[pct-l] Water treatment (revisited)

[albert at survivalcrafters.com]

Thanks to all for the detailed breakdown of choices and I went ahead and got
the 2-part AM to start off with. 

Using bleach has been mentioned and after doing some research this morning
it seems to be a fine choice for the job. For my first big adventure though
I'm willing to spend the $15 for the peace of mind and will maybe switch
later if I need more. The part about adding the bleach and waiting and
smelling it, and if you don't smell the bleach add more kind of throws me
off, I was a painter for years and my smeller might not be all that
accurate. 

If I understand correctly purification is only highly recommended for the
So. Cal area and not needed so much when flowing water sources become
available in the northern areas where the snow melts are.

Cheers,
Albert
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Bankhead [mailto:wandering_bob at comcast.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 10:02 PM
To: albert at survivalcrafters.com; Pct-L at backcountry.net
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Water treatment (revisited)

I've used them both and much prefer the liquid AM. Both require the same
contact time for the same water temperature.  

Tablets yield a higher (2X?) concentration of biocide.

Tablets are easier to use (no mixing, waiting for the yellow color, then
adding to untreated water) 

Tablets make you carry and deal with trash - the individual foil packs -
after every use. Liquids generate no trash until the bottles are empty.

Tablets are about 4 times more expensive per treated liter. You pay dearly
for convenience

Tablets can be easier to obtain in trail towns (but iodine is even easier).
I always add fresh AM to the appropriately timed re-supply box; I won't
gamble on finding it in a store.






-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of albert at survivalcrafters.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 9:20 PM
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Water treatment (revisited)


I read some earlier posts comparing filtering water vs. using chemicals and
saw that many people prefer the chemicals and I understand the reasons why.
Aqua Mira was mentioned a couple of times so I decided to order some but it
comes in both tablets and liquid form. Is there a better or preferred form
of delivery in general? Not just for Aqua Mira but any of the chemical
purifiers (are tablets better or are crystals or liquid drops better.) or
maybe it doesn't matter?

Thanks,
Albert