Wonderful. Thank you Lori very much for your reply.

So if your standard filter won't rid your drinking water of all pollutants what then do you do? Use a chemical of some sort?

Typically how much planning and $$$ goes into meals? $ for food per day.

How much would you estimate it cost to get completely outfitted to go backpacking with decent, quality gear? I assume this varies with season winter being more expensive.