Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Planning on doing a longer trip down the Buffalo River this year. Do I have to carry all my drinking water or is a new water filter enough to keep me healthy?

Thanks -

We used a Sawyer filter from WM that worked will for 7 guys over 2 nights, 3 days in June and it was HOT. We filtered water every time we stopped. Don't have specs with me but it had a 500 ml bladder that we filled then rolled down/pressed through filter. No issues. River had a good flow and was really clear. My plan had been to take a 6 gallon container but fortunately was talked into the filter.

So, yes, get the filter for about $20. Will save lots of weight in boat. Happy filtering

It was a Sawyer filter. I'd go for a larger filter and pouch next time. We used a mini. Several sizes available.

Thanks for pointing me towards the Sawyer filters. While doing my research, I found that they get very good reviews and are relatively inexpensive.

Filters get bacteria and larger "bugs", but no filter can remove viruses. Although rare, it is easy to eliminate worry about those too with a very light dose of chlorox added to the filtered water. (google it to find proper dilution ratios).

Also, some recent studies suggest that hand washing around camp especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food it equal to or even more important than treating your water. It's not an either-or thing, do both!

Sawyer has a product they claims handles viruses, too, even heavy metals. I haven't used them, but their S2 and S3 foam filters are advertised to handle viruses. https://sawyer.com/products/select-filter-and-purifier/

Cowper wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:13 pm

Filters get bacteria and larger "bugs", but no filter can remove viruses. Although rare, it is easy to eliminate worry about those too with a very light dose of chlorox added to the filtered water. (google it to find proper dilution ratios).

Also, some recent studies suggest that hand washing around camp especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food it equal to or even more important than treating your water. It's not an either-or thing, do both!

You're so right, Cowper. You have to do both. I'm so amused when I see people worry about treating their water, yet not paying attention to basic hygene. Not talking about anyone here btw, I've seen this happen with my own eyes.