Water Filters

[ward&sallie]

My wife and I are riding the Trans Am route this summer and are wondering if a water filter is essential. We are planning to start each day with 6 qts. of water between us.  We will refill whenever we encounter civilization. Thanks for your input.

[John Nelson]

I would say no. The only time I'd see it necessary is if you get caught unexpectedly overnight between towns. That should not happen if you plan ahead. You might want to take a larger container (e.g., a Platypus) if you will ever need to dry camp or for those few places where you might go four or five hours between water supplies during the day.

[dubovsmj]

No.

[staehpj1]

My wife and I are riding the Trans Am route this summer and are wondering if a water filter is essential. We are planning to start each day with 6 qts. of water between us.  We will refill whenever we encounter civilization. Thanks for your input.

On the TA I wouldn't carry a filter if I were doing it again.  I did carry one and used it once in a while, but sent it home fairly early in the trip.

Different days will require different amounts of water.  Look ahead at the maps and plan accordingly.  I have used a platypus 2 liters+ water bag, but really it probably makes sense to just recycle sports drink or soft drink bottles for the sections where you need to carry a little extra water.

I think the longest we went between water stops on the TA was 80 miles but most places it was much less.

[mugs]

A water filter may be over kill a bit. But some type of "emergancy" water sterilizer might be in order. There are a few to try, and all three I have used as a regular means of purification when out back packing.

1: Aqua Mira: comes in a two bottle liquid and has to be mixed with each other at the time of water treatment. I have survied cow pie water using this. Good stuff.

2: Katydine Micro Pure Tablets: almost the same as Aqua Mira but in a tablet form, and no mixing.

3: Grapefruit seed extract: My favourite. Can be bought at a organic health food store or in the health/ogranic section at FredMeyers (at least thats where I get it). The most bang for you buck and totally organic (the others are a chlorine dioxide mixture) Leaves no wierd taste and work just as well as the other above mentioned products. I have not used it in cow pie water but, I have not been in the that situation again and don't want to be either 
Use about 15 drops per liter, and let cure for about 30 min..good to go.

Hope this helps

[driftlessregion]

Not on a road tour.

[scott.laughlin]

I bought one 15 years ago and used it once.

[dubovsmj]

use your cooking stove and boil water if need really arises.

[johnsondasw]

I always carry iodine tablets. They are rarely used on a road tour, but weigh nothing, take up no space, never break down (as filters often do) and can be very handy in a pinch.  I've used them lots of times on mountaineering trips.