H2O purification

imported
#1

Do most people use some form of water purification while hiking the LT…i have used Aqua Mira in the past

mayo

#2

When I used to live in Vermont, I would drink from selected streams without treating, as I do in the Sierra. But not near shelters, etc. If I were thru-hiking the LT, I would use Aerobic Oxygen (http://www.goodforyou.ca) which I have used many places in the US and Mexico with fine results (except where cattle are active, then I filter). 1 drop per ounce of water, less if I feel better about the water.

Shelly Culbertson

#3

I hiked the whole thing last summer without treating any of my water except two times. It was at place I was staying without good sources (pounds). Then I’ve used filters from others. I’ll not say it’s safe to do such but I got nothing doing so. Though one has to know what is a good water source and what is not. Nevertheless, Aqua Mira is very light. Why would you don’t take yours?

Fourmi

#4

I use the First Need Deluxe water purifier (http://www.generalecology.com/) - it is a true purifier in that it removes viruses, cysts and bacteria - and it does it chemical free. It screws right onto my nalgene bottle and I can pump and drink right away. The filter can be backwashed for cleaning and is rated to last for 125 gallons (of course this depends on use). If the filter ever clogs (hasn’t yet) we can use it with a gravity feed. My wife and I have used it for our last 6 summers of hiking, including a 38-day outing in Vermont on our end-to-end. Once we filtered out of a scuzzy beaver pond with no problems. We will also filter out of motel sinks when we run out of our own water supplies.

On the downside the filter and pump weighs 1 lb. but to me (someone who is meticulous about pack weight) it is well worth it. My wife and I have both had immune-system problems in the past and the purifier provides good-tasting water and peace of mind - a great combination.

I know this sounds like a commercial but I’m grateful to have a backpacking product that reliably meets my needs.

Rough

#5

Does Aqua Mira have any effect on tape worm eggs? I always filter my water but I am still curious about the tape worm thing if using aqua mira.

Prospector

#6

I believe Aqua mira to be effective on tape worm eggs as it works to prevent nutrient transfer across the cell wall. Here is a clip from research on chlorine dioxide vs chlorine.

  1. How effective is it?

The effectivety of chlorine dioxide is at least as high as chlorines, though at lower concentrations. But there are more and important advantages.

The bactericidal efficiency is relatively unaffected by pH values between 4 and 10;
Chlorine dioxide is clearly superior to chlorine in the destruction of spores, bacteria’s, viruses and other pathogen organisms on an equal residual base;
The required contact time for ClO2 is lower;
Chlorine dioxide has better solubility;
No corrosion associated with high chlorine concentrations. Reduces long term maintenance costs;
Chlorine dioxide does not react with NH3 or NH4+;
It destroys THM precursors and increases coagulation;
ClO2 destroys phenols and has no distinct smell;
It is better at removing iron and magnesia compounds than chlorine, especially complex bounds;

2Questions

#7

I made it through 1500 miles of the AT last year without treating my water, eventually coming down with giardia just north of Kent, Ct. I am now a believer and do not want to duplicate that experience.

Nimblefoot

#8

<<I use the First Need Deluxe water purifier (http://www.generalecology.com/) - it is a true purifier in that it removes viruses, cysts and bacteria - and it does it chemical free. It screws right onto my nalgene bottle and I can pump and drink right away. The filter can be backwashed for cleaning and is rated to last for 125 gallons (of course this depends on use). If the filter ever clogs (hasn’t yet) we can use it with a gravity feed. My wife and I have used it for our last 6 summers of hiking, including a 38-day outing in Vermont on our end-to-end. Once we filtered out of a scuzzy beaver pond with no problems. We will also filter out of motel sinks when we run out of our own water supplies. >>

Not to be a jerk here, but this really sounds like viral marketing. Sure you don’t work for them, or have a vested interest in how well they sell? Something tells me that you do…

Also, for someone that is supposedly “meticulous” about pack weight, what are you doing still carrying nalgenes? Thats crazy talk…

Novakaine