SF Nazdarovye
2004-05-18 01:04:29 UTC
Well, I hope not to max out my testing limit with such a small item
(and one that I already use, to boot!), but given Shane's plea for
further applications, I'll take a hit for the team :)
Here, then, goes my:
Application to Test the Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
May 17, 2004
Steve Nelson
*Reviewer's Information
Name: Steve Nelson
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 158 lb (72 kg)
Torso size: 20.5" (52 cm) per ULA instructions
Hip measurement: 35" (89 cm) per ULA instructions
Email address: nazdarovye at y..oo dot com
City, State, Country: San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Backpacking Background:
As an interface design and usability consultant by trade, I'm always
excited by analyzing and improving designs and processes; backpacking
provides a fertile and fun arena for that. I have been backpacking
since I was a kid growing up in upstate New York: we backpacked and
canoe-camped in all seasons, throughout the Adirondacks and nearby
areas, ranging as far as La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve, Quebec. As an
adult, I've backpacked and hiked extensively in California, but also
have taken trips throughout the West, from New Mexico to British
Columbia, and return often to the Adirondacks.
Backpacking Style:
In the last year I began educating myself about lightweight and
ultralight backpacking, and have been applying more and more of this
philosophy to my outdoor jaunts and gear upgrades. I like moving fast,
and lightening the load facilitates that. I also enjoy urban strolls,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and aviation in addition
to hiking and backpacking, so my gear gets exposed to a wide variety of
uses and conditions.
*Testing Background
I've actually been a long-time user of chlorine dioxide tablets, having
first found them overseas and quickly deciding that I prefer them to
iodine, as well as to chlorine dioxide products that require mixing and
waiting. Until Katadyn started selling the Micropur MP1 Tablets (which
I currently use), I had a difficult time obtaining replacements for my
survival kits and backpacking needs, so I was excited when they became
available.
I currently carry Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets on all of my trips
- they're always there as a backup in case my filter fails (on trips
where I bring one), and on many trips I've relied on them as my main
water disinfection method. Since I've switched over the past year to a
lighter and lighter backpacking style, the tablets have become even
more appealing to me.
*Test Locations and Trip Types
I live in California but have a business and family schedule that also
brings me to the east coast often. Trips planned during the test period
for the Micropur MP1 Tablets include:
- Confirmed weekend backpacking trips in the Mendocino National Forest,
Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Santa Cruz mountains, and Ventana
Wilderness
- Confirmed extended trip on the High Sierra Trail
- Proposed weekend backpacking trips in the Adirondacks and the Sangre
de Cristo range in Southern Colorado, and a possible summit attempt or
two at Mt. Shasta and another California 14-er
- Proposed extended trips on the Wonderland Trail and the PCT from
Sonora Pass to Kennedy Meadows
Given that the testing period for this particular item is shorter than
normal, it sounds like there won't be a chance for winter testing, so
I'll just note that in the winter I like to melt but not boil water,
and add Micropur tablets to kill off bad stuff rather than wasting fuel
on boiling when it's not necessary.
Altitudes on these trips will range from sea level to over 10,000 ft
(3,050 m). Weather will range from hot and dry California summer
conditions to afternoon Sierra thunderstorms to wet and soggy east
coast hiking and paddling. Temperatures will likely range from below
freezing to as high as 100° F (38° C). Most of the hikes will be in
areas with a combination of running and still water.
*Test Plan
I'll test the Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets initially at home,
noting how quickly they dissolve in a couple of different water
temperatures, and how they affect the taste of water. I'll also review
the packaging, instructions, web site, and ease of use of the tablets
(noting that I've already discovered that the foil packaging for the
individual tablets is devilishly difficult to open without a knife or
scissors.)
I'll then bring the tablets on trips, using them as my primary
disinfection method on many trips, and as a backup on the few trips
where I know water will likely be murky or tannic and be better served
by mechanical filtering.
Issues I'll be observing include:
- Ease of use (including respecting the warnings regarding skin contact)
- Convenience
- Taste
- Effectiveness (do I get sick?)
For each use of the tablets I'll record water sources, water quantity
and quality (e.g., silty or clear), number of tablets used, ambient
temperature, and dwell time. Wherever possible, I'll also record water
temperature. I also will prefilter any water that seems dirty or murky,
using either a coffee filter, a silk screen, or a bandana. (Though it
would be interesting to see whether such prefiltering alters the
effectiveness of the tablets, I'm not sure how to do this; if I come up
with a sound method, I will add that evaluation to my test plan.)
*List of Tests to Date
Owner Reviews:
Dancing Light Gear Ultralight Brawny Tarptent ("Bonus" report
responding to call for shelter reviews)
http://tinyurl.com/2w4sj
Arc'teryx Bora 65 Backpack
Arc'teryx Q5 Waist Pack
T.R.U.E. Multitool
Current Tests in Progress:
Kahtoola Traction System
http://tinyurl.com/yrdzz
Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3 Pad
Integral Designs Down Mitts
Integral Designs Hot Socks
Completed Tests:
Brasslite Turbo I Stove
Princeton Tec Scout
My full list of tests and links is at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/nazdarovye
I am currently the monitor for two tests: the SealSkinz ChillBlocker
Gloves and Socks. I am also a BGT mentor.
*Agreements
I have read the latest version of the Survival Guide (v. 1202), and
agree to fully comply with its requirements. Shane has confirmed that
he has received and filed my signed tester's agreement.
Thank you for considering me for this test.
- Steve Nelson
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(and one that I already use, to boot!), but given Shane's plea for
further applications, I'll take a hit for the team :)
Here, then, goes my:
Application to Test the Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
May 17, 2004
Steve Nelson
*Reviewer's Information
Name: Steve Nelson
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 158 lb (72 kg)
Torso size: 20.5" (52 cm) per ULA instructions
Hip measurement: 35" (89 cm) per ULA instructions
Email address: nazdarovye at y..oo dot com
City, State, Country: San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Backpacking Background:
As an interface design and usability consultant by trade, I'm always
excited by analyzing and improving designs and processes; backpacking
provides a fertile and fun arena for that. I have been backpacking
since I was a kid growing up in upstate New York: we backpacked and
canoe-camped in all seasons, throughout the Adirondacks and nearby
areas, ranging as far as La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve, Quebec. As an
adult, I've backpacked and hiked extensively in California, but also
have taken trips throughout the West, from New Mexico to British
Columbia, and return often to the Adirondacks.
Backpacking Style:
In the last year I began educating myself about lightweight and
ultralight backpacking, and have been applying more and more of this
philosophy to my outdoor jaunts and gear upgrades. I like moving fast,
and lightening the load facilitates that. I also enjoy urban strolls,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and aviation in addition
to hiking and backpacking, so my gear gets exposed to a wide variety of
uses and conditions.
*Testing Background
I've actually been a long-time user of chlorine dioxide tablets, having
first found them overseas and quickly deciding that I prefer them to
iodine, as well as to chlorine dioxide products that require mixing and
waiting. Until Katadyn started selling the Micropur MP1 Tablets (which
I currently use), I had a difficult time obtaining replacements for my
survival kits and backpacking needs, so I was excited when they became
available.
I currently carry Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets on all of my trips
- they're always there as a backup in case my filter fails (on trips
where I bring one), and on many trips I've relied on them as my main
water disinfection method. Since I've switched over the past year to a
lighter and lighter backpacking style, the tablets have become even
more appealing to me.
*Test Locations and Trip Types
I live in California but have a business and family schedule that also
brings me to the east coast often. Trips planned during the test period
for the Micropur MP1 Tablets include:
- Confirmed weekend backpacking trips in the Mendocino National Forest,
Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Santa Cruz mountains, and Ventana
Wilderness
- Confirmed extended trip on the High Sierra Trail
- Proposed weekend backpacking trips in the Adirondacks and the Sangre
de Cristo range in Southern Colorado, and a possible summit attempt or
two at Mt. Shasta and another California 14-er
- Proposed extended trips on the Wonderland Trail and the PCT from
Sonora Pass to Kennedy Meadows
Given that the testing period for this particular item is shorter than
normal, it sounds like there won't be a chance for winter testing, so
I'll just note that in the winter I like to melt but not boil water,
and add Micropur tablets to kill off bad stuff rather than wasting fuel
on boiling when it's not necessary.
Altitudes on these trips will range from sea level to over 10,000 ft
(3,050 m). Weather will range from hot and dry California summer
conditions to afternoon Sierra thunderstorms to wet and soggy east
coast hiking and paddling. Temperatures will likely range from below
freezing to as high as 100° F (38° C). Most of the hikes will be in
areas with a combination of running and still water.
*Test Plan
I'll test the Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets initially at home,
noting how quickly they dissolve in a couple of different water
temperatures, and how they affect the taste of water. I'll also review
the packaging, instructions, web site, and ease of use of the tablets
(noting that I've already discovered that the foil packaging for the
individual tablets is devilishly difficult to open without a knife or
scissors.)
I'll then bring the tablets on trips, using them as my primary
disinfection method on many trips, and as a backup on the few trips
where I know water will likely be murky or tannic and be better served
by mechanical filtering.
Issues I'll be observing include:
- Ease of use (including respecting the warnings regarding skin contact)
- Convenience
- Taste
- Effectiveness (do I get sick?)
For each use of the tablets I'll record water sources, water quantity
and quality (e.g., silty or clear), number of tablets used, ambient
temperature, and dwell time. Wherever possible, I'll also record water
temperature. I also will prefilter any water that seems dirty or murky,
using either a coffee filter, a silk screen, or a bandana. (Though it
would be interesting to see whether such prefiltering alters the
effectiveness of the tablets, I'm not sure how to do this; if I come up
with a sound method, I will add that evaluation to my test plan.)
*List of Tests to Date
Owner Reviews:
Dancing Light Gear Ultralight Brawny Tarptent ("Bonus" report
responding to call for shelter reviews)
http://tinyurl.com/2w4sj
Arc'teryx Bora 65 Backpack
Arc'teryx Q5 Waist Pack
T.R.U.E. Multitool
Current Tests in Progress:
Kahtoola Traction System
http://tinyurl.com/yrdzz
Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3 Pad
Integral Designs Down Mitts
Integral Designs Hot Socks
Completed Tests:
Brasslite Turbo I Stove
Princeton Tec Scout
My full list of tests and links is at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/nazdarovye
I am currently the monitor for two tests: the SealSkinz ChillBlocker
Gloves and Socks. I am also a BGT mentor.
*Agreements
I have read the latest version of the Survival Guide (v. 1202), and
agree to fully comply with its requirements. Shane has confirmed that
he has received and filed my signed tester's agreement.
Thank you for considering me for this test.
- Steve Nelson
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Yahoo! Domains - Claim yours for only $14.70
http://us.click.yahoo.com/Z1wmxD/DREIAA/yQLSAA/V4TolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackGearTest/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/