MSR Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

Yep; I'm guessing that's why the aquatabs say they don't do crypto. At first, I was thinking they were just another chlorine dioxide tab and that they decided to only give the shorter time.

My understanding is that Aquatabs won't kill Crypto no matter how long you wait.

wow that's one tough germ.

MSR aqua tabs don't kill Crypto, any idea where these nasty tough germs are found? only place I remember reading that Crypto was present was Olympic national park in Washington, but I didn't know I had to wait 4 hrs to kill them, I waited 30 mins and drank the water ;-)

Mamamia,
The CDC has some info on it. Basically, it is found anywhere there is a possiblity of fecal contamination. Some people are asymptomatic. Any water in the USofA may have the bug. Chlorine does not generally kill it, it is highly resistant. At 60F, it takes about 4 hours to kill it using AquaMira. For long term use this can have it's own consequences, though, as do other chemical treatments. Any stream that has human contact, bathing, rinsing out underwear, swimming, etc is a potential infectious source. It is not deadly, just rather anoying. One of those things you would be better off avoiding.

"but I didn't know I had to wait 4 hrs to kill them, I waited 30 mins and drank the water"

which could take us back to "do you really need to treat water at all" : )

Gary D, Thanks for that clarification. MSR's site was not helpful regarding active ingredients or strength.

I have used Katadyn's Micropur tablets for years and had excellent results. I use them mainly in my hydration bladder at one tablet per liter of clear water. I fill the bladder in the evening and the tablets have all night to work. Micropur IS good against cryptosporidium.

**STERIPEN ADVENTURER -> For fast purification of my belt carried bike bottle (where I keep my electrolyte drink) I use the Steripen. For UL backpacking the Steripen stays at home.