How are y'all carrying water on hikes?

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #30 on:** February 16, 2015, 10:35:48 PM

Quote from: NKlamerus on February 15, 2015, 11:06:15 PM

Anyone used a Life Straw? (Image removed from quote.)

For 20 USD they are fairly cheap and portable for emergencies. It could very easily eliminate some water emergencies

I have one (albeit of a different brand), but thankfully not been in a situation where i've had to use it

eddie1115 · **Reply #31 on:** February 16, 2015, 10:51:59 PM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on February 16, 2015, 10:35:48 PM

Quote from: NKlamerus on February 15, 2015, 11:06:15 PM
Anyone used a Life Straw? (Image removed from quote.)

For 20 USD they are fairly cheap and portable for emergencies. It could very easily eliminate some water emergencies

I have one (albeit of a different brand), but thankfully not been in a situation where i've had to use it

I have a different brand version as well (Aquamira). I usually just use Aquamira drops, but I keep this with me in case I come across murky water. I've only used it on some tap water so far, but spring's coming

DazMechanical · **Reply #32 on:** February 17, 2015, 12:33:56 AM

I also have an Aquamira water filter, only used it on tap water to test it out, the first sip was full of black crap, probably some loose carbon, other than that it seems to work ok. Never actually needed to use it though.

cool123 · **Reply #33 on:** March 24, 2015, 06:15:47 AM

I carry water in an insulated water bottle of Gerber Bear Grylls.

rescue4500 · **Reply #34 on:** April 08, 2015, 07:25:10 PM

a good ole hydration bladder in the back pack

Cupboard · **Reply #35 on:** April 09, 2015, 07:11:52 PM

I sometimes carry a metal bottle, but usually just chuck a heap of disposable plastic bottles in my bag. I wash and re-use them until they can't be re-used any more.

For every-day use at work they'll last about 3 weeks or so.

Syncop8r · **Reply #36 on:** April 10, 2015, 10:24:00 AM

The problem with disposable plastic bottles is that (supposedly) they break down (in sunlight?) and release carcinogenic chemicals into the water.
I use BPA-free plastic bottles. Apparently BPA is also in canned foods as well.

Gerhard Gerber · **Reply #37 on:** April 10, 2015, 12:33:43 PM

Quote from: NKlamerus on February 15, 2015, 11:06:15 PM

Anyone used a Life Straw?

For 20 USD they are fairly cheap and portable for emergencies. It could very easily eliminate some water emergencies

I got 2 kept in different bags, as well as those Aquamira drops.

I bought some ISOSteel water bottles recently, hunted for SS ones thanks to the survival shows & internet advice........but

BIG BUT....
Since I started using them I vowed never to drink from a plastic bottle again....don't miss that taste at all.
My only complaint is the simple & durable types seem to be limited to 750ml, so I need 4 at the very least.

Cupboard · **Reply #38 on:** April 11, 2015, 01:46:23 PM

Quote from: Syncop8r on April 10, 2015, 10:24:00 AM

The problem with disposable plastic bottles is that (supposedly) they break down (in sunlight?) and release carcinogenic chemicals into the water.
I use BPA-free plastic bottles. Apparently BPA is also in canned foods as well.

Well they're not in sunlight and they could have been holding water for ages anyway if they were still sealed?

I think the thing that's probably worse for me is storing frozen food portions in old plastic butter containers and then microwaving them.

toolguy · **Reply #39 on:** April 11, 2015, 07:21:43 PM

I hire local villagers to carry my water supply.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #40 on:** May 08, 2015, 05:44:19 AM

Quote from: toolguy on April 11, 2015, 07:21:43 PM

I hire local villagers to carry my water supply.

Well, there you go.

I have a stainless steel water bottle branded Subzero, but it looks about like any other stainless steel water bottle. If I forget that, I'll just reuse a 20oz plastic soda bottle. I was just telling my hubby on our hike the other day that I wished the lid to my water bottle would allow me to carry it with two fingers through the handle instead of just one. After a while, that starts hurting. Maybe I could tie a thin loop of cordage on the handle, and put that parcel hook on my Super Tinker to some good use.

This sounds a lot less funny the more I think about it...

It might just be me being behind the times of tech, but I find the whole notion of water bladders REALLY gross. They always just seem to me to be designed to breed funk. Maybe the design is great for soldiers in a war zone. I think they're frankly stupidly complex for day to day civilian use. Not that I have an opinion or anything.

Now, a question for those who might know: I have some slight rust developing in the bottom of my stainless steel water bottle. Any good ideas for getting it out? I was thinking maybe water with sand in it and just swirl it around for a while, then a thorough cleaning? Otherwise it's just recycle it and get a new one, at the exorbitant price of $5!!!!

alexTOOL · **Reply #41 on:** May 08, 2015, 07:50:05 AM

Trekking for 4-5 hours aprox. 20 kms.

1 liter of water in plastic bottle + 0,5 liters of isotonic drink

In very hot summer perhaps 1,5 l water+ 0,5 l isotonic

And I hate camelbacks. I can, t with them. Smells and I can't suck properly.

3 liters I think is way excessive for my needs, I try to adjust to go light.

DazMechanical · **Reply #42 on:** May 08, 2015, 02:43:40 PM

Lynn, have you tried leaving some coca-cola in the bottom of your bottle overnight to remove the rust? Works for MTs so I can't see why it wouldn't work

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #43 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:45:35 PM

I hadn't thought of that. Nice idea, and i might give it a go. Thanks.

Absolute worst case, it ruins the bottle, which would still be no big deal.

Aloha · **Reply #44 on:** May 08, 2015, 05:57:23 PM

Lynn the bladders are a breeding ground for all sorts of yucky stuff including off tasting water. There are many cleaning methods and several work terrific. I have not had issues myself but I know some people do with regards to taste and grossness.

Denture cleaners, diluted bleach, lemon/lime, fizzy cleaners, camelbak tablets, baking soda, are all idea's and current solutions. I personally consume many bottles of water on longer ( 4+ hours ) hikes so the bladders are ideal for me. I have a 40oz stainless steel bottle thats terrific for shorter travels.

As with anything keeping tidy with the bladders and proper drying are key.