OAUSA Net - August 1, 2019 Water in WIlderness

[Diesel4x]

Thanks for Check in, KF6KOC Randy.

[KAP]

Dave, Tom and the Net
Please check us in
Jack KK6WXQ
John KM6FXI
Kevin KK6DGL

[VK2DY]

Hi,

Please check in Robert, VK2DY, in Sydney.

Thank you,

[HsuuJrt]

Please give me an early check-in
James kg5pmn

[cruiserlarry]

Please check me in for tonight - Thanks !!!

Larry W6LPB

[Jeff-OAUSA]

Please check me in.

WD6USA
Jeff, Highland, CA

[mudman]

Please check me in early. Thank you. KI7SDI

[lrsrngr]

Good net OAUSA!

Two inexpensive filters in common use:

LifeStraw: https://www.lifestraw.com/products/lifestraw
Sawyer Mini Filter: https://sawyer.com/products/mini-filter/

The LifeStraw is about 10" long and the Sawyer about 6" long. The photo is not proportionally correct. They both weigh in at 2 ounces but the Sawyer is more compact.

LifeStraw and Sawyer Mini Filter.jpg (85.12 KiB) Viewed 839 times

Convenience of the LifeStraw and its obvious functionality as a "straw" concept is well known. This is where the LifeStraw has a strong following with a stated 1,000 gallon lifespan while the Sawyer Mini Filter has garnered a lot of use among "through hikers" with many of the same functional advantages of the LifeStraw, and more. The Sawyer Mini is rated at 100,000 gallons and includes a "backwashing" method that helps to restore filter flow and functionality of the filter. LifeStraw claims .2 micron while the Sawyer product spouts .1 micron. Comparable in price the Sawyer being a little more expensive (within $5-10 of one another).

Having owned both I find the LifeStraw a great, no frills filter for easy carry and a great gift for people who could use something that is compact and only minimally less expensive than the Mini Filter. However, the Mini Filter, edges out the LifeStraw as a more versatile and functional option. It can be used as a straw with the straw fitting pushed onto the inlet spout. It can be screwed onto empty or discarded soda/water bottles or put "inline" in a hydration system (see the website). The Mini Filter edges out the LifeStaw with respect to features but both are great, inexpensive options for your camping, hiking, go-bag or emergency kit needs.

The benefits of weaning yourself of carrying all your water in; WEIGHT! I usually hit the trail with approximately one gallon of water anytime I go out for a walk. If it is a long walk or a short walk, this is the SOP. However, as I have gotten older and my sensitivity to carrying unnecessary weight, there is a happy middle ground between carrying all the water I need for the outing without subjecting myself to foreign water sources and reducing the load and relying on a mixture of carried in water with supplemental filtered natural water sources. I am very careful and recommend everyone research and come up with a system that works for you, the individual, matched to the circumstance you are facing where a filter is desired.

Understanding the different heat/hydration injuries you may experience; a graphic from the CDC:

Know the signs and understand what you can positively influence and when you are over your head and need to seek help.

Heat-Related Injuries (CDC).jpg (169.29 KiB) Viewed 848 times

[KK6DYO]

What filtration level do you need?

From http://www.portablewaterfilters.org/wat ... t-microns/

86F2CA9A-7D6C-4BE3-B26A-071B18BEB0DF.png (29.73 KiB) Viewed 844 times