: You know what I'd do? I'd keep the Sweetwater for small trips and as a
: back-up pump. A clean filter in pristine waters and a little filter
: treatment and care and the filter will last some time. I think everyone
: should have a back-up pump, after all, we all need to drink water. BTW:
: have you treated your filter by pumping a little chlorine water through
: it? Ounce the filter media is used it's better to not let it dry out.
: Sweetwater is definite about this.
That is a good idea. I'll get the Katadyn for next years leg to use as the main filteration system. Next year I won't have the luxury of stopping by home for a few days to celebrate a birthday. I'll be close to the Canadian high north but certainly not above the tree line. A good water source and a reliable back up will be critical. I haven't treated the filter yet and I'm willing to bet it may have dried out by now. Mind you, I left the pump assembled so it might be ok. I'm on the Chlorox thing this morning. I guess if the bacteria has taken over I have no choice but to ream the filter out but hey, I'm in the middle of learning things here. 
It seems school never let out for me, I feel like I'm still learning new things here. Now if I expand on an old adage, does that mean I'm not yet an old dog? let me take the liberty of doing the Toyota Jump and shouting: "YIPPIE, I'm not old yet!" *sigh* I think I just threw out my back.
Robert N Pruden
