You forgot the Berkey that filters everything including heavy metal like lead ! Useful in Flint Michigan. It’s a investment, but it super reliable, last long, and many vanlifer have one.
The brilliant thing about the Berkey is you don’t need replacement filters. They last ten years (!!) and if they get clogged just scrub them. When I’m near a stream or pond I just fill the Berkey directly and keep my tank water separate. Expensive but so maintenance free.
Bob, you are increasing awareness about items that may keep people alive in crises. Wilderness teacher Tom Brown Jr recommends Rapid Pure products. They DO filter 99.99% of viruses, CAN be used if frozen, and come in a variety of forms. Minis for backpacks, bottles, and bladders. AND they are rapid. Hope some of your viewers will see this and you too. Thanks, as always.
I want to emphasize Bob's warning about NOT cross-contaminating your drinking water with the source water. I was leading a beginner backpacking trip (1984) in the Sierras, where there is a lot of Giardia in the water. (Giardia is most often spread by grazing cattle pooping too close, or directly into, a water source.) After showing the new backpackers the proper use of the water filters, and 'how NOT to do it,' myself and the other guide entrusted the new people to filter the water. They were there to learn backpacking skills, so the point was to have them do things for themselves, not to do everything for them. When I asked, "Is everyone really clear on how this works?" I got unanimously bobbing heads. Well, someone got confused anyway and put the 'source hose' into the final 'clean containers' several times before anyone noticed. (*There is no '5-second rule' in water filtering. It only takes a tiny exposure to foul your water.) I got Giardia. Luckily, I lived in civilization and could get the proper care, but imagine having The Runs for SIX MONTHS without any resources or hope of getting rid of it? You'd die of dehydration eventually. I AM telling you this to scare you. It might save your life. I actually filter my own(!) water now AND use a water purification tablet on that water. I also filter an extra utility bottle of clean water to RINSE OFF the exterior of anything that came in contact with the source water. Am I paranoid? You'd better believe it! lol To be a 22-year-old young woman with limited control of your bowels, and uncontrollable gas, for SIX MONTHS, while still needing to go to work and school every day, will have that effect on you! lol I'm sure that doctors have a better, quicker cure for Giardia now, but what if you cannot get to a doctor? I wish you all the absolute best. Have fun and be careful out there. PS - one of the best 'pre-filters' I've ever found is an old pair of ladies' pantyhose. They're stretchy, so they'll form fit to your container, etc, and they'll last forever. Don't forget to bring some kind of rubber bands or twisties to hold them in place.
@@Puppies03b3eleyySnowflakes treat all your water. I don't let anyone else treat my water or use my filter. I will give you water but, that filter is my key to staying healthy. There will be people that tell you it is a spring and this is the source, you don't need to filter it. Yes and no. If you are from there you may get away with that, but it takes your body time to build up immunity to things and the older you are the less efficient your body is... best wishes on your future backpacking trip.
CLEARLY FILTERED is my choice ! Been using my stainless steel CLEARLY FILTERED water bottle with filter inside is AWESOME ! FILTERS 99.9% , including fluoride ! The company says one can even filter pond water in it !! I'm about to order a pitcher to filter more water @ a time. And a shower filter because Tallahassee Florida puts an extreme amount of CHLORINE in the tap water. Which causes me dizziness ,dry skin & skin break outs .
I use a Sawyer filter that connects to a sink faucet. I fill my RV tank with whatever water is available, then filter it using the sink filter into gallon jugs. I do that for all of my drinking water when I'm on the road, even if it was labeled as potable. That keeps me somewhat safe from regional variations in water, and from my RV tank not being perfectly clean. One note on membrane filters: If they freeze when they are wet, the ice can enlarge the membranes and make them not work anymore. So if they are being actively used they need to be stored somewhere that's always above freezing. If all else fails, you can keep them against your body in the inside pocket of a coat.
The Sawyer Squeeze can be used as a "drink through" filter, but hikers most commonly use it between two plastic bottles -- it's threaded to match a standard size. Also, the instructions show how to use it with the included hose as a gravity filter.
Water filter system is a priority for me. Thank you for the demonstrations. I'm camped at this time and using a living waters filter that are plastic buckets. It's big like a Berky. Reasonable.
people asking about the berkey, here's a little background info... the filters that created the 'berkey' reputation were and are still made in england by the doulton ceramics company and are marketed as the "british berkefeld" filter, but berkey became the nickname for them. however, doulton never copyrighted or trademarked the berkey name so it was hijacked by a chinese-owned company that has an office in england to disguise their ownership, that today makes and sells similar filters under the "berkey" name. the "berkey" is a cheap knock-off and is nowhere near as good as the real ones made by doulton in england. the doulton ceramic elements are a natural light sand color and have round ceramic ends, they contain silver to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in the ceramic. the "berkey" elements have a plastic end cap and the ceramic is colored black, because they do not contain silver and the black color hides the appearance of mold or bacteria growing on the ceramic elements.......
I've got a small AquaCera with a 5" filter. It's like a Berkey, but smaller. Fits better in my RV home. I even bring it on the road when I travel & live out of my Rav4. For hiking/backpacking, I use a General Ecology First Need purifier. It is pump or gravity. I love them both.
Thanks Bob! Just wanted to add that all of these will be damaged by freezing when wet. Often the failure will be internal to the filter and not visible. This results in unfiltered water bypassing the filter and can have serious consequences. I believe this is what Brian from Offgrid Backcountry Adventures attributes his long running horrible bout of giardia to.
Right. I used a Sawyer mini for a two week Backcountry adventure and I would shake out what I could and sleep with it in my pocket at night to be sure it wasn't froze and still usable!
One thing/skill that people really need about is how to construct and use a xylem filter system. Yes it's a slow system, but the filter itself is cheap, easily replaceable, and readily replaced. The down side is that it won't remove chemical some contamination and they're gravity feed (gets rid of viruses and most prions though). Also the water might have a bit of a tree flavor...
I love all your programs Bob I am a prepper and a nomad at the same time so it is possible I have a self build camper which ways 860 pounds I keep 5 gal buckets dried beans bucket of rice instant mashed potatoes canned Meats 60 lb of pasta and 40 50 lb of can goods and 6 months of coffee the list goes on
Thanks Bob, insightful, clear, concise and much appreciated tutorial! In general I love you sharing your personal experience with the systems you have tested focusing on nomads needs - including budget. All the best, Fede from Italy
This is really good to have even if your not a nomad. There's so much shortages on food and other items now. My dad recently told me about a bottle water shortage coming. Thanks so much, Bob ! Now days people need to learn how to survive on our own more. We love you and Cody so much 💙 ❤ ♥ 💜 💗 🙏🚛🚚🏞🌲
I use a Sawyer filter that connects to a 5 gallon bucket via a hose. Last year I collected about 20 gallons of rain water and ran it through because I didn't feel like moving. It seems like it needs to be flushed every 5 gallons because the flow slows down. I've read where the sun's uv rays will purify a clear plastic water bottle in 6 hours. Haven't had a need to try it yet. Also I've read where 2 drops of bleach will purify a quart of water. Four if cloudy. Haven't tried this either but in an emergency? I've been on the road 9 years without any gastrointestinal issues
The katadyn pump style filter is what I used 25 yrs ago thru hiking the AT and hardly used anymore by long distance hikers. Most now use the Sawyer squeeze type along with a CNOC bag for dirty water collection.
I totally recommend CNOC products. Any of there bags paired with the standard Sawyer squeeze is the perfect combo for me. I have a gravity system for in camp but can also squeeze out some clean water fast mid-day.
I'm not drinking any water out of outdoor source without boiling first love you're background beautiful don't care for desert climate been living in van after house fire before Christmas lost everything home dog and car welcome to my world
I'm much prefer to pump. I feel safer that way. I have had so many of those plastic bags fall and break. If you're out and you're depending on having that bag to put water in to filter through and it falls and breaks you're kind of up a creek without a paddle
Boiling dose work, but it takes a lot of fuel and it will not filter out somethings. This is the one area I carry redundancy when I backpack. I carry a Sawyer filter and Iodine tablets. Iodine is slow and some people can not use it. I only use the Iodine if I have a problem with my other filter, ( I let it freeze, or it clogged and I can't get it unclogged in the field). It is good to study up on water. There are a lot of little things you can do that help you get the best water to treat, filter or boil.
The rule of 2 was what I was taught, some say 3. 2 mins oxygen, 2 days water, and 2 weeks food...simple as that. As for preppers and nomads, there are far more synergies than not. Have to say having been a scout Eagle patrol some 50 years back I've always been prepared from what I had in the car to coping with Colorado blizzards so, my mental state has not really changed, probably more heightened.
Of all the videos posted in the history of this channel, this one is the least helpful. Berkey is king and worth the investment for such a critical item.
You forgot the Berkey that filters everything including heavy metal like lead ! Useful in Flint Michigan.
It’s a investment, but it super reliable, last long, and many vanlifer have one.
The brilliant thing about the Berkey is you don’t need replacement filters. They last ten years (!!) and if they get clogged just scrub them. When I’m near a stream or pond I just fill the Berkey directly and keep my tank water separate. Expensive but so maintenance free.
Bob, you are increasing awareness about items that may keep people alive in crises. Wilderness teacher Tom Brown Jr recommends Rapid Pure products. They DO filter 99.99% of viruses, CAN be used if frozen, and come in a variety of forms. Minis for backpacks, bottles, and bladders. AND they are rapid. Hope some of your viewers will see this and you too. Thanks, as always.
I want to emphasize Bob's warning about NOT cross-contaminating your drinking water with the source water. I was leading a beginner backpacking trip (1984) in the Sierras, where there is a lot of Giardia in the water. (Giardia is most often spread by grazing cattle pooping too close, or directly into, a water source.) After showing the new backpackers the proper use of the water filters, and 'how NOT to do it,' myself and the other guide entrusted the new people to filter the water. They were there to learn backpacking skills, so the point was to have them do things for themselves, not to do everything for them. When I asked, "Is everyone really clear on how this works?" I got unanimously bobbing heads. Well, someone got confused anyway and put the 'source hose' into the final 'clean containers' several times before anyone noticed. (*There is no '5-second rule' in water filtering. It only takes a tiny exposure to foul your water.) I got Giardia. Luckily, I lived in civilization and could get the proper care, but imagine having The Runs for SIX MONTHS without any resources or hope of getting rid of it? You'd die of dehydration eventually. I AM telling you this to scare you. It might save your life. I actually filter my own(!) water now AND use a water purification tablet on that water. I also filter an extra utility bottle of clean water to RINSE OFF the exterior of anything that came in contact with the source water. Am I paranoid? You'd better believe it! lol To be a 22-year-old young woman with limited control of your bowels, and uncontrollable gas, for SIX MONTHS, while still needing to go to work and school every day, will have that effect on you! lol I'm sure that doctors have a better, quicker cure for Giardia now, but what if you cannot get to a doctor? I wish you all the absolute best. Have fun and be careful out there. PS - one of the best 'pre-filters' I've ever found is an old pair of ladies' pantyhose. They're stretchy, so they'll form fit to your container, etc, and they'll last forever. Don't forget to bring some kind of rubber bands or twisties to hold them in place.
I plan on doing the Appalachia Trail so I need all the advice and bad experiences I can get lol
@@Puppies03b3eleyySnowflakes treat all your water. I don't let anyone else treat my water or use my filter. I will give you water but, that filter is my key to staying healthy. There will be people that tell you it is a spring and this is the source, you don't need to filter it. Yes and no. If you are from there you may get away with that, but it takes your body time to build up immunity to things and the older you are the less efficient your body is... best wishes on your future backpacking trip.
CLEARLY FILTERED is my choice ! Been using my stainless steel CLEARLY FILTERED water bottle with filter inside is AWESOME !
FILTERS 99.9% , including fluoride !
The company says one can even filter pond water in it !!
I'm about to order a pitcher to filter more water @ a time.
And a shower filter because Tallahassee Florida puts an extreme amount of CHLORINE in the tap water. Which causes me dizziness ,dry skin & skin break outs .
I use a Sawyer filter that connects to a sink faucet. I fill my RV tank with whatever water is available, then filter it using the sink filter into gallon jugs. I do that for all of my drinking water when I'm on the road, even if it was labeled as potable. That keeps me somewhat safe from regional variations in water, and from my RV tank not being perfectly clean.
One note on membrane filters: If they freeze when they are wet, the ice can enlarge the membranes and make them not work anymore. So if they are being actively used they need to be stored somewhere that's always above freezing. If all else fails, you can keep them against your body in the inside pocket of a coat.
Yep, clean drinking water is a must. Thanks for sharing Bob
The Sawyer Squeeze can be used as a "drink through" filter, but hikers most commonly use it between two plastic bottles -- it's threaded to match a standard size. Also, the instructions show how to use it with the included hose as a gravity filter.
Water filter system is a priority for me. Thank you for the demonstrations. I'm camped at this time and using a living waters filter that are plastic buckets. It's big like a Berky. Reasonable.
people asking about the berkey, here's a little background info... the filters that created the 'berkey' reputation were and are still made in england by the doulton ceramics company and are marketed as the "british berkefeld" filter, but berkey became the nickname for them. however, doulton never copyrighted or trademarked the berkey name so it was hijacked by a chinese-owned company that has an office in england to disguise their ownership, that today makes and sells similar filters under the "berkey" name. the "berkey" is a cheap knock-off and is nowhere near as good as the real ones made by doulton in england. the doulton ceramic elements are a natural light sand color and have round ceramic ends, they contain silver to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in the ceramic. the "berkey" elements have a plastic end cap and the ceramic is colored black, because they do not contain silver and the black color hides the appearance of mold or bacteria growing on the ceramic elements.......
So what is the original company currently called or how can you distinguish between the original company versus the knock off when buying ?
I've got a small AquaCera with a 5" filter. It's like a Berkey, but smaller. Fits better in my RV home. I even bring it on the road when I travel & live out of my Rav4.
For hiking/backpacking, I use a General Ecology First Need purifier. It is pump or gravity.
I love them both.
Thanks Bob! Just wanted to add that all of these will be damaged by freezing when wet. Often the failure will be internal to the filter and not visible. This results in unfiltered water bypassing the filter and can have serious consequences. I believe this is what Brian from Offgrid Backcountry Adventures attributes his long running horrible bout of giardia to.
Right. I used a Sawyer mini for a two week Backcountry adventure and I would shake out what I could and sleep with it in my pocket at night to be sure it wasn't froze and still usable!
One thing/skill that people really need about is how to construct and use a xylem filter system. Yes it's a slow system, but the filter itself is cheap, easily replaceable, and readily replaced. The down side is that it won't remove chemical some contamination and they're gravity feed (gets rid of viruses and most prions though). Also the water might have a bit of a tree flavor...
I love all your programs Bob I am a prepper and a nomad at the same time so it is possible I have a self build camper which ways 860 pounds I keep 5 gal buckets dried beans bucket of rice instant mashed potatoes canned Meats 60 lb of pasta and 40 50 lb of can goods and 6 months of coffee the list goes on
Thanks Bob, insightful, clear, concise and much appreciated tutorial! In general I love you sharing your personal experience with the systems you have tested focusing on nomads needs - including budget. All the best, Fede from Italy
I once heard that a man can go s month without food, three days without water, but only 10 minutes without hope. Thanks Bob for some hope.
This is really good to have even if your not a nomad. There's so much shortages on food and other items now. My dad recently told me about a bottle water shortage coming. Thanks so much, Bob ! Now days people need to learn how to survive on our own more. We love you and Cody so much 💙 ❤ ♥ 💜 💗 🙏🚛🚚🏞🌲
I use a Sawyer filter that connects to a 5 gallon bucket via a hose. Last year I collected about 20 gallons of rain water and ran it through because I didn't feel like moving. It seems like it needs to be flushed every 5 gallons because the flow slows down.
I've read where the sun's uv rays will purify a clear plastic water bottle in 6 hours. Haven't had a need to try it yet.
Also I've read where 2 drops of bleach will purify a quart of water. Four if cloudy.
Haven't tried this either but in an emergency?
I've been on the road 9 years without any gastrointestinal issues
Thanks - look forward to what you think is best.
great info, thanks Bob. I think I have my heart set on a Berkey, but a bladder would be a great backup.
Especially while hiking ,a bladder filter is a must I think.
The katadyn pump style filter is what I used 25 yrs ago thru hiking the AT and hardly used anymore by long distance hikers. Most now use the Sawyer squeeze type along with a CNOC bag for dirty water collection.
I totally recommend CNOC products. Any of there bags paired with the standard Sawyer squeeze is the perfect combo for me. I have a gravity system for in camp but can also squeeze out some clean water fast mid-day.
Thanks you are helping a lot of people
Yep on my list
Really important series, Bob
Thank you for this excellent video.
Great info as always Bob, thank you so much!🦋
I'm not drinking any water out of outdoor source without boiling first love you're background beautiful don't care for desert climate been living in van after house fire before Christmas lost everything home dog and car welcome to my world
Check out Berkey filters. They have a water bottle type.
They recommend not using the chemicals all the time. Not good for the body. The Sawyer Squeeze is the most popular for people doing long trails.
I like the idea of gravity fed...pumping is work lol
Thanks
PortaWell is the best filtering system.
I'm much prefer to pump. I feel safer that way. I have had so many of those plastic bags fall and break. If you're out and you're depending on having that bag to put water in to filter through and it falls and breaks you're kind of up a creek without a paddle
THAnk you bob 😬
If it's just a spare tire, I would probably go with the smallest because chances are I will never use it.
Could you prefilter using the pump, pumping it in to the one with the small opening?
Thanks for this! ❤ By the way, what does the water TASTE like?
Interesting I assumed I would have to buy a burkee. But don’t you have to careful not to let these ever freeze?
I need several kinds of water filters.
Will boiling the water do the same thing? As always amazing information 👌.
Boiling dose work, but it takes a lot of fuel and it will not filter out somethings. This is the one area I carry redundancy when I backpack. I carry a Sawyer filter and Iodine tablets. Iodine is slow and some people can not use it. I only use the Iodine if I have a problem with my other filter, ( I let it freeze, or it clogged and I can't get it unclogged in the field). It is good to study up on water. There are a lot of little things you can do that help you get the best water to treat, filter or boil.
no backpacking for me - love my Brerkey! Although filters pricey.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Brian from Off grid backcountry adventure got ghiardia messed him up for years!
lifestrpaw is supposed to work for 1,000 gallons, costs $15.66 and is small. Are you using the filter everyday or just want it for an emergency?
🤙
The rule of 2 was what I was taught, some say 3. 2 mins oxygen, 2 days water, and 2 weeks food...simple as that. As for preppers and nomads, there are far more synergies than not. Have to say having been a scout Eagle patrol some 50 years back I've always been prepared from what I had in the car to coping with Colorado blizzards so, my mental state has not really changed, probably more heightened.
Household bleach is also very good a little bit goes a long way
Of all the videos posted in the history of this channel, this one is the least helpful. Berkey is king and worth the investment for such a critical item.