HYDRATE or DIE is the truth...
...however for most adventure riders and outdoorsmen alike the matter is a little more complex.. For example I don't drink water just to stay alive. I do it to stay hydrated for the value it brings to the experience. In motorcycle camping or dual sport riding or just camping and hiking in general a hydrated body, is stronger, processes toxins faster, keeps our spinal discs expanded, and our skin more resilient to the elements. These simple bonuses plus factors like our fingers being less likely to crack from the work of it all-- and that hydrated we are less distracted--- serve to prove that it's just a smart move on every level to keep some water in the ol' belly. Suffer me a little rundown of my setup here and then I have something to show you that I'd like to know your thoughts on. Hit me up on Facebook or via email if you have a weigh in on the matter. Thanks.Â
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For Hydration I've always carried...
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..a Katadyn standard Walter filtration system, a 2L hydration pack  and 3 standard Nalgene bottles for my personal consumption and other uses such as brushing my teeth and of course camp cooking. As for how I use this set up… if I'm going into camp where there will be no water, everything is full and I am thereby reasonably assured I'll be alright for a time. If I'm going where I am certain there is fresh water available I'll bring my full Camelback in and then fill my Nalgene bottles from that source with the Katadyn water filter. It's a great reliable, time tested, light, relatively, long lasting gem of a gear item for motorcycle camping and any other sort of adventure camping for that matter. I can attest to it's value in the matter of lifespan and convenience with zero doubt.
As most of us are versed in the matter...
...I won't go into it but if you are new be sure you have a backup plan, strategy or skillset at the ready should your regular systems fail. For example, river water can be boiled in a plastic water bottle. I've done it many times--Mostly just to see if I could. I guess what I'm saying is have a plan just in case. Backup options like a Lifestraw or even nasty tasting ol' iodine tablet water I'd imagine would taste like your favorite Gatorade in just the right pinch. Â And if you are really ambitious and camp a lot around a water source products like this gravity bag from Lifestraw are a must to look into.Â
About plans and hydration strategies on the trail...
...I'm thinking of making THIS oddity below  part of mine. When I stumbled across this little bizarre chunk of technology I didn't know what to think. I know of the technology but am not familiar with it nor do I have any experience with it whatsoever. So, while I am trying to depart experience and skill to be of value to you as is the goal of this whole blog... in this case I'm at a loss and am more than anything just wondering if others have any experience with the technology. I find it fascinating and foolish all at once but I fear that could be just my ignorance on the topic. lol. I only say foolish because it seems like something that could / would easily fail. BUT, according to the manufacturer it is in fact very reliable.  .
By destroying the molecular structure...
...of the microbial cells DNA it can purify water to 99.99 % sterilized. The unit itself, at under 5 ounces it's still making a lot of sense to me over my Katadyn. Add in that they claim a  2.5 hour charge time for 210 minutes of continuous operation and this lil fella could be a serious game changer to have along on an adventure ride. My Katadyn is light and trust worthy but it's also a lot of work and is a hassle to keep clean and ready for the next use. This lil' fella takes 90 seconds to purify a liter of water and  those charge claims say it should last a good while ( 140 liters is the math of it ). Â
The product was conceived, designed and is manufactured in the USA...
...Washington to be exact in Bellavu. The company Membrane Solutions offers a great deal of information on the product and while I do have my doubts... as an old school motorcycle camper, canyoneering, hiker, mountain biker, climber and general outdoorsman otherwise.... I am intrigued. Â I adore my gear however and am prone to getting attached to what works. It's hard for me to change in some areas and while I do bite those bullets often, I struggle with it.
In this case I struggle with a magic wand that says I won't be sitting out in the woods for days losing weight in an explosively unpleasant foul smelling manner. HOWEVER… read up yourself. Let me know what you think. The technology is 100% proven. My trepidation is mostly unfounded skepticism. Given all the spec and study I suspect that this will be the way of the future. Next of course is flying motorcycles... but we will twist that throttle when we get to it.
The link I have for it below is a 15% off promo code valid until July 31st....
...which is how I stumbled across it to begin with when collecting gear deal codes for our group. I'm all ears if you have a weigh on it and be sure to let us know if you pick one up. ,
MEMBRANE SOLUTIONS WATER PURIFIER...
99.99% EFFICIENT - Ultr-vi-let lamp destroys over 99.99% of bacteria, fast safe Doesn't alter the water taste or pH.
Ships from the USA
Purifies a half-liter of water in 48 seconds or 1 liter in 90 seconds.
4.83 oz
2.5 hours to full charge for 210 minutes
Tapered end fits most commercial water bottles, canteens, or drinking glasses
Purify up to 50,000 L (13208 Gallons) water.
If you are picking one up before 11:59PM July 31, 2020. A 15% discount will be noted and applied upon checkout ( before finalizing purchase ). Hit us up if there are any issues.
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Billy J is co-founder of Story Moto ADV, a dual sport / adventure riding brand with strategic initiatives serving the health of the adventure touring community in order to develop a unified voice for speaking resolution into motorcycle land closures in the U.S. due to overcrowding and other public land use conflicts. He has been a rider for 45 years, an extreme adventurer for 31, and an avid dual sport adventure rider for 20. His first time living on a motorcycle for more than a year was in 1988 and most recently for 16 months living and riding full time with his wife Bonnie J and their kids on a tour that wrapped up in the summer of 2019. The are plugging away at the Story Moto ADV compound for another round set to commence in the Summer of 2020.
CONTACT BILLY J: STORYMOTOADV@GMAIL.COM
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