I like the chlorine dioxide, full spectrum destruction approach.

PS. I really like the convenience of the individually wrapped tablets one brand packages in. That way I don't have to measure powder or drops, don't spill out more than I need, and can rip off a strip for a short trip or to hide in my first aid/emergency kit that goes in my day pack.

I didn't mean anything by asking for short responses - And thank you all for the quick survey results - which follow: (I used only your first choice most of the time - depending on how you presented your preferences)

7 Nothing (including the coffee filter!)
6 CLO2 tabs
4 AM
4 Pur Hiker Filter (or other pump filter)
2 Amigo Pro
2 Bleach
1 UV
1 MIOX

I didn't mention it in the original post because I was asking about treatment, but I too fall into the "use Nothing" catagory most of the time. I know it makes some of you squeemish, but I love "live", fresh mountain water when the source is good.

Nothing, and chemical treatment are the hands down winners. It would seem that, for light weight backpackers (at least the best and brightest, who frequent this site) the filter is a thing of the past (most of the time - I note that some of you, including me, still carry a filter for certain areas).

I am intrigued by the amigo pro and as a note of clarification - ULA has left the building as of July 24 (not August) he did mention that you may still be able to get one thru a dealer.

So my thinking now is that I will try the CLO2 tabs as my backup to using nothing.

As a final note - I love you guys! I have learned more about the ins and outs of light weight backpacking from you all than from all other sources combined.

THANK YOU

rionada

I'm a little late on this post, but I'm just curious about one other chemical treatment that was not mentioned. Does anyone here use the Klearwater chemical treatment? I started using this product last summer and so far I haven't gotten sick from drinking water treated with it. It's pretty easy to use. Any pros or cons about it that I'm unaware of?

link: http://www.klearwater.com/about.htm

Cliff

That's just another chlorine dioxide solution..

And at least for me, it looks quite dilute, at 1 ml to treat a litre.

Just curious where the Sweetwater Purifier falls into that list...

Ender...

Sweetwater Purifyer is Sodium Hypochlorite more commonly known as bleach.

rionada

Huh... learn something new every day. I had never really thought about what bleach was made of, other than bleach, till just now. Thanks!

(feeling sheepish)

Just to ensure that there is no confusion, the MIOX is a chemical treatment of mixed oxidants and is not a UV type treatment. Unlike other chemical treatments, each batch is fresh and can also be checked with testing strips if desired to ensure that the dosing amount is proper for the type of water being treated.

ndsol,

My bad!

I ammended the survey results to show two separate catagories for the MIOX and the UV.

rionada

I don't think that KlearWater is EPA registered. I would be leery because of that. And their website makes a couple of strange statements. First, Crypto and Giardia are not bacteria; they are protozoa, so their last sentence does not make sense. And for them to state that within a few minutes most common bacteria and viruses are eliminated with Crypto and Giardia only taking 15-30 minutes is in my view somewhat reckless. The EPA registered chemical treatments would not be so bold as to make those statements.

Also, they don't appear to make specific claims about their product, but just CLO2 in general. Personally, I would steer away from this given the other alternatives that are available.

Thanks for the comments. I may contact the manufacturer and ask for clarification on these points.

Cliff

I was using Pristine, which is the Canadian version of AM. Now I am using the MSR Hyperflow. Very light and compact, very fast. No probs so far.

Howie

Solo: Aqua Mira drops.

Family: Pur Hiker filter.

I like a good 2 layer approach personally.

Dimitri

“It would seem that, for light weight backpackers (at least the best and brightest, who frequent this site) the filter is a thing of the past”

I don’t know why not; it is faster and lighter than chemicals <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />.

OK, here’s one situation (and it’s very adaptable): The chemical user will usually keep 16oz of water on hand to drink while the next quart of water is disinfecting. This may be 3 lbs of water on average a chemical person will carry. A filter guy will just tank up (drink healthily) at the cold water/mud holes on the spot, and keep 16oz handy and thus be only carrying a 1lb filter +1 lb water on average.

When it’s hot and humid out, it’s nice to plop down at the water hole, filter, and drink ON THE SPOT. And if it’s coming from a cold source, I want that coolness now. That’s paradise. I don’t want the 30 minute wait that warms it up.

-Barry

I agree Barry. I use a filter, and for the exact reasons you mentioned. It is a heck of a lot easier to filter water on the go, and drink it on the spot. It also allows for carrying a lot less water (assuming springs are available up the trail).

Couldn't have said it better myself (and I've tried.)

Filters may be a thing of the past among ultralighters, but not among lightweight hikers - or, I suspect, among the "traditional" hikers that we so often forget to consider, but who probably make up the majority of hikers. (On the other hand, "lightweight" may be the new "traditional" as mainstream gear continues to get lighter.)

I agree with you BarryP. The main reason I went to a filter is because of the fact that many of the available watering places I frequent tend to become almost dry later on in the summer. Water like that has to be pumped. Before my pump days, I would strain the water through my bandana to get the silt out of it, but somehow it still turned out brown. The Pristine likely did a good job of taking care of the nasties, but it didn’t make the water look any more appealing. Now I have a reliable and light filtration system I would not go back, and I often think about the advantages of a pump and the reasons you mentioned.

Howie

Katadyn Base Camp filter and chlorine bleach [where indicated].