There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Intro the filtration methods. Nowadays we have moved from chemicals to super ultra fine micron ftration systems that really pack a punch. While I won’t get down to the nitty gritty technical specs I will give you my tips and sure fire recommendations for the first time backpacker to the expert trying to lighten his load.
Filtrrs I recommend and why:
1. Sawyer mini squeeze - my favorite water filter comes in a miniature size! Lighter weight and effective this is my go to filter to teach your young child about how to drink water safely in the backcountry. The cool part? They fit on the end of a smart water bottle, or inline with your water bladder.
Pros: super compact, easy to use, light weight, great for little kids learning how to filter their own water (especially when Mom or dad will likely be filtering the “Bulk” of the water that’s consumed). Amazing backup filter that takes zero space.
coms: it’s super tiny! I almost lost my regular size sawyer I can only imagine the mini. The filtration rate is too slow for many adults. Does not kill viruses.
2. CHLORINE DIOXIDE CHEMICAL TREATMENT - be it tabs or drops these are a sure fire way if you find yourself drinking out of a cow pond. Often times when you get into backpacking you’ll find yourself praising not so yummy water sources. When in doubt, a few drops of these and your 20% cow pee water is now safe to drink (ok don’t quote me on the pee to h20 ratio point is...this will kill all protezoa, bacteria, and viruses. Many people emplor a filter and a chemical treatment.
Pros: it’s the sure fire way to kill all the bad stuff. Super ultralight
cons: it’s chlorine. It’s a chemical, it won’t remove any gross floaters. It’s chlorine.
Note: in the sierras I never take chlorine drops with me - I only filter and it’s fine for me. Up to you.
3. The sawyer Squeeze - the last and not least is my go to ultra light filtration system. You can use this inline, as a gravity filter, with a smart water bottle (my fav) and hands down a great easy to use filter I’ll bet my life on.
Pros higher fllow rate + all the pros of the mini version. Filtering and chemical treating is the safest bet. Using this and drops and you’ll be safely drinking out of the nastiest water holes in the world.
Cons does not remove viruses - some chance for user error if not stored properly (can’t be stored below freezing - but jsut sleep with it in your sleeping bag and it’s a never issue.
Hope this helps! Rather than give you 100 options this would be my go to no brainer review.
Jared