Agreed 100%.


Aye, there's the rub: What is necessary. :-) Which brings us right back to the OP's Qs.


Please allow me to differ: I do believe that most of the issues discussed on these forums are indeed subject to plain and simple answers/solutions. IMHO, the vast majority of the options we are given are primarily due to folks trying to make a buck. And as johndavid implied (methinks), some folks prey on our fears (present company excepted because i don't know you all) in order to separate us from our hard earned cash.

It's true that user preference plays a big part in the above. But I don't consider user preference relevant in general. For example, keeping in context, let's consider all of the options for treating water: Ok .... .... .... Done!

Plain and Simple Answer; There can be no doubt that CL02 is the best solution; at this time.

Some hikers prefer to exercise one or more of a "multitude of options." Most of which will work. Which brings me back to johndavid who made it clear that efficacy remains unproven due to the lack of reliable scientific data .... but I digress.

As for varying conditions affecting our perceived needs, e.g. particulate matter removal, a small piece of nylon and a rubber band weigh little, are low mass, are easy to use and will do just fine. But that option does not make the outdoors industry (which includes all of those working in retail, etc, which are *among* the most prolific of net denizens), a profit, is not status enhancing and is too plain and simple for those looking for complex solutions.

Other considerations not due to issues specific to a person's bias are either irrelevant or "the exception which proves the rule."

Finally, most tend to feel slighted when they're told that a choice(s) is not the bestest of all. Ouch, how could you! You all suck 'cause everyone knows Foahd is mo bettuh den Chebby.

It's a facet of our culture I find frustrating and just plain silly. Get over it folks. No one is attacking you!

BTW, Coke is way mo bettuh den Pepsi. So there!

Peace,

Richard.

1) I said nor implied no such thing.
2) Context johndavid, context. Within the context profit making, we know for a fact that "liars sho do figger."
3) Do you deny that #2 is the case?

Do you deny that scientists make mistakes?


"Generally speaking" scientists make mistakes and lie, cheat and steal just like other human beings. As for peer review and re .... again, generally speaking .... widely accepted (ie, after peer review, a consensus was reached) scientific truths have been found wanting or simply bogus again and again over the centuries.

Let's not go OT again johndavid. Let's agree that the water treatment options we have available when used as directed will perform as claimed and move on. OK?


Aw heck, ok, i'll play w/u just a bit longer.

Or mistaken? Or engaged in deception? E.g., should I refer you to the marketing methods used by Steripen when they first appeared on the scene? Just ask. ;-)


Please note that the Sierras (ie; jmt) is the example I gave showing that treating water is not always necessary, IMHO.


Which I could rip to shreds easily. But I won't because I agree w/the gent.


I don't. But I have. If I feel the need to filter out particulate matter I use one of my nylon under-socks (nylon hose cut to ankle length) placed over my primary water container.

Somewhat on topic: I coat my feet with "Sportslick" or "Friction Zone" and then put a nylon sock on. Then I add a hiking sock (type depends on climate and re). Prior to this I was prone to blisters no matter what I tried. Zero blisters in the last 18 months.


Thx for repeating what i've said on this thread. ;-)

Peace,

Richard.

New here, quick question, don't mean to wander off topic...

Take it easy on me Richard if I'm missing something obvious but, as per the whole filtering the water w/wo treatment using bandana/sock/nylon/whatever, how does this work with small trickling sources?

I'm not generally too concerned about filtering and tend to drink from what's available but a couple of years ago on the AT somewhere in VA we spent one long hot exposed day without a decent source and stumbled upon just the tiniest trickle, it wasn't clear and it wasn't deep and I was sure glad we had a pump-style filter if for nothing else to suck up the water. I've often considered going without a filter but I can't imagine, at least in that situation, rare though it may be in that part of the country, what I would've done without the hose/straw whatever. It took us a good long bit but we managed to fill up quite a few bottles and carry on. I just can't think of an easy work-around. Anyone tell me the right way to get around this? Maybe some kind of mouth-initiated siphon method using a tube?

Thanks, sorry if I did anything wrong with my posting here.

Adam

I've strongly wished for a straw a few times on alpine climbs....

But these few instances have not been often enough that I'd actually bother with benefit of hindsight, to bring one along.

Richard,

You have begged the questions which I have not found asked.

"What generically is this statement referring to, and why does he have to wait a year to know anything about it?"

Sounds like mystic faith is required.

Bob.

WHAT!!!!! You must be an idiot!!!!! Anyone who thinks Coke is better, must be puting it up their nose! I will no longer listen to a thing you say.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

ken

Filter straw

It looks to me that you're right on topic Adam.


Not a chance buddy. You chose to enter the fray now .... "Lay on [Adam] and woe be he who cries 'Hold, enough.'"


I use LuxuryLite trekking poles (the Big Stik or Trail Stix) which may be used to direct, perhaps even siphon, water. But I also have a number of other items I might use. E.g.s; plastic bag, homemade cup or Heine pot, windscreen, Groundhog stake, etc, etc, etc. "Improvise, adapt, overcome!"


As i mentioned earlier .... one may finds exceptions for every rule.


No offense Adam but perhaps you lack imagination. I repeat no offense. Close friends, etc, have said the same to me.


What I did in similar a situation last year was to dig a small channel and divert water into an LL pole which then filled my cup and so on. I could also have dug a small hole and simply dipped a cup/bag in it but using the pole was quicker.

"Easy workaround?" Easy enough for me. YMMV.


Well Adam, we'll accept your apology .... this time. Fail us again and it's .... *Guillotine!* You've been warned.

Peace,

Richard.

How droll Bob. I assume you jest.

JIC you're serious: Haven't you noticed how every year there is a least one new water treatment option available?

Why spend hard earned bux now when they can sit around for a year gathering interest and may be used then for either a new product or one which is well researched?

I could also come up w/other reasons for waiting until close to one's starting date (reminder; OP said LD hike in about a year) but since you're obviously just funning us i'll stop here.

Peace,

Richard.

Guilty as charged sir. And it's true Coke does add life. It's a well known fact that Pepsi drinkers and huffers (like yours truly prefers his, ahem, Coke) have a much shorter life span. I read it on the Net in an article written by a respected scientist who's vested interests in re Coke, et al, had nothing to do w/his findings.

As for being a large shareholder in Coke, Inc., i'll have you know that has *nothing* to do w/my opinion.

Peace,

Richard.

Junk.

Peace,

Richard.

Without knowing your qualifications and due to your failure to provide scientific evidence, or even anecdotal evidence, to back up your assessment of the filter straw (which I personally have no experience with, and no opinion of) I find myself questioning the validity of your assessment.

Thanks for clarifying that it was just hot air.

Touche! And Bravo Lori!

Outstanding reply.

Unfortunately you avoided maximum effect by kindly, openly and honestly informing us of your suggestions' lack of validity.

WTS; the filter straw (keeps reinventing itself, and showing up like a bad penny) has been discussed all over the Net for years. Perhaps you would serve us best if you did a bit of research prior to recommending a product. Specially within a thread started by what appears to be a newbie LD hiker.

Anyway, thx for replying with such wit and candor.

Peace,

Richard.

Ahhh Bob, you remain such a card. But it really isn't necessary for you to belittle yourself.

BTW, if you are seriously annoyed w/me .... be a man about it and simply say so. Explaining why would be a nice courtesy also. You could PM if you prefer.

TIA for your consideration.

Peace,

Richard.

Plus One. Junk definitely.

1. Labeled 96% filtration rate is neither "astonishing" nor particularly effective.

2. Certain protozoa (crypto, giardia) are essentially impervious to iodine.

Gee whiz, did I accidentally recommend something? Someone simply stated they needed a straw for minimal water sources. I found a straw that happened to have a water filter in it. I fail to see anywhere in this thread where I vouched for said filter in any way.

Though it is interesting to note that similar items are being supplied to people in third world countries to deal with questionable water supplies. The life straw

And:

Lori did you miss the above which shows goodwill on my part? I ask because you seem miffed.


Yes, within the context of this thread, you did make a recommendation.


Context Lori, context. As you stated someone expressed a need and you led them to a product. Nuff said?


I didn't say nor imply that you vouched for said product Lori. In fact I made it clear that I thought you did not know much about the product by advising you to some research next time.


And once again, by direct inference and within the context of this thread, you recommend another product which is junk.

Peace,

Richard.