Water Purification
 

I'm looking for a water purification system for a long trip. Something which kills pathogens ideally. I'm travelling on four wheels so space isn't the limiting factor (to a point) and I'm willing to invest in a decent system. Is there any system which requires no replacement cartridges etc? How good are UV irradiation techniques?

My ideal solution would be to filter water through a gauze or handkerchief into an intermediate container, then purify it with something like the steripen . I should think it would be quite simple to rig up a covertor to run it off a 12v car battery (takes 4 batteries or 6v).

It doen't look to robust though, so a more practical large-scale purifier would be better

Thanks for any info

Dan

[This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 30 November 2004).]

I've been camping quite lot with MSR Miniworks EX, and I feel it works great. I have no personal experience about other filters, but USMC uses it, so it should tell something about how robust it is. And the filter is VERY EASY to clean.

MSR has also somekind of steripen, called MSR Miox(if I remember right). If you already haven't , check them out at www.msrcorp.com

I use the MSR Miniworks too, it's great and robust, but it's just a filter not a purifier. I've also got the nice and compact First Need purifier, checkout the details: http://tinyurl.com/4o2up [REI.com] I'm sure Field and Trek or Cotswolds in the UK have them.

Cheers,
Nick.

------------------
Nick Taylor
www.exerro.com
------------------
Vehicle Specs

The First Need purifier mentioned by Nick above is worth consideration because it's the only pump/filter type system that eliminates viruses. No chemicials are involved. It's very compact, seems well made, but is somewhat more expensive than other filters. But, getting hepatitis isn't exactly cheap, either.

The First Need is made by General Ecology, www.generalecology.com.

Mike

I Use Micropur Powder by Katadyn, and a few drops of Iodine if its a suspect well.

------------------
Ex RAF Regt, Ex Dragoman, LRE Instructor,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander
Suzuki DR650 Overlander
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!