Updated from 02 | 2011
In the past I’ve used a nylon stocking to pre-filter my water before treating with AquaMira. Now that I’m using a Sawyer Squeeze filter I’m still using the nylon stocking to prevent large particles from entering the Sawyer Squeeze. This eliminates the need to carry the bulky syringe included with the Sawyer for back flushing. Weekend trips aren’t the issue, on long distance hikes I don’t want to carry anymore than necessary and the lighter the better.
The nylon is ultralight less than 1-gram when cut to length, easy to find and sold in drug and grocery stores, about 60¢ for two and fast drying. The stockings are sold in little round containers about the size of a golf ball, two stockings per container and usually available in three colors I choose white, it’s easier to see the debris caught. These work well for both wide and small mouth bottles/bladders.
Cut off about 3-4 inches of the toe section, this will allow enough material to wrap over and around a wide mouth bladder.
When you’re ready to catch or dip water stretch the material over the opening of the bottle/bladder. It’s best to tuck a little of the material inside the bottle/bladder to prevent spillage. For small mouth openings you can tuck more of the filter inside the bottle/bladder or trim away some of the excess material.
Pre-filtered debris
I used the same filter for over 600 miles in 2010 without any holes appearing, so they’re very durable.
This is how the stockings are packaged.
Very cool. It would be nice if there were a way to attach an elastic closed-loop piece at the open end of the cut stocking (a la condom) to more securely attach the stocking during water transfer
JD a rubberband would work, but since I’m holding the water bag with one hand it really isn’t necessary.
I love this tip. I have always carried a coffee filter for chunky water. The nylon is reusable, cleanable, and probably dries faster. Thanks.
Can you give the brand name of the package of nylons? I haven’t been able to find the kind of product you describe. The best I have come up with is something like L’eggs or Hanes – but they are about $5 to $8 per package. I realize you may just have a generic package that is available locally – but I was just curious who makes them.
Dan I saw some in a CVS drugstore last week. It’s a generic brand, no labeling other than a bar code, they’re in small roundish plastic containers about the size of a golf ball. Every time I’ve seen them they’re on the bottom shelf loose in a bin. I’ll be by the drug store later today and will get one then post a photo so you can see what they look like.
Thanks. I checked a local CVS (Burbank, CA), and could not find them. Checked K-mart as well … anyway, I’ll be glad to see what it looks like. I don’t MIND spending $5 if necessary – but would prefer your price if possible!
Dan I posted a photo of the packaging, today I stopped at Walgreen’s drug store and found them, also noticed Legg’s knee highs packaged in a plastic bag about 4″x4″, 99¢ for one pair.
Thanks – I’ll check Walgreen’s!
I was thiking of getting a Sawyer Squeeze next time I’m in the US, and this is a great idea.
The drops are ok but if the water is to cold you have to wait 2h. Thanks for sharing this.