Water filtering systems

imported
#1

I would like some imput on Filtering systems , Pump or gravity . It seems that everyone that i checked with says that theres is the best . Any help from past or present thru hikers would be great . thank

Warrior

#2

Hi Warrior I used aqua mira drops and a steripen once I reached Va. Before Va there was no wild life at the higher altitudes and we were told the water was safe. We were skeptic of this but they were right. The water was great and we stopped treating til Va farms started popping up. Boomer

BOOMER

#3

Started with the old MSR Miniworks. Not too fast and sort of heavy at 1 lb, maybe another added ounce when it’s has a wet ceramic filter. Easy to use, easy to clean, but not so easy to pump. They upgraded it in '06, only it heavier. So, switched to MSR Sweetwater. Lighter and a faster flow rate and easy to pump – all good. If you’ve got a looong hike planned, change out the ceramic filter body about every month or so if you want fast, easy flow rates. Just be warned that the first several pumps of a Sweetwater is gray with charcoal, then it runs clear and tasty. So don’t connect it to your water bag when a new one is switched until you see it running clear. Recently, MSR created the Hyperflo. Even lighter, the fastest flow rate…I’m about to use it on a hike, it does seem really fast, but some effort is required.

Water rule of thumb that worked for me for two thru-hikes: If you can’t see where the water originates (a river, stream, etc) I filter. If it’s coming right out of the ground or rock, I don’t. Seeing where it comes out assures you that no animal “did their business” in it or other issues. Never had an issue in 5000 miles. Drops work fine too, there are times that require you to use a bandana to act as a sediment filter when using drops (sometimes) and in drought years, the standing water can look iffy – a filter solves that and eliminates waiting time. With all this snow, water will be flow freely. Cheers ~ Postcard

Postcard

#4

Postcard’s experience is pretty much mine exactly. My water standards continue to evolve. My last hike, the Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier, I didn’t even bring any water purification stuff at all. I figure if you can’t trust the water coming off Mt Rainier as glacier melt, you might as well give it all up. Generally I carry Aqua Mira drops and a bandanna and use it in farm and ranch country or in high human/stock use areas.

Garlic