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Jaredmedi
7
Mar 17, 2018
when I was first introduced to backpacking many years ago the “Go To” methods at the time were chemical purification. While keeping a few tabs on hand for a 5 day trip in the Sierras was light and efficient - I don’t know how much I like adding chems to my water.
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
Fonki
23
Apr 23, 2018
JaredmediI like the versa flow. Very easy to use. Cheap at $20. Quick filtration. And can be pretty much used forever
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