Newbie Thread - Water On The Trail

“As some might now, I will be BPing a apart of the North Country Trail here in Michigan that goes along the Manistee River, then cross the bridge at the dam and head back south on the other side of the river back to the trail head. My question is this: Can't we just use the water out of the river for our needs if we just boil it? I know that there are concerns about cemicals and such, but can it be really all that bad? Should I just break dowen and buy a bottle and filter? They are real expensive!

Thanks!”

“laqtis, It's always better safe than sorry, I say. What kind of chemicals? I might even be concerned after using a purifier and boiling.”

“Laqtis, at the seaton creek campground by the Hodenpyl dam there is a well pump. I would spend the $$$ on a good filter/purifier. You will use it and its easier than boiling and cooling drinking water.”

“I don't know of any specific chem problems where you are, but IMHO a filter is a hell of a lot more convienent in general than what hyper just mentioned...boiling and cooling (and carrying the extra fuel for that). Plus, when you stop for breaks/lunch, do you really want to boil water just to drink and top of your bottle?

Speaking of which, what do you mean, break down and buy a bottle? Don't tell me you plan on hiking without water....”

“The cemicals I'm worried about are the nitrogen and alike fertelizers run off from the surrounding area that make it into the ground water and wind up in the river water. Could be tall tales, but I can see that happening. The west side of Michigan does have it's share of corn farmers.

Tommy - I might be a little crazy at times, but not that crazy. I have two 2 quart canteens that I carry (also I'm looking at a Oasis 4 quart canteen on ebay for 5 bucks as we speak).

Hyper - I believe that you are right in your suggestion. Boiling and cooling would be a pain. Seeing that my whole party combined has about 3 hikes experiance, we'll be taking it easy. My thinking was that we have four days to complete, if I'm carrying 4 quarts, that should be enough to get me in between camps. What kind of pump is out there that is good, but cheap. I'm almost outta budget, and I'd have to get into the "extra favors" section with the wife if I ask for an increase (not really a bad reason to get into debt though).....”