I ended up getting the 2 liter system. Mainly because it's more suited as a hydration pack in my backpack. Also it's smaller (aka lighter) and all I need if I go solo. The spigot cap can actually be purchased separately for $16 or so but why? It will just add more weight.

A simple test run at home showed that the 0.10 micron filter performed much better than the 0.02 micron. So I won't dehydrate while watching the filter drip really slowly. The quick connects look quite nice. Let's hope they don't start leaking.

Now let's just hope there is some water at Happy Valley Saddle otherwise I'll have to backpack it.

As for the route, I decided on a modification to the second option so I can hike up the Rincon Peak on the second day. I won't be doing the loop down Ricon Creek trail past Madrona. Instead I head back the Heartbreak Ridge trail to Manning. Doing both, the Rincon Peak and hiking the loop would be to much for me.

BTW, I got the camping permit.

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http://adventurelaus.blogspot.com/2011/08/fly-hike-fly-coming-up.html