THE ALBERNI POST

IN OUR AUGUST ISSUE
Survival Instinct: Is your water safe?
Who's New: Meet Mike, our new Nanaimo store manager!
What's Neat: Katadyn Combi Microfilter
What's Happening: Rental Fleet for Sale!
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NEWS from  the 'POST  
Dear Reader:
 
There's still time to get outdoors and embrace your wild side. Whatever the weather may bring this next season, come visit us and make sure you're prepared.
 
We have you covered, so there's no excuse to stay indoors! Bring us your outdoor questions and let us find you the answers.
 
Your friends at Alberni Outpost.
 
Survival instinct: Is Your Water Safe?
 
 
 

Water is the most basic requirement of life. It gives us the energy we need to do the things we love and is an important deterrent to sun sickness. Contaminated water however, may induce diarrhoea, nausea and exhaustion­­. Dealing with the effects of drinking contaminated water is not the way you want to spend your camping trip or travels abroad.

If you are planning on traveling or camping soon, it's important to remember the most basic essential of all: clean water. The purpose of water filtration/purification systems is to provide you with safe, clean drinking water wherever you may be. They aim at filtering or destroying harmful microorganisms. These include Protozoans, Bacteria and Viruses.

PathogensProtozoans are common in North American water and can cause a variety of sicknesses including cryptosporidia and giardia (beaver fever). Fortunately, Protozoans are large and easy to filter out.

Bacteria are also found in North American water sources. Bacteria are smaller than protozoa , but can be cleaned from your drinking water with a good filter.

Viruses are a common problem when traveling abroad. They are too small to be strained out by common filtration systems and require a purification system to be eradicated.

To choose between a filtration or purification system, you first need to know where you are going. If it's camping in North America, a filtration system is all you need. If you're traveling abroad to a country with questionable drinking water, a purification system is absolutely necessary. Types of filtration systems include:

VarioPump Filtration: This is the traditional type of water filtration system. A simple hand-pump pushes water through a filter to clean it. They take a little bit of work and are most effective for one or two people. Different pumps have different flow rates. A pump with a pre-filter will clean the water before straining out microorganisms, this increases the life of your pathogen filter.

No-Pump Filtration:  These filters may have a sip-tube or rely on gravity to move water through the filter. A gravity filter is often most effective for cleaning large quantities of water for larger groups and is a convenient base-camp option.

For water where viruses are a concern, purification systems include:

Chlorine-dioxide Tablets or Drops: These chemicals have virtually no taste and are safer than the older method of using chlorine or iodine to kill viruses.

Ultraviolet light: Sterilizes water the same way doctors sterilize medical instruments. SteriPEN is a hand-held battery operated device that quickly neutralizes all pathogens. To strain out dirt you will need to purchase a secondary filter.

Oxident purifiers: This refers to using salt tablets to create electrically-charged brine that kills viruses. The device is nice because it is small and compact and easy to travel with.

Boiling: This is a simple method for effectively killing all pathogens. The downside is the time and fuel it requires.

Carrying clean water will give you the confidence you need to stay properly hydrated through your many adventures. Have fun and stay safe.

Now go play outside.
 
Who's New: Meet Mike Moad, our new Nanaimo Store Manager! 
Mike Moad
 
If you like motorcycles, you may recognize Mike from Spunkys in Parksville. Now he brings his enthusiasm for the road to Alberni Outpost, a more perfect fit than you may realize.
 
With Alberni Outpost's wide selection of bomb-proof duffels, waterproof dry sacks and lightweight gear, Mike is more than ready to get you started on your next road trip.
 
And nothing makes a road trip better than a great destination. For over a decade, Mike has taken his vacations in Mexico, camping out on the beach and enjoying some of our favorite watersports, including, kayaking, fishing and sailboating.
 
From hiking to biking, to building the perfect campsite or selecting the right kayak, Mike and the rest of the team at Alberni Outpost are ready to answer your questions. We hope to see you soon!
 
Katadyn water filterWhat's Neat: Katadyn Combi Microfilter
 
This handheld water filter is known for its expedition-grade reliability and durability. Its filter is made of silvered ceramic. This means it's easy to clean and lasts much longer than a glass or hollowed fiber filter. It can pump about 1 liter of water a minute and it cleans up to 50,000 liters of water!
 
The Combi also contains a replaceable carbon insert to clean out chemicals and remove any bad taste in the water. One handy feature is the Combi's integrated bottle adapter. It fits perfectly onto any wide mouth water bottle. Refill your bottle and be back on the trail with minimal fuss!
 
 
What's Happening: Rental Fleet for Sale! 
 
Aug 15th marks the launch of our 2010 fleet sale!  All our rental boats are up for sale. These boats sell fast! Give us a call or visit our website to learn about the great variety of kayaks available at awesome prices. 

Kayaking season is here! For more information about our ongoing tours and lessons
visit our website at http://albernioutpost.com  
Many thanks to all our customers, we hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
 

Richard Antonchuk
Alberni Outpost
25% off Katadyn's Combi Microfilter!

shoesPrint or mention this coupon and recieve 25% off a Combi Microfilter water pump.

 
Offer Expires: August 31st 2010