Cool, Clear, Water.......

[WapitiTalk1]

Does anybody "not" filter their water while in the high country in this modern era? Back when I was a pup in Montana, we drank out of every mountain stream we came across with no harsh side effects (well, not yet anyway... lol). Nowadays, I filter all the water that I acquire from mountain streams but know a few cats that have no issue dunking their face in a creek and having a drink. Does anybody else "not" filter their high country drinking water?

[Swede]

I had a filter with me last year, but I could not get it to work. It was too far to walk out and when I got back, I would still need another drink. I took a chance and got away with it; I think. Of coarse there could have been something in the water that has cause my condition, that has lead to me to poke fun at many of the quiet unassuming victims I find on this forum. Ya, lets blame it on the water.

[slick trick]

not me never again... I got me a case of that beaver fever one time in some of the best looking running water I have ever seen. about 1 hour later I was cutting my shirt up to make wipe material. I painted trees and bushes all the way back to camp by the time I got there I had no underwear, no long johns, no socks and no gloves, spent 2 1/2 days laid up at camp with the worst cramps I have ever had. It just aint worth It ...

[saddlesore]

not me never again... I got me a case of that beaver fever one time in some of the best looking running water I have ever seen. about 1 hour later I was cutting my shirt up to make wipe material. I painted trees and bushes all the way back to camp by the time I got there I had no underwear, no long johns, no socks and no gloves, spent 2 1/2 days laid up at camp with the worst cramps I have ever had. It just aint worth It ...

Ditto here.Once you have one bout of it, you will neve forget.

[pointysticks]

not me.

i watch my photography teacher take a swig..and he fertilized the forest. lucky we just left..and were hiking slow.

he suffered for a long time..it's been a long time, but i think what he got would occasionally flare up. no thank you.

[ishy]

not me never again... I got me a case of that beaver fever one time in some of the best looking running water I have ever seen. about 1 hour later I was cutting my shirt up to make wipe material. I painted trees and bushes all the way back to camp by the time I got there I had no underwear, no long johns, no socks and no gloves, spent 2 1/2 days laid up at camp with the worst cramps I have ever had. It just aint worth It ...

On a positive note you didn't have to go through the prep for your colonoscopy the next week!

[WapitiTalk1]

not me never again... I got me a case of that beaver fever one time in some of the best looking running water I have ever seen. about 1 hour later I was cutting my shirt up to make wipe material. I painted trees and bushes all the way back to camp by the time I got there I had no underwear, no long johns, no socks and no gloves, spent 2 1/2 days laid up at camp with the worst cramps I have ever had. It just aint worth It ...

On a positive note you didn't have to go through the prep for your colonoscopy the next week!

[CurlyTail]

In Northern Saskatchewan, I drink the water straight from the Lake, and have not had a problem in over 30 years. It is probably not a smart thing to be doing.

In the Rocky Mountains, I always filter or treat the water. I did get desperate on a Scouting trip last summer, when I had given my dog all the water, and drank from a high stream with no consequences, but I was nervous.

[Charina]

I had a good friend and work acquaintance took one drink from a stream one time and messed him up for several years. It took a very long time for doctors to figure out exactly what was the issue. It was a parasite of some sort. He was on disability for so long he ended up simply retiring. I won't do it unless I'm truly desperate. And even then I'll be headed to the doctor for tests immediately after

[saddlesore]

If you find a stream coming right out of the mountain side, and no obvious s sinks above it, a true spring, you are probably going to be alright. However, a running stream, lake, beaver pond, and you are going to be in trouble. It won't be long until you are past the wiping stage and are in the dabbing stage. There will be nothing left in your stomach, and dry heaves will consume your day. Imagine squatting down and puking at the same time. If you are packed back in aways,you won't have strength hike backout .Forget your pack, you will barely be able to walk

[Lefty]

not me never again... I got me a case of that beaver fever one time in some of the best looking running water I have ever seen. about 1 hour later I was cutting my shirt up to make wipe material. I painted trees and bushes all the way back to camp by the time I got there I had no underwear, no long johns, no socks and no gloves, spent 2 1/2 days laid up at camp with the worst cramps I have ever had. It just aint worth It ...

Ditto here.Once you have one bout of it, you will neve forget.

I will drink where water comes straight out of the mountain. But no down hill seeps creeks or lakes. If there is a cow track( or crap) Not me.
I do carry a life straw,... but still seek out where water comes out of the hill.

I spent a week with a fellow who drank from a stream. I never had a bout but he did and I still havent forgotten

[Rangerz]

In my youth we never worried about it ( young and dumb).

Nowadays, I carry a Sawyer Squeeze and use it although I have drank from springs like Lefty described.