Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Water filters?

Im doing the same day summit trip in July.
Do I really need a water filter?
And if so what is a good one for a day hike.

The last discussions on the subject were <A href="http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003019">water quality</A> and <A href="http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003056">water filters</A>.

Looking at the old replies
I have to say I am not going to worry about a filter.
Seems I wont die if I have one or not

Nextdrink - If you are planning on drawing water from the pond at Trail Camp (the Sewer of the Sierras), I would at least take some iodine tablets. There is a nice seep about 1/3 up the switchbacks, but it is typically frozen in the morning. There is no other water to the summit. Good luck on your hike!!

For anyone struggling with this, the old posts will tell you that filters are heavy and the pills eliminate the weight, pumping, etc. Some of the very experienced mountaineers use neither since they know where to find and how to identify clean water. If you are a novice (like me) you might be a bit more risk averse - it's unlikely the message board will help you back-fill years of expert knowledge and experience.

In fact, the virus risk (particularly Hepatitis) is the long term health risk that weighs most heavily on the mind.

That said, my research on this indicates the only pill that advertises that it will kill viruses is the Katadyn Micropur MP-1, and the only filter that advertises that it will filter viruses is the First Need Deluxe Portable Water Filter. Only these products cite compliance with EPA requirements. If anyone knows of other products that comply, please add to the post.

I was about to only buy the pills, then I considered whether the experience of my hiking partner might be enhanced by drinking water that didn't taste like she was taking a tug out of a Clorox bottle. But what if the filter fails?

Answer: buy both - it turns out one web site had very competitive prices and low shipping cost, less than $100 delivered (as of my purchase last night) - Basegear.com.

"I was about to only buy the pills, then I considered whether the experience of my hiking partner might be enhanced by drinking water that didn't taste like she was taking a tug out of a Clorox bottle."

There is a follow up pill - it's vitamin C - that in my experience removes the iodine taste entirely. Also, once the iodine has worked for 30 minutes, you can add a sport drink powder.

IMHO Threats are more from personal hygene normally, but if there is a sewage pond up there you would be advised to Filter, then treat-with pills and then boil, unless you can just melt snow or get water only from free flowing seep.
Here is a link: http://pweb.jps.net/~prichins/giardia.htm

Here's a follow-up to my comments above re: virus control. The shipment came today and the First Need very prominently says filtration down to .1 micron and that it filters viruses.

Big surprise, however, on the Katadyn Micropur MP-1 tablets: yes, kills viruses, but the directions say "This product requires a 4 hour treatment time for effectiveness". Not at all practical.

Kind of on topic.... There's been a lot of good information here as far as water quality and filters. Has similar research been done as far as water quality in the San Berdoos or the San Gabriels? Anyone know of any links? Any info would be appreciated.
Gusto

FYI:

For those still looking for a water filter, and considering GregF's recommendation, REI's now got the First Need Deluxe Water Purifier on sale at $69.99 (down from $93.00). Its the one that they say also filters out viruses. Sorry about the news, GregF, if the price is less than the one you recently got.)

And, no, I don't work for REI.

BruinDave - yes, that's $10 cheaper. I'd bet anything that REI monitors this message board. Their web site (and their web outlet store) is first class and I'd suspect anyone that sophisticated would do so. If it made for a better buy for the next guy, all the better, and thanks to Doug Sr.!

EricJLee, is it true you guys at REI watch this board and price products according to the level of discussion?

BTW - I don't believe they do.

REI has great stuff - much of which I can't seem to find elsewhere - and really great service, but low price competition does not seem to be a priority for them. Ya get what ya pay for I guess.

Don't worry about the viruses folks.

Article by 30-year long backpacker, Dr. Robert W. Derlet and his associate, both Professors at U.C. Davis

Article: “High Sierra Water: What is in the H20?” From Sierra Nature Notes, Volume 3, April 2004

Viruses - Viruses generally do not do well in the open, exposed, harsh environment of the Sierra. Although certain viruses such as Norwalk Virus (Cruise Ship Virus) have the ability to sustain viability on external surfaces, survival in the Sierra landscape would be very difficult. Furthermore, no documented cases of viral acquired illnesses can be traced from drinking water from Sierra streams or lakes. Purification to kill viruses in most backcountry acres of the Sierra is not necessary.

It's words like "generally" or "would be very difficult" that concern me ... meaning its still possible.

While I may be playing it a bit safer than some, and considering the fact that the iodine pills don't weigh very much (and if combined with either a vitamin-C tab or a powdered sport drink the adverse taste really isn't an issue), I'll make sure I'm still feeling well a few weeks post-Whitney by treating the water while up there as though a virus or two might be present.

But, obviously, it's a personal decision for each to make.

I just went up to trail camp last Wed-Fri and chose to filter my water all the way. I camped at trail camp and the water there probably didn't need to be filtered, but then again there was toilet paper (like the lady at the ranger station promised) under every rock in the camp. Too close to the water source for my comfort even given the fact that the water is from snow melt. I drank the water up and down the trail with no adverse effect. On another note, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post messages here. It was a wealth of information that added immeasurably to the pleasure and safety of my trip!

Just a quick word about filtering and the so called the "effects" you mentioned. Giardia effects (that's what you are filtering for- right?) take 2 - 3 weeks to develop, so how do you know if there are any ill effects yet.
Once again, poor sanitation habits (not washing hands)- not the Sierra water is the major cause of most of the Mt. Whitney two-step shuffle problem. Read Bob's article- again.
But, carry what you want.

One quick correction on the Katadyn Micropur tablets. It takes 15 minutes to kill viruses and bacteria. It takes 4 hours to kill water-born cysts (i.e. cryptosporidia). By the way, iodine will not kill water-born cysts. These are tough, nasty little creatures. I'm not sure if they exist in the Sierra's. For Whitney day hikers, my best bet is to refill empty water bottles/bladders on the way up, treat them and stash them for your trip down. By then, all the critters should be toast. Also, Micropur water doesn't have a nasty taste. One more thing, do not let the Micropur tablets touch your skin or eyes. It can cause nasty burns and irreversible eye damage.

Planning to do a day hike without filter but on my way to purchase Katadyn Micropur Tablets (at REI?). I also saw references to Vitamin C tablets? What kinda Vitamin C has worked?