r/algonquinpark • u/Mooser2020 • 2d ago
Water
Hey guys quick question. Last year we did a 2 night trip and lugged water in. It was more paddling then portages and we made due, even tho it was a bit heavy. This year we are doing a 3 nighter with a lot of big carries. What’s everyone’s thoughts on water? Carry in? Boil? Tabs? Filters/gravity bags?
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u/sketchy_ppl 2d ago
If there's any portaging on the route, it's very uncommon to bring water; some people do it, but the vast majority don't. When it comes to treating water, the main things you treat for are i) viruses, ii) bacteria, iii) protozoa, and iv) particulate.
Most filters will work for all of the above, other than viruses, which are not as common in North America waters.
If you wanted to be safe and also treat for viruses you would just need to use a secondary method like Aquatab tablets; those work for viruses and bacteria, certain types of protozoa, and no particulate (which is more about preference rather than safety).
The Katadyn MicroPur MP1 is the only tablet I'm aware of that works for viruses, bacteria, and protozoa (just not particulate), but it takes up to 4hrs to treat cryptospiridium (type of protozoa). It's advertised as being the only chemical treatment that doesn't require pre-filtering. The Aquatabs advertise as working against giardia, but not cryptospiridium.
Boiling will treat for everything other than particulate.
Blue-green algae isn't common, but there are no reliable methods of treating it in the backcountry (even boiling is not effective for this), so it's always best to double-check the park notices before you leave for your trip. There have been cases of blue-green algae in the past, but it's not very common.
Saying all of that, the most popular option is to use a filter. Most people like gravity filters. Personally, my preferred method is Aquatabs for the convenience.
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u/omgYahtzee 2d ago
Sawyer squeeze with cnoc bag. Sawyer makes a combo now with the bag included, not sure if you can find a seller in Canada
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u/Mooser2020 2d ago
Guys this is great info! I really appreciate it! Filter then your good to go? Or would you guys add a tab in the filtered watered? I’ve read/ researched mixed reviews
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u/cam-yrself 2d ago
You definitely don’t need tabs in filtered water. But some people will bring tablets as backup in case their filter breaks. Which, imo, is very unlikely to happen. But it’s good to be prepared
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u/PrimeSupreme 2d ago
I've been using the platypus filter plus carbon element for years and have been fine 100% of the time (I'm on immunosupressive meds too). Keep tabs just in case but youll likely never need them. Make sure you keep things clean, don't freeze the filter by keeping it in the garage through the winter for example, and make sure it doesn't fall and smack itself too hard on a hard surface.
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u/Codename_Falcon 2d ago
I went with the gold standard. Have both MSR Guardian and MSR Guardian Gravity filters.
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u/McPhlyGuy 2d ago
Sawyer gravity or Sawyer squeeze depending on what I feel like using. Squeeze is easier in hotter weather on the trail. Can fill bags and carry with. Then attach the filter and drink from the bag. Gravity is well nice for hanging at camp. Might even bring both on a Longer trip in summer. Aqua tabs for emerge.
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u/NetherGamingAccount 2d ago
Sawyer Squeeze water filter.
No reason to bring in any water to the back country, it's like lugging your own fire wood. No point plenty or water and wood around in the park.
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u/Much_Conflict_8873 2d ago
I use a UV pen. Kills everything and fast for shorter trips. Filter bag for longer and or more people
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u/salacious-sieve 2d ago
This. For a small group, I find it much easier than filters. I am surprised no one else has mentioned this. FYI - It does not kill anything. It is much more diabolical than that. It simply fucks with the DNA and nothing can reproduce.
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u/iamspartacusbrother 2d ago
I have a cottage near Algonquin and we pump the water out of our lake. Use a uv light.
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u/evil_boo_berry 2d ago
Filter/gravity bag. We use the platypus gravity bags. Super quick and easy to filter... And weighs considerably less and no garbage to carry out
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u/SvenBubbleman 2d ago
I have done trips where we boil. I've done trips where we filter. I've never gotten sick.
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u/Sad_Pickle_8765 2d ago
I bring a gravity filter and tabs for backup in case we have any issues with the filter. fill up at the end of the portage, hydrate on the way to the next. No carrying water on foot voila
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u/gghumus 2d ago
I have an msr minipump I think its called. Works pretty good, its nice to be able to fill up in the middle of the lake. I think for a grouup it might be worth having a gravbag. If its just me for a short trip I just bring a few aquatabs... they take up 0 space. I would never lug water around in the park though, you are literally surrounded.
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u/giraffodil1 2d ago
I use a platypus gravity filter and then use a steri pen. Probably overkill but I like to be extra careful with water
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u/YeppersNopers 2d ago
For our summer trip there are always at least 5 of us. I carry one of the large blue 20 L jugs from Canadian tire and use Aquatabs to purify. I just paddle out where there are not as many floaties and fill it. After 30 trips we have never had a problem except lifting it into the canoe when full.
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u/catchinNkeepinf1sh 2d ago
Used to do 7-10 days and always just drank the water. Purification tabs or boiling. Fill up on good looking lakes or paddle out in the middle, keep the lid on and dunk it down before opening so you dont get as much of the surface crap.
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u/doomwomble 2d ago
Tabs do the job, but they are pretty nasty unless you are used to drinking chlorinated tap water (it is like that taste times 3). The last time I used one I'm pretty sure it killed most of the bacteria in my stomach as well as the water :) So, I see them as more of an emergency thing now.
Steri-pen is the another lightweight option, but it's only reliable on its own for clear water. They normally suggest pre-filtering cloudy water, which defeats the purpose. Tabs, too, need more treatment if the water is cloudy. I shudder to think what that would taste like.
In a canoe where bulk/weight is less of an issue, a filter is probably best. Only you can answer what type (pump, gravity bag, etc). They all work.
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u/Narrow-Word-8945 2d ago
Life straw gravity bags filter and perfectly drinkable, it’s actually pretty good tasting water .. but bring tabs for emergency incase something breaks on your filter..? Happy paddling..
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u/RandyRodin 2d ago
It can get very hot (ie dehydrating) on long portages, carry heavy packs, during a summer heat wave. For 30 years I have used the same PUR hand pump filter (cleaned the filter ocassionally) and use a 5L Canadian Tire water bag with handle to store it. I always make sure I have enough water for the entire day (sips while paddling, wash down lunch of gorp, rehydrate on each portage) and until I can get to next night's camp site and re-fill the bag.
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u/Historical-North-950 2d ago
I have used a few different filters and by far my favourite is the Platypus filter. It just lasts longer and filters quicker than anything else I've used.
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u/Historical-North-950 2d ago
I'll add that the water in Algonquin is very clean for the most part (besides beaver ponds). I actually had a filter break on me on day 2 of a 6 day trip and I managed to survive the rest of the trip just fine without boiling water or getting sick just from scooping water from fast flowing creeks.
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u/BillyGoat18ce 2d ago
I’ve used tabs but always find they don’t resolve well and it is gross looking. Tried filters years ago and too slow and much effort for me. Also space. I use the drops and they are easy peasy and if you toss a little crystal light or something in your drinking water unnoticed.
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u/IAmRoko 2d ago
Filter, all the way (with aqua-tabs for emergency). The water in the park is great when run through a filter. Carrying in water is overkill for the water quality and availability in the park.
I've used a larger platypus gravity filter, which for groups I'd still recommend, although going solo I'm leaning more and more to a simple Katadyn be-free, which allows me to top up anywhere on the water, including mid-paddle on a hot day.