PDA

View Full Version : Help Water treatment and food storage in Grand Gulch?


chadallen
09-12-2011, 03:00 PM
Sorry for the repost -- I put this in the Canyoneering forum but I think it's better off here...

Headed to Grand Gulch for a 5 day trip from Kane to Bullet. Having a hard time finding answers to a couple of logistical questions like:

1. I've become a big fan of my SteriPen for cleaning water in the last few years. I've used it in lakes but nothing with heavy silt or anything really stagnant. Will I want a pump filter for the water we're likely to come across in the gulch?
2. What's the standard protocol for overnight food storage? Hanging? Bear cans?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks!
CarpeyBiggs
09-12-2011, 05:22 PM
you could use a steripen, but you'll either need a) a good prefilter or b) alum to settle the sediment. (and plenty of powder to get rid of the awful taste...)

you'd be fine hanging your food if you can find something to hang it on. or better yet, carry an ICG canyon keg for your food. (much lighter than a bear can) :nod:
http://canyoneeringusa.com/shop/product.php?productid=16351&cat=257&page=1

could also use an ursack.
denaliguide
09-12-2011, 08:51 PM
i've always filtered my water from the many springs in grand gulch, and the water generally is not muddy except after heavy rains.

i have also never worried about my food storage. hanging it won't be a problem as there are plenty of pinion, juniper, and cottonwood trees in the canyon. i have heard great things about the steel mesh sacks too.
ibenick
09-12-2011, 08:57 PM
Is there really a bear issue in GG? I would have never even thought to hang my food there.
kvolk
09-12-2011, 09:48 PM
We hung our food but just high enough to keep the rodents out
denaliguide
09-12-2011, 10:16 PM
We hung our food but just high enough to keep the rodents out

x2

google ratsack, grubsak and outsak to see the steel mesh bags available.
CarpeyBiggs
09-13-2011, 08:33 AM
yeah, no bear issue. it's for the rodents...
chadallen
09-20-2011, 07:13 PM
Thanks for the info everyone. Opting for a MSR Miniworks over SteriPen. Didn't really have time to get around to ordering one of the steel mesh sacks, but that's a great tip I'll check out on future trips.