Aquamira

[Swamp Hunter]

Anyone use Aquamira water filters?

[Keith W]

I've looked at them as a replacement for my old Bota Bottle filter. If you get one let us know how it worked out for you.

[Swamp Hunter]

I purchased mine here http://www.ebay.com/itm/300844587903?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_...

Notice the free shipping. I havent tested it yet but I like what I see.

[Esther Luft]

I have them at the shop in Miami.  I tried the Auquamira water bottle and the smaller Frontier water filter and liked them both.  I have the Frontier in my emergency kit.  The pro is similar to the Frontier but with a lot more option.  It attached to your water bottle, hydration pack etc.  It's quick and the water tastes good.  I have all three in stock and will match the ebay price for the pro of $17.99.. The Paddle House, 2753 SW 27th Ave, Miami 786.307.3816. 

[vivian]

Excellent Esther, I will stop by to get one. Thanks!

[Dallas]

I have a Frontier in my pack just in case. Haven't had to use it yet (thankfully) but have read good reviews about it.

[vivian]

I've been trying to get pack weight down since selling my hammock.  Having a lightweight filter is definately worth looking into. I found Jason Klass has a good video of how he converted the Frontier Pro to a gravity filter using a couple of platypus hosers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSYWoplv_Uo&list=UUtlA3wkHmjEBKX...

The only drawback is that this filter does not remove bacteria and viruses so bringing tablets or bleach in a dropper bottle needs to be part of the package.  However, having the extra tablets do not weigh much and is a good backup should the filter stop working.

[Swamp Hunter]

I can think back to the times I drank water out of the swamp without any filtration whatsoever other than my mosquito headnet and I never got sick.  It has to be flowing but the swamp is almost always flowing from Sept-Jan. or even longer. I can also relate a true story of my little trip on the Shark Valley tram where the ranger asked everyone to please step out of the tram and into the slough. She proceeded to cup her hands and drink unfiltered from the swamp and invited us to do the same. It tasted so good.

 

I may be bullheaded and stuck in my old ways but Im slowing changing. I moved up from a T-shirt "filter" to mosquito netting to a coffee filter and now I own my first official certified swamp water filter lol.

 

I didnt know you had a shop Esther. Good to know.

[Gary M]

Hey folks...

Just a thought from a water chemist who spent years testing a wide assortment of water filtration devices. 

While many of the high end systems are very good at what they do, you should consider that most pack pack models are designed for northern climes where the water is fresh but possibly microbiologically unsafe. Down here, especially near the coast, not only should we disinfect the water, but we may also need to remove salt. In fact, as Dale has recounted, our "swamp" water probably won't kill you, but it might give you some intestinal distress. Its the salt content near the coast that is my main concern.

There is one very low tech way that will both 100% disinfect the water, and remove the salt, and that is by distillation. If you are camping, you probably already have a stove of some type, so all you need is a pot. I use a SS pack pack tea pot and my SS coffee cup. It is simple and effective.

[Dallas]

I understand the concept but can you explain the process? 

Gary M said:

Hey folks...

Just a thought from a water chemist who spent years testing a wide assortment of water filtration devices. 

While many of the high end systems are very good at what they do, you should consider that most pack pack models are designed for northern climes where the water is fresh but possibly microbiologically unsafe. Down here, especially near the coast, not only should we disinfect the water, but we may also need to remove salt. In fact, as Dale has recounted, our "swamp" water probably won't kill you, but it might give you some intestinal distress. Its the salt content near the coast that is my main concern.

There is one very low tech way that will both 100% disinfect the water, and remove the salt, and that is by distillation. If you are camping, you probably already have a stove of some type, so all you need is a pot. I use a SS pack pack tea pot and my SS coffee cup. It is simple and effective.

[vivian]

I am interested in your explanation as well.  Gary, is the use of a few drops of bleach in conjunction with filter discussed sufficient to remove bacteria/viruses from cold northern lakes? Or should I carry the aquamira tablets?

[Swamp Hunter]

Is there any low percentage saltwater that is safe to drink?

 

The Shark Valley trip was in the early 80s BTW. I dont think they do that today.

[Gary M]

Dale,

Fresh water has about 5 ppt (parts per thousand) salt. Human fluids are about 9-10 ppt. Salt water is like 32 ppt. or more in hypersaline Florida Bay. Drinking straight sea water will do you in, and uncomfortably. I'm sure you can find all kinds of info on-line, but I'd say "No" there is not any "saltwater" that would be safe to drink. Some will just kill you faster than other... I think "brackish" water is around 15 ppt.

Vivian

Most tablets are forms of chlorine dioxide - an oxidizer that "purifies" water without the taste of bleach or iodine. I guess they work or they could not sell 'em. I would have to wonder how long you need to treat the water though, probably for many hours. It would be faster to boil it.

Dallas,

To distill you need to get the water boiling then have the steam collect under some surface that will then drip into a container. There are many cute ways to do this but I like the tea pot as it focuses the steam into my upside down cup (with a handle!). It then drips into my bowl. Let the water boil hard for a minute or so before you start to catch it and you will get very good tasting water. The salt stays in the tea pot and all the dead critters too.

Besides, I like to have a nice cup of tea for breakfast (in the winter) and I can then wash up with a nice hot cloth with the rest of the water in the pot. Hot (boiling) water is the best way to disinfect your dishes before your pack 'em too.

Full disclosure: I do not routinely distill camp water. I carry good water for my tea, etc. Its just good to know I have the option of making safe water if I need to... without carrying anything extra.