The team of writer Matt Nelson and photographer Richard Durnan does it again. Pick up a copy of Tail Winds Magazine if you are in the Arizona area and read yet another great article about the Durang to Moab hut-to-hut bike route.
Although drinking water is stocked at each of our huts, it is important that you know how and have the ability to treat your own drinking water. Especially in the summer you will need to drink a lot of water to fight off dehydration and it is often not possible to carry sufficient water between the huts. In many places, at most times of the year, you will be able to find surface water to supplement your supply. We do not advocate drinking any surface water without proper treatment. There are many methods and systems for safe and effective water treatment available today. Below are a few we like.
The SteriPEN® is a nice fast light and effective water treatment tool. SteriPEN® is the only portable water purifier that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy waterborne microbes.
Water filters such as the MSR Hyperflow Microfilter are another good choice. Filters are fast way to guarantee you have clean safe drinking water.
Chemical treatment with water purification tablets such as those made by Portable Aqua are the old standby. They are a very light weight alternative. The tradeoff of course is that you must let your treated water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
For a good discussion of available chemical treatments visit this web site.
Keep your health by drinking healthy water and your hit-to-hut trip will be all that you expect.