Re: [Philmont]: Water purifiers

  IMHO, I think purifiers are over rated and have always just used iodine, or boiling of the water. However, some of my crews have used filters, so its really a matter of personal choice and opinion. A filter/purifier is no good if the pumper contaminates the outlet, or doesn't clean the top of the canteen. They clog and drip water in your pack. There is a great article this month or last (senior moment-;)) on water borne disease in BACKPACKER Magazine, you can check it out online also at Backpacker.com.

  Remember when you cook you boil water so you don't have to always treat it. Still water, and water where beavers, deer, cattle, people, etc can get at are good candidates to treat. Water from springs and wells is usually pretty good, but treat it to be safe. Staffed camps at Philmont have a chlorination system and you won't have to use iodine.

  In my opinion the taste/smell/ whatever objection of the iodine is overblown. Just hold your breath and chug. Use the gatorade they give you, don't indulge the fantisies of the one scout who balks.

  That all being said, I have been told by Philmont that the Double H crews will be required to bring a purifier filter .

  And to top all of this off, even after a purifier/iodine etc, I have still had one scout get giardia ( confirmed medically) . Did he get it at Philmont? we will never know, but the timing was right. however no one else did. Better Safe than sorry.

  YIS
  Hiking Czar a.k.a.
  Fred Mussler, Scoutmaster
  Troop 357 Raleigh, NC
  Eagle Class of 75
  Philmont 1990,98,00,02
  Double H Ranch 2004 -715-500

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Mon Nov 17 22:23:03 2003