Re: Touring water system filters

I very much agree with John Nettles-----transplant or not!  I also use the 
First Need XL----a purifier/filter.  A bit bulky, pricey etc.  But the 
consequences of taking chances can be deadly.   Cytos and viruses are now 
common in all of our water ways, including some mountains streams.  The days 
of a fast free cool drink are over.  I will add, I have and do often swill 
water directly from a mountain spring-----never had a bad event.  Using 
these "straws" is not unlike sucking on the barrel of a loaded Glock.  Just 
ain't worth it.

As for the XL,  the filter-----I do not service mine as John does,  I've 
used mine a couple of seasons without any problem.  I've drawn water from 
some really scary water holes, but it works.  I would not leave home without 
it.  Kinda like having a solid bike under you, peace of mind-----something I 
always try in include in my gear for any trip.      Coy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "John Nettles" <john-uj0b/2Y0fanhc/CMY9lzGwC/[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 11:42 AM
To: "'MH'" <hoagy-OlwQ/[email protected]>; "'Touring'" <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Touring water system filters

> Hi Mark,
>
> I too must carry and sometimes use a really good water purifier (not a
> filter) due to being a liver transplant recipient.  For most people, a
> regular filter is adequate.  For people for are immunosuppressed or need
> and/or desire the "best", I use General Ecology's First Need XL water
> purifier.
>
> http://generalecology.com/category/portable/product/first_need_xl_portable_w
> ater_purifier-new
>
> This filter is one of two (I think) that are independently certified to 
> the
> EPA guidelines for protocol against bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
> Basically, short of a home reverse-osmosis filter, this is the best 
> purifier
> out there for "portable" use.  You can use it on almost any water source 
> you
> would consider using an iodine tablet and probably get better water than
> most rural water districts.  I have used it in mountain streams, ponds,
> stock tanks, rivers, rural water supply, well water, etc. with success.
>
> The water comes out extremely clean.  There is no taste.  It is simple to
> operate.  Filters last about 100 gallons depending on source quality
> (debris, color, etc.).  It flows pretty good at about 1 quart a minute,
> which for me is plenty fast and I don't try to push the speed.
>
> However, this purifying ability comes with some definite cons to consider.
> It is VERY bulky, i.e. 5"w x 9"h x 3"d and the spare filter is 3"x3:x5.5" 
> so
> it takes up a LOT of space.  I also always carry a spare cartridge, which
> cost about $50.  Combined weight is about a tad over 1.5 pounds.  For my
> safety, I trash the used filter after I have finished the trip.  You
> wouldn't need to do this probably.  You must annual reapply petroleum 
> jelly
> to the o-rings but that only takes a couple of minutes.
>
> I did look at the MSR products but it would be my luck that I would get a
> Virus from the water.  Since I would end up in the hospital or worse if I
> got bad water while you may just have a bad case of the runs, I went with
> the First Need.  For others, the MSR would probably be quite adequate.
>
> If you can deal with the bulkiness, you might consider this filter.
>
> John
>
>
>
> On Behalf Of MH
> Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:02 AM
> To: Touring
> Subject: Touring water system filters
>
> Whats a good bicycle camping water cleaning system folks use?
>
> How do folks remove viruses from filtered water?
>
> Listed below is the MSR MiniWorks and MSR HyperFlow.
> The little bit I know I'm leaning toward the MSR MiniWorks.
> I will be using it in streams above rural towns.
> Thank you for your thoughts, suggestions and help.
> -Mark Hoagy
>
> http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR
>
> MSR MiniWorks EX - $89.95
> Better-tasting Water: Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors
> caused by organic compounds, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
> Effective against protozoa Yes
> Effective against bacteria Yes
> Effective against viruses No
> Effective against particulate Yes
> Effective against chemicals/toxins Yes
> Weight 1 lb / 456 g
> Width 2.75 in / 7 cm
> Length 7.5 in / 19 cm
> Filter media Ceramic Plus Carbon
> Filter pore size 0.2 microns
> Flow (L/min) 1 liters per min
> Flow (strokes per liter) 85
> Cartridge life ~2000 liters
> Field cleanable Yes
> Field maintainable Yes
> Country of Origin Made in Seattle, USA
> Mechanical advantage Yes
> Water Bottle Adapter Yes
> Cartridge replacement indicator Yes
>
>
> HyperFlow Microfilter - $99.95
> Ultralight: Just 7.4 oz. (209 g).
> Ultra-small: Just 7x3.5 in. ( 17.8 x 8.3 cm)
> Effective against protozoa Yes
> Effective against bacteria Yes
> Effective against viruses No
> Effective against particulate Yes
> Effective against chemicals/toxins No
> Weight 7.8 oz / 221 g
> Width 3.5 in / 8.3 cm
> Length 7 in / 17.8 cm
> Filter media Hollow Fiber
> Filter pore size 0.2 microns
> Flow (L/min) 3 liters per min
> Flow (strokes per liter) 20
> Cartridge life ~1000 liters
> Field cleanable Yes
> Field maintainable Yes
> Country of Origin Made in Seattle, USA
> Mechanical advantage No
> Water Bottle Adapter Yes
> Cartridge replacement indicator No
>
>
>
>
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