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My $40 water filter cartridge died halfway through the Lost Coast Trail
Had to boil everything for two days, which really ate into our fuel supply. What's your go-to backup water plan for a long trek?
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patjones6mo ago
Yeah, the map scouting thing is key. My buddy learned that the hard way on the JMT last year. His filter clogged for good near a stretch of known iffy springs. He had to rely on iodine tablets he'd thrown in as an afterthought. Said the water tasted like medicine, but it kept him going until the next good creek. He never hikes without a chemical backup now.
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foster.charles5mo ago
Honestly that's a scary story about the filter failing for good. Tbh I'd be freaking out if I was stuck with just iodine taste for miles. Paulschmidt has the right idea with those drops as a backup, they really don't add any weight. Ngl I'm gonna double check my own kit after reading this, because just hoping the filter works seems dumb. Carrying two ways to clean water is just basic sense for any real backcountry trip.
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paulschmidt6mo ago
Man, that's rough. Do you carry any chemical backup, like Aquamira drops? I always pack those tiny bottles as a last resort. They're super light and saved me when my filter froze in the Sierra. I also scope water sources ahead of time on the map, so I know if I can risk a long stretch without filtering by just boiling.
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