#PLATYPUS WATER FILTER PROBLEMS FULL#
#PLATYPUS WATER FILTER PROBLEMS PORTABLE#

Such beasties are substantially smaller than protozoa (between 0.2 to 1μm in width). Infection with these bacteria results in a myriad of symptoms, including diarrhea (possibly containing blood or mucus), nausea, vomiting, and cramping. Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae are a few of the more common bacterial pathogens found in water. There’s a range of bacteria that can cause problems if ingested.

Chlorine dioxide, on the other hand, will treat Cryptosporidium, but that treatment takes up to four hours. It’s important to note that Cryptosporidium is highly resistant to chlorine or iodine-based disinfectants. On the bright side, both of these nasty buggers are fairly large-the Giardia cyst is approximately 7-10 micrometers (μm) in diameter, while the Cryptosporidium oocysts are usually 4-6 μm in diameter (1 micrometre = 0.001 mm = 0.00004 inches)-and are easily strained and removed by most available filters. Additional symptoms may include stomach cramping, gas, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Both of these parasites may go undetected in their hosts, but when symptoms do arise, the most common complaint is diarrhea. The two you’ve likely heard of are Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium (multiple species). The most widespread water illnesses one might encounter in the outdoors are caused by protozoa. Each has a single letter abbreviation, which we’ll use to reference the capabilities of various systems later. Here are the things that filters and various water treatment systems remove and/or treat. We’ve learned the hard way, on multiple occasions, both in the backcountry and when touring abroad. Unless you are absolutely sure about the safety of a water source, there’s no reason to risk your health and ruin a perfectly good bikepacking trip. Depending on the source, it can also contain a variety of toxins that are potentially hazardous to human health. Water can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites including protozoa and helminths (worms) that cause a variety of diseases in humans. According to the World Health Organization, water-related diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and nearly 25% of the global population is consuming fecally contaminated water. While some people argue whether water filtration is necessary in some areas, most will agree that it’s a good practice to filter and/or treat most naturally occurring water sources, as well as many infrastructure-provided sources in developing countries. But first, let’s summarize the science behind water treatment and why it’s important to consider several factors when planning your kit. We’ll also provide a few tips we’ve gathered along the way, relevant links to information about carrying extra water, and close with our editors’ preferred water treatment methods.

#PLATYPUS WATER FILTER PROBLEMS PORTABLE#

In this guide, we’ll cover several popular, lightweight, portable water treatment systems, and dig into mini-reviews, as well as pros and cons of specific products. While bikepacking, you may face one or more of these scenarios, and the reality is there’s no ideal, singular product or method for treating and purifying all drinking water. Furthermore, many water sources may be murky with deposits of white glacial silt, green algae, or sandy brown soil. Other seemingly benign water sources are swimming with malevolent microorganisms. Some water flows from piped, crystal-clear springs that can be consumed as is. Then, there are routes through developing nations with tap water provided by questionable infrastructure, where drinking water can be risky business. On the flip side, routes such as the Camino del Diablo in southern Arizona require a disproportionate volume of water to be carried over several days. When bikepacking in this type of environment, there’s no significant reason to carry more than a liter bottle and a reliable filter.

#PLATYPUS WATER FILTER PROBLEMS FULL#

We have routes on this site where water is plentiful, such as the Appalachian Gravel Growler, which is chock full of clear springs and mountain streams.

Platypus water filter problems