new to backpack hunting

[chasingbulls]

Hey Fellas im new to Coyoting out, and im just now starting to build up my lightweight gear to try a backpack hunt next year...i have a few maybe dumb questions hopefully some of you pros to this way of hunting could answer for me...as far as h20 goes, i will be hunting in northern AZ where the only water available to drink will be the infested dirty water holes (no clear streams you find in Alaska) that im guessing even the purify water tabs couldnt cut through, and i dont want to take gallons and gallons of water (enough to last 3-5 days) strictly because of the weight. what options or suggestions do you guys have... All are appreciated

 

[Hilltop]

I have read about but have not tried the following technique. They say you can filter cloudy/dirty water with a coffee filter first before using one of the other commercial backpacking filter systems. Doing this is supposed to remove a good majority of the sediment that will clog the normal filtration systems. This is really your only option short of constructing a rain water catch and hoping the weather cooperates... If you can find the large industrial filters and collapsible strainers used when you make beer at home it may be easier. I would also bring a small collapsible bucket that fit the strainer. May take a bit of practice but I bet it can be done...

 

[ScottR]

Get a Katadyn Vario, it has an adjustable filter that will allow you filter the nastiest of nasty water. I filtered straight out of a nasty elk wallow a couple years ago and it did just fine.....

 

[jasent]

I use a Katadyn pro hiker. I have pulled water from some dirty holes and it comes out clear and clean. If the water is murky I use the coffee filter trick and pump slow. Its pretty light as well. I wrap the pre-filter with the coffee filter and use a rubber band to hold it on tight

 

[chasingbulls]

thanks for the help! has anyone ever used the MSR sweetwater microfilter? im just trying to find the best filter system i can because getting sick out there ruins all the hard work and your hunt so i dont want to skimp on a filter system

 

[ScottR]

Go with the Vario, I promise you won't be disappointed for your purposes with that filter.

 

[chasingbulls]

thanks ScottR ill take your word for it and give it a try

 

[ScottR]

No problem, the Variable settings will make that filter shine for your application


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[ssliger]

If you have time in late summer, you could also cache water in certain locations.

 

[25contender]

I have been using different Katadyn's for many years and have never had any problems drinking water filtered from any source. Great products.

 

[hunt4duck]

If you have time in late summer, you could also cache water in certain locations.

Yep, if you will be scouting I've done this several times. Mostly for some luxury, cold beers in a creek after hunting is always nice!

 

[Never in Doubt]

The Katadyn I use has always worked great and no problems whatsoever.

 

[predator_master223]

I'm running the MSR Sweetwater and it's a great piece of kit. That being said, it will clog up if you don't keep the intake out of the mud and moss. If you keep it right below the surface of the water it does good. The coffee filter trick would help some.

 

[RockyMtnGuy]

I really like my Katadyn gravity filter. It weighs less than a pound and you don't have to pump it. I've sure you could use the coffee filter method with it to increase its lifetime. You could also carry a spare filter.