FIGHT ON wrote:
How do you deal with water on your hikes and camping trips?
In SoCal, I drink right from the springs. I have been a bit more nervous in the Sierras (borrowed other folks' filters last week in Cottonwood Lakes), but after reading the linked article I'm none too worried about Sierra water, either.
Now, YMMV. What seems never to be discussed is how different people react differently to different water supplies. I have been around the world and never had any problems except in North Africa, where I always have problems, every time; yet the local Moroccans don't have any problems drinking the same water. Other Americans have problems the moment they start drinking the Seine water in Paris (and Paris water really does come from the Seine). Just as with sleeping bags: I sleep warm; many other people sleep very cold.
Where does all this hysteria about pathogens in the water come from, anyway? Do any of us know people who have gotten sick from drinking local water? I don't. Articles about waterborne pathogens in
Outside magazine are written mostly to enhance the revenue figures of the filter companies who advertise in
Outside magazine.
Something I tell noob backpackers to remember is that the entire outdoor gear industry (including magazines, REI, gear catalogs, etc) is directed to one result: sell more gear. Some of this gear is necessary, some of it is not. Some of this year's gear is better than last years, some of it is not. As you know, much of the gear I use is over 25 years old, and doing fine.
I recognize that some folks enjoy better peace of mind if they filter their water. That's fine, it's all about enjoying yourself and having a good time. But because filtering makes some people feel better doesn't mean there are really problems with our local water.