Old timer told me to ditch my fancy water filter on the JMT

I was all set with my expensive pump filter for the John Muir Trail. Guy at the trailhead said just use Aquamira drops and trust the fast-moving streams. I argued with him for 10 minutes before he walked off. Tried it on day three and never looked back. So much lighter and faster. Anyone else have someone change their whole setup with just a few words?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugo_moore1mo ago

Dean from the Sierras told me to swap my pump for tablets too, but he said slow moving water is the real danger. Giardia and crypto actually survive longer in cold, fast streams than people think. I still use Aquamira but I let it sit for the full 30 minutes even if the bottle says 15. Better safe than sorry with that stuff.

drew_chen1mo ago

You ever have someone convince you to ditch a $300 tent for a tarp and bug net? Guy at REI told me to try it on a rainy section of the PCT and I ended up loving it even though I got soaked the first night.