails for about $60, and you can sometimes catch it on sale for less. Mine is a couple of years old and still on the first cartridge.”

“If you are going to do some serious backpacking, you really should invest in a good filter. On long hikes if there are streams, etc. you only have to carry a bottle and the filterand save weight. Iodine tastes lousy.

Don't cut ccorners on boots, pack, or water filters.”

“Been backpacking for over 30 years, finally bought a filter 4 years ago. I still drink the water without filtering unless somebody else in the group insists or the water is visibly questionable. Never been sick. Anybody else?”

“im still not brave enough to play russian roulette with my bowels unless its running out of a spring. and be wary of using iodine for more than a few days, but there is neutralizer for the taste. also, nothing wrong with floaties. they add flavor”

“i'm with trailbum in some ways, I'm not usually afraid to drink straight from a stream, or lake in the wilderness, i suppose as soon as I get sick, i'll never not filter my water again... but, I still always carry my filter, and filter questionable water, especially in the presense of beavers or cows.”

“one advantage of filter over iodine that is easily over-looked is the fact that sometimes the water source is too shallow too dip a bottle into, especially in summer”

“"in the presense of beavers or cows."

wasnt that a norwegian soft-porn flick?”

“If there is even a chance of agricultural, mining, or downwind power plants, you should always use a filter. There are much worse fates than having diarhea. Save up enough money to invest in a good, highly-rated filter. You won't regret it.”

“I have been sick. Use Aqua Mira or a filter. Sick isn't fun, esp while hiking.”

“"Go to Mexico for a couple of months, acclaimate to the wter there and yer good to go for anything you'll drink outta the US. Good luck!"

LMAO!!!! Good one.”

“...Aqua Mira...”

“Personally, as inexpensive as water filters are I see no sane reason to not have one.

If you are ever deep in the wilderness and come down with something, you will realize just how stupid it is. Even close to home, the consequences can make you pretty miserable.

I have been backpacking for 50+ years trailbum and in my estimation affordable portable water filters are one of the most important developments to aid backpacking and other outdoor endeavors.

I know that the amount of people that rangers and guides had to go in and recuse because of "gastronomical difficulties" sure went down.

There are people who snowmobile and mountain bike and ATV without helmets too. It's their choice but it does not speak much for their respect for their health.

Here in the Dacks, A Huge percentage of streams are fed in one way or another by a stream that has a beaver dam. To not treat water in one way or another is just plain dumb.”

“Thanks everyone, it all helped out a lot... happy camping! off to mexico!”