[quote=NightHikerI've used the katadyn xtreme bottle filter before and was expecting about the same but there's a lot less resistance.[/quote]

I used the original extreme bottle filter - it lasted only one trip. To much work to drink water.

Adam

< "Fortunately most viruses are easy to kill with chemical purification." >


I'd REALLY like to know if you can kill viruses simply by boiling the water.

Does anybody know if boiling water kills viruses ?

LW.

The short answer is yes.

Keep in mind that not all viruses are created equal; there are both RNA and DNA viruses and enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. These factors are more important with chemical disinfectants/sterilents and the such. Many viruses are inactivated by simply becoming exposed to less then ideal (for the virus) environmental conditions such dehydration or exposure to UV.

Some bacteria (spore forming- i.e. some Bacillus spp.) are more resistant to adverse environmental factors and may require either greater lengths of time, higher pressures (use of pressure cooker or autoclave) or higher temperatures (dry heat) to achieve organism destruction.

Pete

if you use a straw, make sure they water is CLEAR, not just clear but very very very clear or else it will clogg very quickly.

Would you trust one to protect you against Cholera? I sure as hell won't.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholera

Has anyone tried the "first need" water purifier by General Ecology ?

There's at least one survival author who says that nothing beats it.

How about the Katadyn pocket filter ? It retails for a couple of hundred bucks at REI. Mucho expensive.

LW.

Any references to this process?

A roiling boil will kill just about anything. It is always the first choice for water sterilisation. However, the tactical situation might prevent you from lighting a fire. That might be due to lack of fuel, Altitude (Water boil's at a lower temperature at higher altitudes). A need for concealment or some other reason. Use of a filter therefor, presumes an inability to boil.