It's a dry year on the PCT. That means low snow through the Sierras, but it also means that the desert section through Southern California is going to be rough. Luckily, I'm pretty excited about my water system for that portion of the hike.
My max water carrying capacity is 6 Liters. This is composed of two 3-liter Platypus BigZips. These are relatively heavy compared to their lighter cousin the Platy Hoser, but the top opens wide making them more convenient to clean and fill.
They also have a detachable hose system (that the hoser does not have), which is the crux of my water system.
This water system is totally modular. The valves allows me to only bring one drinking tube. I fill the bladders with dirty water, plug in the hose and my Sawyer InLine filter to one bag and drink til it's empty then switch the hose+filter combo to the other bag using the valve system. Simple, and easy. I never have to stop to filter as it's all on the go.
A lot of people have lighter water systems by 5 or even 6 ounces. I choose to carry this much weight in my two water-bladders and my Sawyer InLine filter because it saves times and adds convenience, and I can be mighty lazy when it works to my advantage.
The ULA Circuit, my chosen pack for this adventure, has massive side pockets and can hold the 3-liter Platys on the side, using the compression straps to hold up the tops.
P.S. A lot of PCT hikers choose chemical filtration for their water. This takes 20 minutes to really do its work, and that's 20 extra minutes of carrying a full water bottle. That could easily equals the weight increase of always carrying a filter (The sawyer inline is only 3 oz. on my scale). And it's going to be hot, and I'm going to be thirsty. I'd like my water now thank you very much.
My max water carrying capacity is 6 Liters. This is composed of two 3-liter Platypus BigZips. These are relatively heavy compared to their lighter cousin the Platy Hoser, but the top opens wide making them more convenient to clean and fill.
They also have a detachable hose system (that the hoser does not have), which is the crux of my water system.
This water system is totally modular. The valves allows me to only bring one drinking tube. I fill the bladders with dirty water, plug in the hose and my Sawyer InLine filter to one bag and drink til it's empty then switch the hose+filter combo to the other bag using the valve system. Simple, and easy. I never have to stop to filter as it's all on the go.
A lot of people have lighter water systems by 5 or even 6 ounces. I choose to carry this much weight in my two water-bladders and my Sawyer InLine filter because it saves times and adds convenience, and I can be mighty lazy when it works to my advantage.
The ULA Circuit, my chosen pack for this adventure, has massive side pockets and can hold the 3-liter Platys on the side, using the compression straps to hold up the tops.
P.S. A lot of PCT hikers choose chemical filtration for their water. This takes 20 minutes to really do its work, and that's 20 extra minutes of carrying a full water bottle. That could easily equals the weight increase of always carrying a filter (The sawyer inline is only 3 oz. on my scale). And it's going to be hot, and I'm going to be thirsty. I'd like my water now thank you very much.
-Luke
No comments:
Post a Comment