How do you filter & purify your water when you are out and about ?

[paul standley]

I try not to carry in water on a trip if I can help it and built a couple of DIY filters that I use at different times and then either boil or sterilise with chlorine tabs but I was thinking about getting a pump filter/purifier this winter ( A Katadyne Hiker or similar) but would be interested in your views and how you do it and what kit you'd recommend ?

[Shewie]

Most of my camping takes place in Scotland where the water isn't too bad normally, but if I need to filter then it's the millbank bag and then into the pot for a boil.

[Martin]

Just bought a Travel Tap from Backpacking light. So simple, highly rated and a reasonable price. I'm not keen on carrying loads of water with me so this should be a godsend on my trip to Dartmoor this week. It will provide all my water for three days, two nights out. Well, at least I hope it will. :confused2:

Travel Tap Link (http://backpackinglight.co.uk/product353.asp?PageID=40)

Martin

[paul standley]

Most of my camping takes place in Scotland where the water isn't too bad normally, but if I need to filter then it's the millbank bag and then into the pot for a boil.

Ah yes, the millbank bag, heard good things about them as a filter for med to large water volume filtering before boiling.

[paul standley]

Just bought a Travel Tap from Backpacking light. So simple, highly rated and a reasonable price. I'm not keen on carrying loads of water with me so this should be a godsend on my trip to Dartmoor this week. It will provide all my water for three days, two nights out. Well, at least I hope it will. :confused2:

Travel Tap Link (http://backpackinglight.co.uk/product353.asp?PageID=40)

Martin

Thanks Martin, let us know how you get on with it. have a good trip.

[Martin]

Thanks Martin, let us know how you get on with it. have a good trip.

I will, and you can follow my progress on this thread:

Dartmoor 3 Day Solo Expedition (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?156-Dartmoor-3-Day-Solo-Expedition&p=945#post945)

Martin

[leon-1]

Over the years I have used a number of bits, the katadyn, pocket and mini, Pur Explorer (now part of katadyn), PWP, MWP and the Millbank bag amongst them.

The Katadyn systems are very good and I rate them highly, but it's always worth mentioning that the mini and pocket are only filters, they do not sterilise the water.

The Pur used to be my favourite as it sterilised and filtered, had a good flow rate and was reasonably easy to use, but it broke down and as a result I am wary of it nowadays.

The PWP and MWP systems are good, but they are expensive to run as they have a limited amount of water that can be run through them before either having to replace a cartridge or the whole unit itself. They are also Iodine based so some people cannot use these models.

The millbank bag is about as simple as they get. Place bag in water and mash it so that it's thoroughly soaked, fill with water and hang up. When the water reaches the fill line start filling water bottles (at this point go off and get on with something else as they can take some time). They are reasonably light, they pack down small and have no small moving parts or delicate / breakable ceramic based components. If you filter the water straight into your billy, then you can boil it have a brew and then fill your water bottle eliminating the requirement for dirty and sterile water bottles.

As far as sterilising water is concerned boiling will get rid of pretty much all organisms that can give you grief, but if time is a factor and you're on the move then either chlorine or chlorine dioxide tablets / drops are probably your best bet. If you don't like the taste then either buy detatse tablets or use a drop of lemon juice / vitamin c powder to remove the taste.

In the end a millbank bag and a billy will see you through most everything that you'll ever need for water filtration and sterilisation.

[C. Lupus]

I've used the Katadyn Pro Hiker filter on numerous occasions and it has always performed well. In the last couple of years, I have started using chlorine bleach to sterilize my water, especially when I'm in areas where I am familiar with the water sources. Usually 2-4 drops per liter of water will do a great job of treating my water.

[paul standley]

Over the years I have used a number of bits, the katadyn, pocket and mini, Pur Explorer (now part of katadyn), PWP, MWP and the Millbank bag amongst them.

The Katadyn systems are very good and I rate them highly, but it's always worth mentioning that the mini and pocket are only filters, they do not sterilise the water.

The Pur used to be my favourite as it sterilised and filtered, had a good flow rate and was reasonably easy to use, but it broke down and as a result I am wary of it nowadays.

The PWP and MWP systems are good, but they are expensive to run as they have a limited amount of water that can be run through them before either having to replace a cartridge or the whole unit itself. They are also Iodine based so some people cannot use these models.

The millbank bag is about as simple as they get. Place bag in water and mash it so that it's thoroughly soaked, fill with water and hang up. When the water reaches the fill line start filling water bottles (at this point go off and get on with something else as they can take some time). They are reasonably light, they pack down small and have no small moving parts or delicate / breakable ceramic based components. If you filter the water straight into your billy, then you can boil it have a brew and then fill your water bottle eliminating the requirement for dirty and sterile water bottles.

As far as sterilising water is concerned boiling will get rid of pretty much all organisms that can give you grief, but if time is a factor and you're on the move then either chlorine or chlorine dioxide tablets / drops are probably your best bet. If you don't like the taste then either buy detatse tablets or use a drop of lemon juice / vitamin c powder to remove the taste.

In the end a millbank bag and a billy will see you through most everything that you'll ever need for water filtration and sterilisation.

Thanks, great feedback and very useful.

[paul standley]

I've used the Katadyn Pro Hiker filter on numerous occasions and it has always performed well. In the last couple of years, I have started using chlorine bleach to sterilize my water, especially when I'm in areas where I am familiar with the water sources. Usually 2-4 drops per liter of water will do a great job of treating my water.

Thanks... I can't find the Hiker Pro in the UK ( the one with the extra quick-release & bottle fittings etc).

If anyone knows where I can it in the UK, please let me know...

Haven't tried bleach yet. The bleaches we tend to buy are perfumed and have some other chemicals in them.

[C. Lupus]

Yeah, Paul:
You definitely need the plain bleach, with no other chemicals, to treat your water.
Here's a source for the Hiker filter in the UK.

http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/katadyn-hiker-water-filter.html

[mahikan]

Have been following all the advice given closely.
On all my expeditions around the world from good old UK to Norway, Iceland, Africa, Central America. North America encompassing different types of water born nasties my Millbank Bag plus Boiling Water has got me through without getting any stomach upsets.

How ever I have had several problems with mechanical pump filters that have let me Down during long trips. The main problem I have found is that in water carrying a lot of sediment they have become clogged up and unworkable. Plus it seems like a lot of extra weight to carry especially when it stops working. This of course is no problem if you are traveling by truck, dog sled, skidoo or canoe where your vehicle carries the load.

Nothing is infallible and I must say my Millbank bag split on my last trip this summer, however it was manufactured in 1945. I had a spare one with me because I was expecting this failure in my first bag. Mind you it is possible to sew them together of they do split.
I have also used my Mill bank bag to make filter coffee with!

[paul standley]

Have been following all the advice given closely.
On all my expeditions around the world from good old UK to Norway, Iceland, Africa, Central America. North America encompassing different types of water born nasties my Millbank Bag plus Boiling Water has got me through without getting any stomach upsets.

How ever I have had several problems with mechanical pump filters that have let me Down during long trips. The main problem I have found is that in water carrying a lot of sediment they have become clogged up and unworkable. Plus it seems like a lot of extra weight to carry especially when it stops working. This of course is no problem if you are traveling by truck, dog sled, skidoo or canoe where your vehicle carries the load.

Nothing is infallible and I must say my Millbank bag split on my last trip this summer, however it was manufactured in 1945. I had a spare one with me because I was expecting this failure in my first bag. Mind you it is possible to sew them together of they do split.
I have also used my Mill bank bag to make filter coffee with!

Thanks, sounds like the Millbank bag is a popular solution so I think I'll try one out.

[Bush_Men]

Most of the times I'll carry 1-2 litres of water and the rest of the water that I collect is filtered by a paper coffee filter and then boil it.
But I would love to know where do you guys get those millbank bags...

[leon-1]

But I would love to know where do you guys get those millbank bags...

You could try Endicotts (http://www.endicotts.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=millbank&x=0&y=0), I believe Kev will send international

[Bush_Men]

Thank you for the heads up.:)

[paul standley]

Most of the times I'll carry 1-2 litres of water and the rest of the water that I collect is filtered by a paper coffee filter and then boil it.
But I would love to know where do you guys get those millbank bags...

Bush_men, hi...
Try ebay and army surplus stores for millbank bags. I can see 2 for sale on ebay UK tonight.

[mahikan]

Before you rush out and buy one try making your own mill bank bag, I have made quite a few using a slightly different design.
All you need is heavy duty organic cotton canvas not bleached or treated with chemicals. Check out the original Mill Bank bag design replicate its shape, fold the seam and double stitch it. I then wash them in the washing machine air dry them and they are good to go.
When you use it first soak it in water to get it damp then fill it, let the first 1/4 of the bags contents run through this will clean debris from the outer surface, and also soak the cotton which will allow the filtration process to occur. Sometimes the water may be discoloured however this will most likely be the tannins from plant matter causing the discolouration. Unless of course you are down stream from an oil refinery!

[Bush_Men]

And where to get good cotton canvas inside EU?

[Shewie]

If anyone's looking for a millbank I've been told Kev has some in ...

http://www.endicotts.co.uk/

Give them a ring, lovely folk who'll be happy to help you out

[RobbC]

I norrmally use a mosquito headnet to stop little twiggs and stuff from gettin in, then i just boil it for a couple of minutes, never heard of anyone gettin stomach upsetd from boiling thier water so that is what i will continue doing.

Robb

[Fletching]

You could spend £300 on a Katadyn if you're into high tech, but personally (you'll see a trend here!):

Millbank and then boil.

Cheap as chips and works every time.

I recently got 2 x 'new' Millbanks. A 1974 and a [...just checked] 1974! Got 'em both from Endicotts.

Steve

[mahikan]

Using a mosquito net might leave you with more particulate matter than using a Millbank or Balene bag. This is not a real problem but you just need to ensure you boil your water a little longer ensuring that any microbes caught up in these particles are destroyed.