water purification

Most packable filters these days filter to 0.3 microns. True that would take care of bacteria, protozoa, giardia, iodine, persticide and cryptospiridia but not some viruses and chemicals in the water. My issue is with disposable filters made of fiberglass and ceramics containing the filtered material. Putting that back into the environment is not a good thing in my mind.

 

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I use a pump one aswell. I've never had it clog however....it was around 70$ but it was a gift. A great one at that. I can't tell you how efficient you can be camping with a stream nearby and one of those.

 

After your post I've looked into filters and actually ended up buying a large filter system that is intended for remote locations and third world envrionments (it's actually used by charities too). It's perhaps a little too big for camping at about 1sqr foot in size when collapsed. The filters are ceramic with silver in them and do the job you say. It processes 25-100 litres of water a day according to how many filters you have installed them, so you can generate enough water for other uses other than just drinking. The filters can be returned to the manufacture for recycling after use. The filters retain the natural minerals in the water.

I'm also looking at getting a commercial electric distiller, which should produce even purer water for other applications (removes the minerals). This will require considerable power from a solar system, however. You can of course make a more efficient one via a solar still which does exactly the same thing considerably cheaper, albeit with more faffage.

 

Does boiling water for 5 minutes ensure that the water is safe to drink? I am about 9 days away from leaving for a long bike tour and need to know if I need to get a filter or if I will just be fine with my stove. I am assuming my stove will get the job done.

 

Boiling will only kill bacteria, but not remove any heavy metals. I like to filter then boil, and after swoosh the water between two containers to replace some air and help improve the taste, or simply make tea.

Peace

 

You may want to check out Wildwoodsurvival.com before your trip... just in case you need some extra skills to fall back on.

 

Thanks for the link! It's been a while since I was a boy scout...years actually. I could definitely use some brushing up.

 

You're quite welcome... funny you mentioned the scouts, I just joined up as an assistant scoutmaster. I have lots of skills to teach the kids, and maybe teach them some respect as well, not many have that these days. My friend is the scoutmaster and needs me for nature skills and such. We go on an adventure 2-3 times a month...camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, etc. I usually make a dish from wild edibles, or something handy from nature, like rope from inner tree bark, to keep the kids interested.
I'm the only long hair in the troop...lol.

Peace man