Filtering Water in the Santa Catalinas

[The_Dude]

I have been getting in a number of shorter day hikes in the Catalinas when I am down in Tucson for work, but I feel like I have been missing out on all of the best the area has to offer without putting in the extra time to get into the true backcountry. I hope to get in an overnight trip sometime in the early fall once temperatures cool down, but I do have some concerns for water quality. My OCD side has me wondering...I have a Katydin Hiker water filter with a 0.3 micron filter that has worked wonders for me on a number of overnight trips, but all of the trailhead signs I have seen for the Catalinas recommend a filter that is rated to at least 0.2 microns. I am assuming I should be good to go, but I thought I would check with anyone who knows the land a little better than myself. The alternative of months of stomach troubles seems worth the post at least... Thanks for any advice you might have!


Jeff

[Dave1]

I just picked up a Sawyer Squeeze system at Walmart for $30. Its rated at 0.1um absolute. This one has the updated pouch. When this filter first came out there were many pouch failures but they've supposedly been improved. The one I bought comes with one 1-liter pouch. You can get a system with 3 at REI, etc.. but they cost about $50. These things are popular with lightweight backpackers and seem to work well although I haven't tried mine yet.

http://www.sawyer.com/sawyersaves/products-squeeze.html

Their website still shows the old pouches. The new ones are blue and have a mountain scene depicted near the bottom.

[joebartels]

the video is a must watch, especially the technique from 0:32 to 0:38
...considering this thing is 99.9% profit I'm just jealous I didn't think of it

not much cattle grazing in the Catalinas but I guess it's always best to be safe

[outdoor_lover]

@joe bartels
I noticed that they showed filling the Pouch from a Running Water Source.... Filling that Pouch is the only downfall of that system...If you don't have Running Water, it's a pain to get Water into the Pouch...But I found a couple of ways to do it....
@Dave1
You'll like it....

[Dave1]

FYI, Walmart now carries the Sawyer Squeeze Mini for $20. Maybe not all stores but the one on Camelback/101 does.

[FOTG]

@Dave1
Cant wait till they start stocking Osprey for half the cost of REI ;)

can you imagine a Walmart associate fitting you for a pack? advising you on gear? lol

[Dave1]

Can you imagine a REI associate advising you on lightweight gear? I'd recommend to anyone to do your own research before stepping into any gear store. But if it makes you feel better to spend five more dollars at REI for the same filter, go for it. One of REI's advantages was their liberal return policy. Since that has changed, there's no point in spending a premium on the same gear.

[FOTG]

@Dave1
They do seem to have gotten a little snarky on their returns, whats up with that? I am still fuming over my ASLOs they would not return..

and you are right about gear guidance, it seems the more I hike, the less I seek out advice from REI associates..lol

[Uberdroog]

@The Dude
My MSR SweetWater is .2 just waiting for my 20% coupon to get a new filter.You are more than welcome to borrow.