Water Treatment Recommendations

[gonzo]

For my birthday I was lucky enough to get some REI giftcards, which I'm going to put towards a water treatment system. I'm looking for something lightweight (for dayhiking and ultralight use). I'm thinking about the Katadyn Exstream XR, but I'm open to suggestions.

[shlingdawg]

I have the Katadyn Hiker model. Worked great and never had a problem with it. They seem to make quality stuff.

[bo_jangles]

I had the PUR hiker, which is now the Katadyn Hiker - and it did a good job. It provided a relatively fast flowrate with little pumping effort. There were a few times when the pump would not start on it's own - and I would have to pour water inside the cylinder to get it primed. The other downside is having to deal with the two hoses. First you have to find a good place to set your water bottle so it won't tip over while you pump (because pumping requires both hands) and then you have to get the intake end to stay put in a good spot in the water so it won't get clogged with sediment while you pump (there is a pre-filter at the very end of the intake tube). This is tricky to do in a small stream where it is shallow and the intake wants to move everywhere. But then you can prop it with stones and stuff so it will stay put. After everything is all set up, it's easy going.

But a while ago I got a model similar to the one you mentioned and it is much simpler - you can drink right from the bottle! Sweet. The only downside to it is that after pumping it for a couple minutes (it's a little slow, but who's in a hurry when you're camping!?) your hand starts to ache.

In the end, I'd go with the XStream.

[goofball]

unless you are going where people or stock crap in the water you drink i wouldn't worry about water treatment. it has been a few years but i remember backpacker magazine doing a field test for little nasties in popular destination locations around the states. not one of them were even close to having ppm that would affect a human. for 5 years i have never used a filter/purifier and have not once got sick. i will amend that to say if my only option is a nasty pothole and i know this is likely the only option before i go, i will take a filter to remove particularte matter and some iodine tabs. just get living water, avoid stagnant pools, dunk as far under the surface as you can if at a lake, and enjoy !

more locally, i have hiked a good deal in the cottonwoods since moving here. almost all the popular trails to lake basins. i never have gotten sick from drinking from a living (flowing) water source.

[bo_jangles]

Different strokes for different folks. I myself in the past had preferred to drink from streams and such (here in the wasatch) and I have gotten sick twice. I should have learned my lesson from the first time, because after you've gotten sick once - you never want to go through that again. I won't risk it anymore, unless it is meltwater directly off the snow or directly from a flowing spring.

If you don't get sick, the more power to you. As for me, I'll play it safe, filter my water, and never have the squirts like that again!

[CarpeyBiggs]

Seriously, I wouldn't mess around with the wasatch water. My buddy got the bug just a month or so ago after drinking from water on Lone Peak. Crapping mucus bricks is not my idea of fun....

[goofball]

very valid points guys. maybe i am tempting fate ? crapping mucous bricks for a week sounds un-fun for sure. i have just never heard of anyone getting sick from unfiltered water before. granted my circle is teeny tiny, but the few i have known for years all operate the same pretty much. and after 5 years i gotta keep goin ! i'll see just how long a run i can have. of NOT getting the runs, that is.

[Scott Card]

Oh man, I would not drink the water around here. I have known several people who have been sick from drinking water in the mountains. Most recently a scout on a canoe trip told of his cramps and so forth. Yikes. I don't have any ultralight suggestions since I seem to be the designated camel with my 16 oz. MSR Miniworks ex filter. It has always served me and groups well including filtering the Escalante with all it's silt. I would like to hear what you decide on and how it works for you 'cause I would like to go smaller and lighter.

[CarpeyBiggs]

It should be noted that some people can get the bug (giardia) but it never actually affects them. Perhaps you've had it already, or still have it, but your body is able to handle it. It isn't uncommon for people to be very resilient to it's consequences. That said, some people are very weak. It is possible to get the bug without even drinking the water, but by washing hands in a creek, and then eating a candybar, for instance. Very much a hit and miss type situation.

Judging by your track record, you may have the iron gut. But that isn't a game I'd like to play. Good luck.

[accadacca]

Ive had this one for 5 years or so. It works great and Ive never ralfed using it.

http://www.rei.com/product/617913?vc...HP_CAMPING_TOC

[Sombeech]

Whatever you bring, empty 1 gallon jugs are always a must to store your water. They're feather light, and easy to tie on to the pack. Great for mixing gatorade or crystal light.

[scoutabout]

I have a "First Need" mechanical water purifier. It works great. The pump housing will screw on to a nalgene bottle, and it's easy to pump. The thing is awesome.

http://www.generalecology.com/portablesystem.htm

I also usually carry some bleach in a little eye dropper bottle just in case there's a problem with the purifier.

[stefan]

Whatever you bring, empty 1 gallon jugs are ... Great for mixing gatorade or crystal light.

crystal light? i haven't heard that name in ages

[Sombeech]

Whatever you bring, empty 1 gallon jugs are ... Great for mixing gatorade or crystal light.

crystal light? i haven't heard that name in ages

Great stuff. No sugar, tons of flavors.

[UTJetdog]

+1 for the Pur (Katadyn) Hiker.

I also pesonally know of two cases of Giardia from popular Utah mountain watershed. I've been told you wish you could die, and it can last for 10 days... No thank you!

crystal light?

Don't forget the TANG

J

[gonzo]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll do a little more research on my own and let you know what I settle on.

I had my dog vaccinated against giardia. I didn't even know there was a vaccination available. I wonder why there isn't one available for humans.

[Scott Card]

I had my dog vaccinated against giardia. I didn't even know there was a vaccination available. I wonder why there isn't one available for humans.

We don't drink out of toilets .... well at least most people. Can't swear for folks on this site

[AFI]

I like Tang

[RedRoxx]

For nasty water, pothole or otherwise; I take my First Need. Have filtered downstream from a dead rotting cow carcass ( saw that the next morning ) and did fine.
For cleaner water I use Aqua Mira and sometimes a little bleach for containers.

[denaliguide]

heres another vote for the katadyn hiker. i've ad mine for several years. it's light and works great.