Water and Hydration....

[JC785]

I just bought a Katadyn (SP?) Hiker Pro and it seems to work very well. I was wondering how much water you initially start out with? I currently have a liter  of water in my hydration bladder and another  liter in a bottle. Should I empty the bottle water and just have the hydration system full when I start out or both? There is a vast amount of water sources close by.

[Lostsheep]

Well, this depends largely on the sources nearby, but I don't start w/ that little.

I generally start with a minimum of 2L. Both in Nalgene bottles. Just b/c it's something I've always done and am comfortable with. I carry the empty bladder with me too.

If I start noticing sketchy water supplies, I'll fill everything up as a "just in case" matter. I do not want to be stuck without water. That's just one of my quirks/fears.

I'd say if you're comfortable and know that you have good water, just the bladder will do.

Also - I'm not sure where you are,  but you could find a local gear shop (Alabama Outdoors) and look into a quick fill adaptor for your bladder and pump. It's an inline quick connect valve that allows you to hook the pump directly to the water tube and fill your bladder, instead of trying to fill it through the large screw top.

Plus, when the bladder is above the tube, gravity will make it a steady flow water source for camp! Excellent piece of gear!

[JC785]

Thanks for the advice I need to pick up that adapter.

[ednotmilkman]

Thinking about that adapter .....

I went out and checked my bladder and filter; my bladder hose will fit directly onto my MSR (have no idea what model) filter nipple. The problem is that its hard enough holding a water bottle creekside without getting myself wet trying to hold it. It would be more trouble trying to set your full pack beside the creek without getting it wet and muddy, or surely a tricky proposition if you pumped with the pack still on your back. But you have to drop it to get to your filter, so that would be an extra step too.

I'll stick to one bladder plus 1 bottle for now; pouring the bottle into the bladder.

Edwin

[auwesman]

I've got the adapter for my Hiker and Camel back bladder and LOVE it.  As mentioned, it gives you an "On/Off" switch that allows you to use the water at camp easily for filling up a pot, or cleaning.  Also, I hated having to remove ALL my gear to pull the bladder out, fill it and stick it back in.  Don't have to do that anymore!

As for how much water...in Alabama, I usually carry about 2L in my bladder and 1L in a nalgene (the Nalgene is for cooking/EMERGENCY use).  But I also consider myself someone who drinks ALOT.  I carry a 3L bladder and 2 nalgenes.  If I feel like I'm going into an area that I won't see any water for a while (i.e. Apalachian trail in the Smokies) then I fill all of them all the way up.  Nothing would be worse in my mind than arriving at camp and having NO water to cook with....or to drink.

That said, if you KNOW there is an abundance of water, and it's during mild temps (where you won't need to drink quite as much) you may need less.  Just learn how much you drink and think about how often you want to stop.  Filling up does take some time.

[JC785]

Thanks for the advice I went to several stores in Montgomery today to try and find one but was unable, guess I got to find it online.

What type of water sources do yall normally filter your water from? I know a running stream is ideal, but what about ponds and stuff?

[Cuffs]

When you are in serious need of water, any will do.  I have filtered green water from a cow trough.  Yea, I needed it THAT bad!

[JC785]

you must have been pretty dehydrated to drink that water

[auwesman]

MMmmmmmm....I bet that was TASTY!   

Where you filter depends on a few things.
A.  How bad off are you (as stated above)
B.  How much will this clog up my filter (a nice flowing creek pool will put very little wear on your water filter...a muddy pond or small puddle on the trail will put all sorts of crap in your filter wearing it out sooner).
C.  Just how tasty will it be    Sitting water will have a stale taste to it no mater how much you filter it.

[highlife]

Cuffs is right, any water will do. If the water is super nasty or from a puddle wrap your bandana around your pre filter (will make pumping a bit harder) or dip your pot in the water and let the sediment settle and filter the clearer stuff off the top.
If your always unsure about the water...filter it ...then boil it. Or use Aqua mira and then boil...

The new filters that the companies are coming out with now are the gravity filters. Meaning no pumping....And alot lighter
I have one made by Brian at ULA equipment and it works great.  If I had to get water out of a puddle, I would have to dip my pot in and pour it into the filter. sounds fun, can't wait for that scenario. not

[Lostsheep]

Filtering, I usually ALWAYS get running water. Something that is moving is ideal. If it's necessary to pump from still water, I set the float so that it pulls from closer to the surface.

Secondly, I put a coffee filter on the intake and secure it with a rubber band. If necessary, I double the filter.

As for the adaptor, check Alabama Outdoors on Zelda/Carter Hill. They have them. Or they did when I was there last. I typically take the pack off, get the filter, put the pack on and pump while wearing it. I can feel the bladder inflate while on my back and get a pretty good idea when it's full. Then, disconnect and restore the pump and keep going.

[lawnmowwer]

I always carry a 3l Camel back and a Nalgene. I do drink a lot. I now have a MIOX to purify. I have filtered from almost every source you can image with my previous filter (a pur hiker). The source greatly affects the life of the filter. Running water actually isn't the best source. The running water keeps silt suspended. If you can find a calm pool in a creek or stream that is the best. If you are thirsty enough hot water from a pool filled with really pretty floral alga works great.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Carry in a Nalgene and 2l Camelbak bladder. Use a Steripen. Love it. No pumping, clogging, or waiting on chemicals. there's even a prefilter for getting out the floaties that screws onto the Nalgene.

[JC785]

Were headed to the Sipsey this weekend I was just wondering how much water yall take there? After looking at the map I would imagine their would be a lot of water sources, correct me if I am wrong.

[Firedog]

There's plenty of water all over the sipsey during the winter and spring months. As summer comes that all changes depending on the rain. Carry a filter and or steripen. The water is generally of excellent quality. Even in the hotter months but as the water warms up so do the bacteria.