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Water Storage and Purification

Options abound for water storage. I have stuck with the MSR Dromedary bags over the years. They are extremely durable, especially the original Dromedary, as opposed to the Dromlite. The Dromlite does not lack for strength. I am still using all of the original Dromedary bags I have purchased, both original Dromedaries and Dromlites- I have not replaced one yet, my first one being purchased at least 15 years ago. I have tried one gallon Platypus bags, but all of them have given out within a trip or two. I still carry one of the 2 Liter Plus bags with me for adding that margin of safety if I feel it is necessary. I used to carry a regular one quart widemouth Nalgene bottle. I now carry the Nalgene collapsible widemouth one quart Cantene in order to cut down on weight a bit further. My only reason for carrying the bottle is for use when purifying water. The gusseted bottom allow the bottle to be stood up when I am purifying drinking water.


MSR DromLite - The Dromlite comes in 2, 4, and 6 liter versions. They are an in-demand item and REI stores often seem to be out of them. Plan ahead if you are going to purchase one for an upcoming trip. Following is the official REI description of the item:

MSR® DromLite™ hydration bag offers the best of two worlds--rugged construction and ultralight convenience! Tough enough for most outdoor pursuits, 200-denier Cordura® nylon shell is 30% lighter than the MSR Dromedary™ hydration bag. Plus, boil it or freeze it, the polyurethane, food-grade coating inside handles every use. Versatile three-in-one cap lets you fill, drink and pour with ease. A clever addition for 2006, a new handle around the opening makes filling the bag easier than ever. Largest opening is threaded to fit MSR water filters for no-spill pumping. Grommet on one end allows the bag to be hung. 

MSR Dromedary Bag - 6 Liter MSR® Dromedary™ hydration bag, with its abrasion-resistant Cordura® nylon shell, is built bombproof to handle your outdoor needs! Plus, boil it or freeze it, the polyurethane, food-grade coating inside handles every use. Versatile three-in-one cap lets you fill, drink and pour with ease. A clever addition for 2006, a new handle around the opening makes filling the bag easier than ever. Webbing straps down each side let you attach the bag to your pack or hang it from a limb.

Nalgene Wide-Mouth Cantene

This canteen is one item I have recently started carrying. I abandoned my old 32 ounce Nalgene bottle for this lighter version. So far it seems to be holding up well. The wide mouth makes it easy to fill and the gusseted bottom allows the canteen to stand while I pour in treated water from my MIOX. Thread pattern accommodates Nalgene-compatible water filters. Loop-top retainer prevents the cap from getting lost (cut it off- save a couple of grams of weight!) 

MSR MIOX Water Purifier The MSR MIOX™ Purifier makes water microbiologically safe using salt and an electrical current. Click on the link at left to watch how it works. Proprietary patented technology creates a small batch of an oxidant solution which is mixed with your water to destroy microorganisms. MIOX uses a chemical reaction called electrolysis to create a powerful disinfectant that will destroy biological contaminants in your water. More effective against microorganisms than chlorine or iodine. Destroys viruses and bacteria in 15 minutes, giardia in 30 minutes and cryptosporidia in 4 hours. Features a safety indicator so you can be sure your treated water is safe to drink. Comes with 1 ounce of salt to treat 200+ liters of water; 2 lithium CR123 batteries; 50 test strips; instruction book; reference card; storage bag. MIOX is compact, rugged and submersible. Purifies water without iodine; no health risk or unpleasant iodine taste.

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Gear Shop Page 1- Packs, Gaiters, Trekking Poles
Gear Shop Page 2- Shelters, Bug Nets, Ponchos, Sleeping Pads
Gear Shop Page 3- Water Storage and Purification