The Phil-list Sep_2004: RE: [Philmont]: Water filters / purifie

From: Dave Lannetti <DLANNETTI@VANBLK.COM>
Date: Wed Sep 08 2004 - 07:51:51 CDT

Because many view this forum as advice to be taken while attending
Philmont, it should be pointed out that leaving Polar Pure at Base Camp
is against Philmont's safety protocol. One bottle of Polar Pure is
issued by Philmont per two crewmembers (which I understand is
mandatory). I also understand that Rangers are supposed to instruct
their crews that the Polar Pure should be distributed in the crew so
that no one carries more than one bottle. This increases the chances
that if someone (or an individual and his/her buddy) gets lost, they
will have access to Polar Pure and drinkable water.

If your crew chooses to purify water using a method that does not
involve Polar Pure, that is fine. But we shouldn't advocate not
supporting Philmont's policy of carrying the stuff in case of
emergencies, including purifier failures (especially when their
reasoning makes sense).

David Lannetti
VANDEVENTER BLACK LLP
500 World Trade Center
Norfolk, VA 23510-1699
757.446.8652 (Voice)
757.446.8670 (Fax)

>>> mark.perkins@intel.com 9/7/04 5:43:03 PM >>>

Pete,

On our Philmont trek this summer, we used our water pump/filters only
and not the polar pure. All of our prep backpacks were done with
filters
and the crew felt more comfortable with them on the trek. In addition,
we didn't like the idea of carrying glass bottles with us on the trek,
so we left most of them back at base camp and only took a few for
insurance. All bottles were returned unused. Our trek consisted of (5)
trail camps and (4) staffed camps. Of the trail camps, (2) had potable
well water and (3) camps required us to filter water. We always topped
off our nalgenes and camelbacks on the trail, whenever we had the
chance
to. Additionally, neither of our two filters failed us during the trek
or over the past year on our prep outings. Most good filters will
remove
the bacteria (ie. giardia) from the water, but not any viruses.
Personally, I stopped using iodine tablets a long time ago. To use
polar
pure is a personal preference.

Mark
704-G8
Troop14
Phx, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com]
On
Behalf Of Stan Clark
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 7:02 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Water filters / purifiers

To all

We brought water pumps with extra parts and pre filters. All of them
failed
by the 4th day. Thank heavens for polar pure and the fact that we
brought
them. I know other groups had more success with the pumps but we did
not.
The water pumps were dead weight and the polar pure worked great.

Your hardest problem with polar pure is management of treated water.
We
brought 3 MSR 6 liter water bags. When we got into camp we filled the
water
bags with the left over water from our nalgene bottles. Once they
were
full
we then filled up our camelbacks. This gave us a supply of water for
the
afternoon and the next morning to top off with. We then filled and
treated
all of the nalgenes and filled the camel backs as needed during the
afternoon as the treated water was completed. Remember, the water you
cook
with does not need to be treated as long as you boil it for longer
than
2
minutes.

Stan Clark
701Q1

PS We cooked using the Philmont method and ate like kings! Remember
first
the meat, then the veggies and last the starch when you add it to the
water!

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com]
On
Behalf Of Pete Swiggum
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 8:48 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: [Philmont]: Water filters / purifiers

Great information on tents so far. When we have our first crew
meeting,
we'll take an inventory of what's available to us. Seems to me that,
if
possible, one should use the Philmont gear since it's included in the
price,
but we'll look into that as we prepare.

We were in the same boat (pun intended) when we attended Northern Tier
last
year and utilized a few things of our own (including my own kevlar
canoe),
but mostly used the base gear. The (perceived) slightly higher weight
was
offset by the knowledge that our own gear wasn't at risk of getting
damaged.
Fortunately, we didn't damage NT's gear, either.

The next question I have is regarding water filters / purifiers. I
see
Philmont offers polar pure, but do most crews carry their own water
filters?
I own two First Need purifiers that are great and am willing to bring
them.
Assuming the water at the trail camps is good, how often does one need
an
alternative water source along the trail?

Pete Swiggum
Troop 1173
Green Bay, WI

----- Original Message -----
From: <CoopWright@aol.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list philmont" <philmont@troop47.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 7:11 AM
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Christmas tents?

> Money better spent would probably be on some good quality coated
nylon
rain gear. Also, folks need to check out backpacks. Unless your
troop
has
been doing some serious backpacking, your son probably has a pack from
Webelos days that no longer fits him or has the volume capacity for a
10
day
trek, carrying crew gear and water. Wait until March or April to get
boots
if they are needs. Most kids feet are growing so fast at this time in
their
lives that a boot bought before Christmas may not fit when it is time
for
Philmont. More good info is available in the Philmont Advisor's
Guide,
an
84 page unofficial document written with input from experienced
advisors
and
rangers.
>
> Cooper Wright
> Associate Advisor, Crew 1519
> Co-author of the Philmont Advisor's Guide
>
>
>
>
>
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Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
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-------------------------------------------------------
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 Wed Sep 8 08:25:12 2004

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