WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 32
  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-09-2017
    Location
    Grandville, Michigan
    Posts
    5

    Default Filter + water purification?

    I'm relatively new to backpacking so forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I'm wondering if anyone uses a water filter AND water purification drops or tablets.

    The trips I've been on so far I've used a Sawyer Mini and that's worked fine. However I know there are things it cannot remove from the water. I've been considering using Aqua Mira tabs along with the filter. Does anyone else do this, or is this just unnecessary overkill?

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    07-25-2015
    Location
    Sugar Hill, GA
    Age
    57
    Posts
    920

    Default

    Overkill. The Mini will take everything but a virus and viruses aren't a particular issue. Why ruin the taste of your perfectly good spring water?

  3. #3
    Registered User Engine's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-29-2009
    Location
    Citrus Springs, FL
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,673
    Images
    10

    Default

    We watched multiple Sawyer filters (including ours) get ruined by the freezing in the extreme cold of the Smokies last week.

    The guy with a Steri-pen had no issues...Our new Steri-pen is waiting at a post office just up the trail.

    Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
    “He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” –Socrates

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    07-25-2015
    Location
    Sugar Hill, GA
    Age
    57
    Posts
    920

    Default

    You do have to take care of them. You can't let them freeze. Doesn't hurt to have a backup be it tablets or a stri-pen but it's not a failing of the Sawyer that it froze.

  5. #5
    GSMNP 900 Miler
    Join Date
    02-25-2007
    Location
    Birmingham, AL
    Age
    57
    Posts
    4,861
    Journal Entries
    1
    Images
    5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Engine View Post
    We watched multiple Sawyer filters (including ours) get ruined by the freezing in the extreme cold of the Smokies last week.

    The guy with a Steri-pen had no issues...Our new Steri-pen is waiting at a post office just up the trail.

    Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
    Can you elaborate on how you knew your Sawyers were ruined"?
    I ask because according to Sawyer's own website, there is no way to field test Sawyer to determine if it's been compromised. Seem like the only way to KNOW a Sawyer has been compromised is that either the flow rate goes way up (i.e. lots of damage, easy for water to flow thur now) or way down (i.e. no water flow because the thing is clogged with ice).

  6. #6
    Registered User Moosling's Avatar
    Join Date
    06-04-2015
    Location
    Burlington, North Carolina.
    Age
    37
    Posts
    201
    Images
    7

    Default

    I've been told to put my sawyer in the tech pocket of my sleeping bag or down near my feet to prevent the membrane from freezing.

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    07-25-2015
    Location
    Sugar Hill, GA
    Age
    57
    Posts
    920

    Default

    From Sawyer: While we have no proof that freezing will harm the filter, we do not have enough proof to say it will not harm the filter, therefore we must say that if you suspect the filter has been frozen, to replace it — this is especially true with a hard freeze.

    I wouldn't trust a frozen one. I might continue to use it until the next opportunity to replace is if I had no other backup. I'd be particular about where I got my water, however.

  8. #8
    Registered User Engine's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-29-2009
    Location
    Citrus Springs, FL
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,673
    Images
    10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jpolk84 View Post
    From Sawyer: While we have no proof that freezing will harm the filter, we do not have enough proof to say it will not harm the filter, therefore we must say that if you suspect the filter has been frozen, to replace it — this is especially true with a hard freeze.

    I wouldn't trust a frozen one. I might continue to use it until the next opportunity to replace is if I had no other backup. I'd be particular about where I got my water, however.
    Exactly...

    Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
    “He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” –Socrates

  9. #9
    Registered User Old Hiker's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-10-2009
    Location
    Tampa, Florida
    Posts
    2,593
    Images
    5

    Default

    I am particularly paranoid about my water.

    I use(d) a Sweetwater Guardian filter with Siltstopper and these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Potable-Aqua-...rds=water+tabs

    I let the tabs work at LEAST 30 minutes before drinking. Had NO water related problems or intestinal problems from any cause.

    Now: ask me about Lyme..................
    Old Hiker
    AT Hike 2012 - 497 Miles of 2184
    AT Thru Hiker - 29 FEB - 03 OCT 2016 2189.1 miles
    Just because my teeth are showing, does NOT mean I'm smiling.
    Hányszor lennél inkább máshol?

  10. #10

    Default

    I'm surprised Sawyer doesn't have definitive answer to if a freeze damages their filter. You'd think it would be easy enough to test and should have been part of the R+D testing. They know it's going to happen.

    I've never cut one of these open to see what exactly they use inside, but I bet freezing does little or no damage. There is a chance it may no longer remove the very smallest of contaminates, but it would still remove the bulk of the stuff you don't want in there. 99% of the water on the AT is fine to drink as is anyway, so you'd probably never know if the filter is doing anything or not. I use mine mostly to filter out the grit.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  11. #11
    Registered User swjohnsey's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-13-2010
    Location
    Kingsville, Texas
    Age
    77
    Posts
    2,331

    Default

    Everything works because nothing is needed. 99% of the water is safe to drink right out of the side of the mountain.

  12. #12
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
    Join Date
    02-20-2013
    Location
    Roaring Gap, NC
    Age
    77
    Posts
    8,529

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jpolk84 View Post
    From Sawyer: While we have no proof that freezing will harm the filter, we do not have enough proof to say it will not harm the filter, therefore we must say that if you suspect the filter has been frozen, to replace it — this is especially true with a hard freeze.

    ...
    Based on that non-information gobbledygook, I wouldn't trust Sawyer.
    How long does it take to freeze a handful of filters and find out if they still work?
    I also wouldn't trust the Mini.
    Wayne



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Eddie Valiant: "That lame-brain freeway idea could only be cooked up by a toon."
    https://wayne-ayearwithbigfootandbubba.blogspot.com
    FlickrMyBookTwitSpaceFace



  13. #13

    Default

    I use the full size sawyer squeeze filter and bring around 8 water tablets as back-up. If it is going to be cold, I just put it in a ziplock and sleep with it to prevent it from freezing. If you know that the filter gets ruined by freezing, I am not sure why anyone would leave it in a position to freeze. i like the sawyer because it is instant drinking water. I have not heard good things about the steri pen due to its durability, need for batteries, and effectiveness in cloudy water.
    Whether you think you can, or think you can't--you're right--Henry Ford; The Journey Is The Destination

  14. #14
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-22-2002
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Age
    61
    Posts
    7,937
    Images
    296

    Default

    I carry chlorine dioxide tablets as a backup, and also for use when I need to grab a liter of water and keep walking.
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

  15. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-09-2017
    Location
    Grandville, Michigan
    Posts
    5

    Default

    So I'll be heading to the southern AT at the end of April. Probably somewhere in Virginia. Should I expect freezing temps in that area, that time of year? If so I'll definitely pick up some purification tabs as a backup. Or just sleep with my filter under my pillow!

  16. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-09-2017
    Location
    Grandville, Michigan
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Thanks everyone for your comments!

  17. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    06-02-2011
    Location
    Neptune Beach, Fl
    Age
    49
    Posts
    6,238

    Default

    So easy to keep in pocket so it doesn't freeze....but yep ship happens...Ive forgot to sleep with it several times so I make a habit to replace yearly with some of my dividends from rei....may go back to regular from mini but honestly mini has been fine.....no bag or real flow issues since using the 2l evernew bag....taking a minute or two to filter just gives me a longer break!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-22-2002
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Age
    61
    Posts
    7,937
    Images
    296

    Default

    I found the Mini difficult to squeeze, but I have some hand and wrist issues. The regular Sawyer is much easier, I can pretty much just hold it in the air and the water flows through.

    Maddog, it is possible to get below freezing temps in late April in Virginia. Not as likely, but not out of the question. I still take my 20F bag into mid May around here.
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

  19. #19

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bigcranky View Post
    Maddog, it is possible to get below freezing temps in late April in Virginia. Not as likely, but not out of the question. I still take my 20F bag into mid May around here.
    Not very likely by late April. It would have to get into the 20's for an extended amount of time to freeze a filter if it's even a little protected from direct cold air contact, like being in a pack.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  20. #20
    Wanna-be hiker trash
    Join Date
    03-05-2010
    Location
    Connecticut
    Age
    42
    Posts
    6,922
    Images
    78

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Engine View Post
    We watched multiple Sawyer filters (including ours) get ruined by the freezing in the extreme cold of the Smokies last week.

    The guy with a Steri-pen had no issues...Our new Steri-pen is waiting at a post office just up the trail.

    Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

    Hey engine, just curious what sort of temperatures were you seeing in the Smokies last week?

    I hope your hike is going well!
    Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
++ New Posts ++

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •