[pct-l] Sawyer in-line water filter

[Karen Keller]

Samuel, I am only a section hiker but I really love mine! I have used it
for two seasons. I packed a screw driver, a small dropper bottle of bleach,
a couple extra connectors and the back flow faucet connector in my bounce
box. I always carry a couple of aqua mira tablets with me as a fail safe. I
dip a bottle into the water source and then I pour the water from the
bottle directly into my hydration bladder without taking the bladder out of
my pack. Then off I go down the trail! Not having to pump really saved
time. The only time an in-line filter is not entirely convenient is when
you want to mix a powdered drink. You have to drain the water through the
filter and out of the mouth piece on your hydration tube into a clean
container (not the one you use for dipping), then add your powder. Also,
there was once, when I was happy to have a companion who had a pump because
our water source was dry (somewhere around mile 500) and the only water we
found was a foot or two down in a narrow pipe in the ground. I would not
have been able to reach it myself. Also, keep in mind that the in-line
filter weighs a little more when it is wet. Still, I doubt I'll ever use
anything else! I loved it's simplicity and I walk so slow I have to save
time every way I can! Good Luck and Happy trail! Special K