In preparation for a last minute decision to get out there and go, i decided to be prepared and buy in what I may require. That way whenever it turns out to be and which ever route I settle upon, I can just go.
Ive just purchased a few of these, http://evaq8.co.uk/24-HOUR-RATION-PACK-Freeze-Dried-MRE.html

and one of these, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katadyn-8014932-...9451&sr=8-2

Meals are full of calories for energy and with the filter I can take water from just about anywhere.
It may tyurn out to be a Wholly Unsupported walk afterall.
Dave.

That filter looks handy Dave. I reckon you'll need to supplement the ration packs though - in your day job you'll get through 3000+ kcal, 2500 is more of a survival ration kit..? 14hrs slogging closer to 4-5000 kcals?
I find the idea of a self-supported (quick) crossing fascinating though - an extra dimension. Not having to hang around to get served sounds attractive in itself. (I'm mainly remembering bitter experience in Reeth here of course... that 1/2 pkt of Smash went down well at Cringley Bottom but wasn't nearly enough!)

I got held up in Reeth too. Got there too early and they hadn't started taking orders, so had to wait the half hour for that and then for the food.
Yeah, I realise I'll have to supplement the packs, it just makes things heavier though.
Ive delayed purchasing a water filter as I always thought they were slow. How wrong I was, this one is super fast. It s info says capable of two litres per minute - I was sceptical.
It has two settings one for faster filtration and one for longer cartridge life. The faster setting bypasses the ceramic filter.
However I set it on 'longer life' so that the water passes through both ceramic and charcoal filters.
Just a steady pumping action transfered 1 litre in under 20 seconds.
I wish they did these when we went to Nepal, the kit we took then consisted of a fold away plastic container to which you collected the water and added the Iodine drops and then other drops to remove the Iodine taste. A lengthy process too. Fortunately we didn't need it as bottled water was easily available.
Dave.

Have you looked at 'be well' rashions ? They do a high cal version that may be of interest

http://www.bewellexpeditionfoods.com/Extreme-Expedition-Range-800-Kcal/

Les

That filter looks pretty good and I like the way it is easily disassembled for maintenance. I found Katadyn filters to be pretty popular in the States. My only gripe with them (and others similar) is their weight, which all up when wet can be relatively well over 16oz. For one of my trips I used only a very light (no doubt not as efficient) 150gm single filter Coughlin pump and supplimented that with iodine tabs when needed. Problem with all filters is that they become clogged and less efficient with use - depending on state of water and times used of course. Nowadays, I just carry tabs for suspect water and mainly boil up some extra water for my bottle when preparing an evening dehyd meal if concerned about the drinking supply. For a rapid C2C crossing syphoning reasonably clear water supplimented by unfiltered reliable sources when possible I should think clogging wouldn't be much of a problem though.
Came across this field test of your filter by a Pamela Wyant. Could be of interest if you haven't already seen it...

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Water%20Treatment/Filters/Katadyn%20Vario%20Filter/Test%20Report%20by%20Pamela%20Wyant/

Overall very good but some problems with the ceramic filter clogging and of course that old foe, weight.
Cheers,
Geo.


.

Les,
Thanks for that. Expedition Foods is the company that supplied my pack, the company inmy link is a middle man firm.
George,
The dry weight is 8oz for the filter with tubes. There is vitually no water left in it after use, and my thinking is that it's going to be lighter than carryiing a litre of water.
Of course here in the UK, there is probably no real need for one, it's just a case of creating the self sufficiency aspect to a trip.
Dave.

These look even better.
http://www.extremeadventurefood.co.uk/
As recently posted in Sales and Wants.
Dave.

Dave,
Is it the 'Vario' you have? I see its dry weight listed as 15oz. Still, as you say, lighter than carrying a litre of water - though you could end up carrying the filter and a litre of water if your sources aren't too close.
On that tack, when at a water source at end of day or in transit, if necessary before heading off I've sometimes 'force' drank to my stomach's capacity on the theory that it's easier to carry the water inside me. Find I can get in many more miles than usual before needing a drink and so can carry much less water. (though maybe not much help if attempting a speed crossing, due to the internal liquid ballast sloshing around and upsetting your trim!)
Can understand your creating the self-sufficiency aspect of the trip. Seem to get even more satisfaction out of successful trips that have been self-contained. Be interested in your field review of the filter.
Cheers,
Geo.

George,
You are absolutely correct it wieghs 425 grms or around 15oz. I don't know where I got that 8 oz from. It doesn't feel heavy though.
That's another 1/2 Lb Ive got to lose in weight (body weight).
I read an article recently, that makes sense to me. It was referring to it being just as important to think about losing body weight before a backpacking trip as much as saving pack weight. Of course thta only applies if you are a little overweight.
I want to lose another 5 - 7 Lbs if I can, to get back to my normal 'active' weight.
Dave.

Slogger wrote

I think this apples if people are clinically obese and I have seen plenty of back packers who fit this description.I used to weigh around 150lb but these days I weigh closer to 170lb and haven't noticed that much difference when carrying a pack.The only time the extra weight becomes an issue is when I run.The extra twenty pounds takes all the spring out of my stride.