[pct-l] water consumption/capacity

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

A die-hard filter fan, I brought one on my hike in 2008. I was glad I  
had it because there were lots of natural water sources that were  
shallow or otherwise not optimal for chemicals. But MOST water  
sources were clean and chemicals would have been adequate. Eventually  
I stopped using a filter and I no longer use a filter at all anymore.  
A little silt is no big deal. I think we humans are meant to consume  
a little dirt and other stuff. As long as it's not wiggling, doesn't  
taste bad and isn't crunchy, I'll drink it.

Also, when the water sources became more plentiful, I found it  
easiest to just use platypus bottles for extra storage and hike with  
a cup holder on my hip belt that held a 20oz bottle that I could  
refill as I went along. Stop, drink a whole bottle mixed with a tasty  
powdered drink, then re-fill it with water and go.

Nimblewill Nomad claimed he never carried more than a 20oz bottle of  
water, even in the driest of deserts. Wow!

Diane