Water

[cochon]

I am going on a week-long hike in the New York part of the AT. What is the most effective and safest way to get clean water, since carrying a week's worth of water is completely unrealistic?

[rjhouser]

For a short period of time like that you could get by with purification tablets, they are the least expensive. Wal-mart has the same brand that REI carries. On longer trips it is recommended to get a filter but those can cost some $$. Only because the tablets contain some chemicals and can leave an aftertaste, but it's not that bad. It's safe, inexpensive and when you're AT thirsty, who cares?

[4eyedbuzzard]

Aqua Mira, Potable Aqua, and other Chlorine Dioxide tablets (about $10 for a bottle of 30 or so) taste better than Iodine based ones IMO. They sell both - read the ingredients. SOme say just use bleach, but it isn't as accepted a method by health professionals. I usually just use a UV device called a Steripen (more expensive). That said, if the water is running and clear sometimes I'll just drink it.

[cochon]

What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?

[Hooch]

What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?

Yes.

1) Uses extra fuel that could be used for other purposes.
2) Takes forever and a day (including wait times for water to boil for a minimum of 3 minutes and cool down).
3) Changes the taste of water to a very sterile, bland taste.

You're better off chemically treating or filtering. Other option is to drink it straight up (my personal choice).

[JeF4y]

The biggest downsizes to boiling are Time, Heat & Fuel Consumption.

[leaftye]

Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

The filter element in that is popular for good reason, and the use of it in this configuration makes for a very light, compact and convenient system.

[Hooch]

Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

So much for HYOH.

[DLANOIE]

I am a big fan of aqua mira, but HYOH!

[sloetoe]

Treat your water with "R E S P E C T" and leave the rest of it at home.

[Spokes]

What about just boiling water? Is there any downside to that?

I agree with Hooch. Only the clinically insane would consider boiling water on a long distance hike. Do what most AT thru hikers do and use Aqua Mira.

[Hooch]

I agree with Hooch.

Best. Post. Ever.

[Feral Nature]

Get a filter. Specifically, get this one: http://www.sawyer.com/SP131.htm

The filter element in that is popular for good reason, and the use of it in this configuration makes for a very light, compact and convenient system.

Thanks for the link!

[tolkien]

I bought Iodine tablets that turned the water Kool-Aid orange, but it tasted fine. Plus, most people need more Iodine. A couple bottles of Iodine tablets will set up back 10-20 $, and last for a month or so.