Billo the Clown asked:

I’m thinking the MSR SweetWater, but I’d like to hear what others think. Often the water I use would come from Lake Superior and backcountry streams. Thanks for your help.
Or should I use purifying tablets? Which brands?

The Smuggler asked:

First time using Yahoo Answers, so I posted this twice in hopes someone would see it:

What water purifier should I buy? I need to buy a water purifier for use on camping trips (usually 1-2 weeks) in the Canadian Wilderness. The water is never polluted, but sometimes muddy/cloudy. Usually have 2 or 3 other people with me, so need to get about 10 litres a day. I’m looking for something I will have to buy only once, so money is not a consideration: 1.) What brand and model would you suggest? Please include details such as whether chemicals are needed / pros and cons / what kind of filter you’d suggest, etc…. 2.) Are Katadyn and PUR the same brand? Can you still find replacement stuff for PUR filters/purifiers? 3.) Do I need a purifier or just a filter to have safe drinking water in north Candian rivers, lakes where the only pollutants would be the occasional motor boat (such as Algonquin Park)? Thanks….I’m getting desperate for info!!!!

wekeepmoving asked:

The cooking and food prep items we’re taking with us on our vagabonding journey in Central America.

tim3jones asked:

water purifier to purify from the creek water and making some Indian tea form the outdoors, PLAINS COREOPSIS is a Family Sunflower Family Native Americans made a hot beverage from plains coreopsis, , Survival way to purify water from creek”s,river’s,lake & pond, Wilderness Survival boiling water and adding Charcoal from the fire.(note you don’t need that much Charcoal in your tea or water like you have seen in this video 1/4 of the Charcoal will work)

The Smuggler asked:

I have always used biogradable soap and done my dishes at the side of the lake, but in searching for water purifier/filter recently, it occurs to me that I have always scrubbed the dishes/cutlery on shore with bio soap and lake water, and given a rinse in lake water.

What do you guys do? Do you actually purify your rinse water? I have always lugged in distilled water, and will now start using filter/purifier, but realize now I have never got sick from lake water.

katclix asked:

I am embarking on a long camping trip in the mountains of South America. Most of the time I will be dependent upon natural water sources for my sustenance.

My question is concerning water filters and purifiers. I recently purchased both for my trip. The Micro Filter claims it removes down to .3 microns. Which I would imagine covers Bacteria, Cysts etc. Leaving the only seeming difference being Viruses?

IF, that is the case I’m not a Biologist, when would you know it was safe to use only the filter, and when to use the purifier? AND, if the purifier is the only thing 99.999% able to provide me with unquestionable drinking water. Why would ANYONE want or use a Microfilter?…

Thanks In Advance To All Who Responded!

WhatYouOughtToKnow asked:

This is a steripen. It’s like a little magic wand.

The Smuggler asked:

Hi, thanks for everyone’s help with earlier questions. I understand the difference between water purifiers and filters/microfilters. Again, I am nervous about using a Pocket Katadyn or PUR/Katadyn Hiker filter. Again, I am only using this in clean Canadian national park quality lakes, with the exception of one or two fishing lakes where I have seen the occasional boat motor (less than 50 a year). There is a bit of salt runoff from the highways nearby I would imagine, but trace amounts in lakes usually 1-2 miles long with no cottages on them.

Should I worry about ‘beaver fever’, or any kind of bacteria using these filters in fairly clear water? I swim in these waters all the time, and have never got a rash or ear infection nor has anyone else who’s gone out camping with me. Am I being nuts?

Also, if you DO suggest a purifier, can you recommend one that is easy to use (i.e long life / cleanable filter components…years between filter changes, etc)…and what is a good value model?
Schnurrbart I’m hoping you see this!

The Smuggler asked:

What water purifier should I buy?

I need to buy a water purifier for use on camping trips (usually 1-2 weeks) in the Canadian Wilderness. The water is never polluted, but sometimes muddy/cloudy. Usually have 2 or 3 other people with me, so need to get about 10 litres a day. I’m looking for something I will have to buy only once, so money is not a consideration:

1.) What brand and model would you suggest? Please include details such as whether chemicals are needed / pros and cons / what kind of filter you’d suggest, etc….

2.) Are Katadyn and PUR the same brand? Can you still find replacement stuff for PUR filters/purifiers?

3.) Do I need a purifier or just a filter to have safe drinking water in north Candian rivers, lakes where the only pollutants would be the occasional motor boat (such as Algonquin Park)?

Thanks….I’m getting desperate for info!!!!