Water filtration

imported
#1

what is the best way to filter water/make it drinkable in Montana on a cost/weight basis?
Ive understood that boiling is not enough.

Joshua

#2

Actually, boiling is fine. One minute at a good boil will do it. It’s not a very practical method, though, except in camp. Fuel is heavy and you won’t want to take time out every time you get water to fire up a stove. I personally use a water filter but if you can stand the taste, using a chemical such as Aquamira is the lightest way to go. Katadyn makes a great little one person filter that is not too heavy.

Montana has a lot of good springs that we drank unfiltered water from but you can’t really count on those.

bearcreek

#3

Steripen! Lighter, smaller, faster, easier, more effective than a filter. Purchase batteries on-line.

Dioko

#4

Although I’ve never been to Montanna, I’m a fan of the Sawyer 3-way Inline filter. It connects directly to the line of a hydration bladder and weighs 2oz. It can also be used as a gravity filter. I think the cost is around $50-$60.

DSep

#5

in regards to Dioko’s comment about the steripen, the steripen is only really effective with clear, silt free water. and it is also only truly usable and effective with water containers that have a “large opening” so you can get the “wand” part of the device all the way into the water and agitate it.

in my experience a small filter is a much better choice when in the backcountry. the steripen is not bad, but it can be a real hassle sometimes using it out in the wilderness when you dont have “pristine” water to deal with.

TYVEK

#6

It is true that you have to have clear water, not water discolored with say oak tannin or milky silt. However, there is a small lightweight “collar” which can be used on narrow-necked bottles so the “wand” is placed upside down for use. :tongue

Lady Di

#7

Thanks for all the input. time for homework

Joshua

#8

I was checking out the cheapest way to go. Sweetwater Purifier Solution (chlorine) costs 5 cents a liter & takes 5 minutes… but without an antidote, it may damage your health. Iodine pills with the antidote costs about 25 cents a liter…Katadyn pills take hours & cost the most… Steripen claims to cost about 2 cents a liter with rechargeable batteries; more with much lighter lithium batteries that one would take on the trail.

inchworm plumber

#9

I’m trying to keep it simple and cheap, and preferably chemical free - the 3 way sawyer line looks interesting as does the katadyn filter. why would an electronic steripen be better? batteries, malfunctions and the like…
Filters are only good for a certain amount of liters, right?

Joshua

#10

The ceramic filters such as the small Katadyn can be cleaned and used for years. They are harder to pump than the paper filter types, but the longevity makes it worth it.

MSR makes a great ceramic filter, but it is heavy. We used a MSR on the CDT because there were three of us and it’s bigger and faster than the Katadyn.

I’ve done the Colorado Trail three times using my Katadyn and it’s still going strong. That’s my choice for hiking alone.

bearcreek

#11

Try the Katadyn “My Bottle” water filter. I used it on my PCT 2010 Thru-hike. Changed filters once after the sierras. Just dip, fill and go.

Coach K

#12

I’ve used them all. Pur, Katadyn, ceramic, charcoal, iodine, bleach. Each have their problems. I am currently using the Sawyer gravity feed. Used it on PCT 2010 and will use the same one for CDT 2012. I’m not making a sales pitch here. It is just what I’ve evolved to.

Transient

#13

steripens are fragile, aqua mira runs out, sawyer squeeze filters have a 1000000 gallon guarantee, only cost about $55 and only weigh 3oz. Also it screws on to regular bottles like a pepsi bottle

Joel johnstone

#14

I tried squeezing years ago… it was hell trying to do a whole gallon; like exercising with one of those hand exercisers… I hope sawyer is easier than that carbon based filter form !

gingerbreadman