DownTheRoad.org
The continuous bicycle touring story since 2002 + no plans to stop

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The story of how we saved money, quit our jobs, sold our possessions, and set off to bicycle tour and travel around the world

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New Zealand
9 -16 - 07 to present
Index to all pages

Australia
9-15-06 to 9 -16 - 07
Index to all pages

SE Asia / China
11-22-04 to 9-15-06
Index to all pages

South America
6-3-03 to 6-17-04
Index to all pages

North & Central America
3-30-02 to 4-17-03
Index to all Pages


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Equipment Pages Index

Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advise About Advise
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers

START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
Bicycle Touring Frames 
The Steel Repair Myth.
Steel and Aluminum Derailleur Hanger Repair.
Bicycle Touring Wheels
Phil Wood: The Best Bicycle Hubs

Panniers / Bike Bags
Cargo Trailers Vs Panniers
Tires for Bike Tours..
Bicycle Touring Saddles.
Cindie's Women's Specific Bike Touring Saddles
Brooks Leather Touring Bicycle Saddle Care and Conditioning
Bike Computer
Touring Handlebars, Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, and Padded Grips.
Sealed Cartridge Headsets

Camping
Buying Camping Equipment
Tent and Ground Cloth
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Camp Stove
Pots and Pans
Water Filter

Clothing
Bike Touring Shorts

Health and First Aide

Electrical
Short-wave Radio
Computer
Internet
mp3

Books
Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping

 

Ceramic Camping, Trekking, and Backpacking Drinking Water Filter and Purifier.
lightweight camp light weight trekking backpacking camping travel ultra light

Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose
Perfect for two or more people traveling in the back country or internationally.
Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose

Katadyn Mini Filter
A best buy for solo and ultra light camping in remote places.
Katadyn Mini Filter

Water is something you need every day.  If you are hiking, backpacking, and camping in remote wilderness areas it is impossible to carry enough water to meet your needs.  A light and compact water purification system is necessary to reduce weight.

While traveling internationally in developing third world countries you can not fill your water bottles from the tap.  Most long distance backpacker travelers and international cyclists in these countries buy their water every day. Bottled water in developing countries usually cost more than it does in the USA.  Locals in rural farming areas do not have the money to buy water. They find the whole idea of buying water strange. Bottled water is mainly for the tourist or the very rich and therefore, somewhat expensive; especially when you consider it as a daily cost.

We filter or boil all of our drinking water in underdeveloped countries.  With very contaminated surface water we do both.  We seldom trust third world water systems.  It is up to us to clean our own drinking water.  We use a water filter instead of buying water.  It pays for its self every couple months.

Many have suggested using chemical tablets to treat our water. The argument is that pills are much smaller than a bulky filter. We do not want to drink chemically treated water for months at a time. It can not be good for our health and does nothing about the strange things swirling around our glass of a poor country's tap water. We always have a small bottle of iodine tablets for emergencies. You never know when a kindly old lady is going to invite you in for glass of ice tea.

A water filter is nice for wilderness camping as well.  In the pristine streams of remote areas and National Parks we use our ceramic filter for the surface water.  A lightweight camping water filter makes any trekking or backpack adventure more flexible and healthy.  In the developing countries river and lake water is usually so contaminated we avoid it.  In these places it is best to filter tap water.

There are several types of water filters but I have only owned the ceramic type.  I like a ceramic filter because it can filter enough water to remain functional for over a year without the necessity of replacing expensive and hard to find parts.  Our current water filter can clean literally thousands of liters of water with only minor field servicing and cleaning.

Things that we look for when buying a Water Filter

- Long lasting.    Make sure the pump and filter treats a lot of water before the filter needs to be replaced.  Replacement parts are most likely not available in developing countries.  Because we are long term travelers we look for the top number of liters / gallons than can be filtered.  Our ceramic filter claims to clean 2000 gallons / 8000 liters before a new ceramic cartridge needs to be purchased.

- Pumps quickly - Two people need a lot of water on a daily basis.  A water filter is no good if it can not keep up with our demand.  Most water filters sold will state how much water per minute they can filter.  These numbers tend to be optimistic but do hint at some useful information.

- Field serviceable.  We must always be prepared for things to break during our travels.  A water filter has many moving parts which creates numerous opportunities for failure and breakdowns.  No matter what goes wrong with the pump and filter it must be able to be repaired while camping or traveling in remote areas. 

Accessories that we like

- Field Repair Kit.  If the water filter does not already come with a repair kit then one has to be bought separately.  The repair kit must include tools and parts for cleaning the filter, replacing seals, repairing the hose, lubricating the pump mechanism and anything else that can break.

- Detailed instructions.  Closely examine the instruction book before deciding to buy a water purifier.  Most of them are made in non English speaking countries and often the instructions are translated poorly.  I check to see if the information is clear, easy to read, and covers all aspects of the pump and filter.

- Comes with nice case.  The place where we carry and store our water purifier is just as important as the machine itself.  If it does not come with a sturdy usable case even the best designed product will fail or break.


Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose for international travel and more than two people camping..

Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose
Click to purchase.
Katadyn Pocket Filter with Output Hose

 Perfect small groups of two or more people.  We have used this water filter year after year on our around the world bike tour.  We have never become sick and save money by not buying bottled water.


This robust water filter made of heavy-duty materials is ideal for long-lasting continuous use--even under extreme circumstances. Re-designed with a comfortable pump handle grip and outlet tube for increased ease of use. Durably constructed for a lifetime of use. Removes particles, bacteria, cysts and parasites larger than 0.2 microns, including protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidia. Comes with a brush to clean the pores of field-cleanable ceramic filter. Ceramic filter is silver-impregnated to inhibit bacterial growth inside its pores. Quick-connect adapter sends the filtered water directly into your REI hydration pack or Nalgene® reservoir (both sold separately). Case and cleaning tool included.


Katadyn Mini Filter for solo, ultra light, and light weight traveling and camping.

Katadyn Mini Filter
Click to purchase.
Katadyn Mini Filter

 A best buy for solo and ultra light travel and camping in remote places.  I used this water filter (way) back when I was single.  It was the best because it fit in the palm of my hand but pumps to slowly for the two of us.


Its small size fits in a coat pocket or waist pack, making the Mini ideal for travel, business trips and day hiking and solo backpacking. Ceramic microstrainer removes bacteria and protozoans, including giardia and cryptosporidia. Silver impregnation inhibits bacterial growth inside filter pores. Comes with 30" intake hose, cleaning brush and case. Use iodine or chlorine where viruses are suspected.

 

Equipment Pages Index

Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advise About Advise
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers

START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
Bicycle Touring Frames 
The Steel Repair Myth.
Steel and Aluminum Derailleur Hanger Repair.
Bicycle Touring Wheels
Phil Wood: The Best Bicycle Hubs

Panniers / Bike Bags
Cargo Trailers Vs Panniers
Tires for Bike Tours..
Bicycle Touring Saddles.
Cindie's Women's Specific Bike Touring Saddles
Brooks Leather Touring Bicycle Saddle Care and Conditioning
Bike Computer
Touring Handlebars, Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, and Padded Grips.
Sealed Cartridge Headsets

Camping
Buying Camping Equipment
Tent and Ground Cloth
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Camp Stove
Pots and Pans
Water Filter

Clothing
Bike Touring Shorts

Health and First Aide

Electrical
Short-wave Radio
Computer
Internet
mp3

Books
Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping

 


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our book  The Road That Has No End

Printed Soft Cover

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Phone 1-800-247-6553


Audio Book
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eBook
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Heavy Duty Travel Tested
Sealed Cartridge Hubs.

Take a look at the strongest hubs built specifically for touring


How to Buy a Used or New Custom Touring Bicycle and existing Bike Upgrade Guide.

What years on the road have taught us.


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