Water Treatment on the AT

“What\\\'s a good solution to safe water consumption along the AT?

I have read some good (http://www.rei.com/product/676.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC) and bad (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=673071&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=11835) descriptions of the cheap iodine tablets and am confused if they really are safe to use for long durations.

I am NOT looking to spend $$$ and ### on expensive filters.

Thanks.”

“We've used Aqua Mira exclusivly for about 3 years. It is effective, and doesn't leave a nasty taste in our water.
Conveniently when I did a web search, my friends shop came up. Tell him you're a TT'er. He'll look after you.
http://www.backpackingdeals.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=W&Category_Code=FD”

“I use a filter because I like the taste of filtered water and the convenience of pump and drink. I used iodine for years and did not have any problems and I used the vitamin C to nutralize. I just don't want to wait for X number of minutes and the planning that goes into rotating bottles. So yes I am lazy.

It has just come down to I don't want to taste tannin or deal with floaters in my drinking water.”

“I've used iodine pills during bp'ing for years without any problem. Sometimes I boil water. When the evening campfire fades and has a good bed of hot coals, it takes very little time to boil some water.

BTW, what is a "long duration?" I used to worry(just a little), but no more. I think such statements are merely disclaimers.

---

last edited: 2/26/05 7:34:30 PM”

“I filter some, but I also just boil a lot. If you boil your water for dinner, it doesn't really need to be filtered, of course. Plus if you look ahead, you can boil and it'll be cooled down by the time you want to drink it. I'll boil extra water at night and leave it in the pot overnight to cool. It all depends on how quick you need it. I met one guy who said add Clorox, a couple drops at a time until you can taste it, then remember to use just less than that amount. I'm not big on drinking bleach, so that's not for me, but it's about as lightweight as you can get.”

“If you don't mind the impact it has on taste, a lot of Thru hikers use straight-up bleach (chlorine -- the type you buy at the store for your laundry) to treat their water. The chlorine will kill anything that's in the water (much like your swimming pool), but does leave that taste behind. Of course, this bleach is carried in a medicine dropper, and you only need about 1-2 drops per liter of water.

If you don't mind iodine, Polar Pure works pretty well, although, you may want to keep in mind that iodine is not 100% effective. In fact, I believe there a few key bugs it cannot kill. Also, if the water temp is below 68F, its effects cannot be guaranteed.

Aqua Mira seems to be the hottest non-filter treatment option that I've seen around. It's not too expensive, you don't have to carry a filter, and it has no impact on the taste of the water.

I, personally, use a filter because I do a lot of hiking on high mountain ridge tops, where water sources are scarce and often found in the form of a puddle under a rock or something. For that reason, it's nice to have something with a pump when the water source isn't deep enough to dunk the bottle into.”

“BTW, hot water tastes good.”

“Expensive is a relative term.
Safe is even more so.

Those who harp on about the safety of chemical water treatment while backpacking don't have a clue how many chemicals they ingest from various sources (including tap water) daily.

I personally like filters but if your wallet doesn't like them just use the tablets and go enjoy your hike.

Driving to work is more hazardous to your health than water tablets.”

“You'll never have to worry about running out or it screwing up with Polar Pure.

”

“I have never filtered/treated water in 16,000 miles of AT hiking. No need to.”

“im with deo. polar pure is the cheapest, simplest, and one of the most light-weight water treatments. its what i used on the last 1500 miles of the AT last year. has a better taste than the potable aqua tablets, and is more cost effective”

“16000 miles? wow. thats equivalent to 8 thrus. how many years did that take?”

“5 thrus and 6000 or so section miles so since 1986.”

“That's some serious hardcore dedication...”

“Damn!! You should get out more.
last edited: 2/28/05 12:11:52 AM”

“Is this Damascus L. Wolf who frequents White Blaze?

I've used Polar Pure for a few years and on my thru-hike last year. I'll give it another vote. Compact and one jar lasts a long time. Still using the one from my thru.”

“I like the Pur Hiker. It's a reasonably priced reliable filter. For me, a filter is worth its weight because you get to drink the water right away while its cool and without adding chemicals. I carry Iodine tabs as backup - and as first aid (you can make a strong iodine solution for irrigating a wound).

My summer loads are very light weight (about 15 pounds + food and water), so I make sure each ounce is justified and for me, the weight of a filter is justified. For me, cool fresh water is one of the simple pleasures of being outdoors.”