Not quite, i melt the snow, filter through the milbank and boil up for a brew. It doesnt get filtered twice.
It would be the same with a sawyer. Melt snow, filter then boil for a brew.
My milbank has a gallon capacity so it comes through rapidly due to the higher head pressure and before it can freeze
In terms of time its far quicker than my sawyer and is not subject to cold damage.
I also find if you use a bladder system sub zero the pipes freeze instantly and you are finished.
Thanks for the clarification.
On the bladder hose there are a couple of solutions.
1/ Blow the water back down the hose after you've taken your sip, there are still a few drops left that freeze but they don't affect the use of the system
2/ Pipe lagging, cheap and effective.
If the hose does freeze then i find if i shove the bite valve and hose down behind my neck between the rucksack and my back it doesn't take long for my body temp to thaw it out.
The Millbank bag is a simple, basic, lightweight, cheap, durable & effective particulate filter.
No more, no less.
Deriding it for its inability to do that which it is not intended to do is nonsense.
My initial point was that as it doesn't filter the water to point of guaranteeing it safe, it's pointless compared to modern filtering solutions.
As it's heavy, slow and only filters out lager detritus, a old sock is just as effective at filtering out large detritus and is also a fair but quicker.
I can understand that some folks who are stuck in their ways liking them, or in your case am i right in saying you sell them?
I don't understand why my opinion has come under such fire though.
Does it guarantee the water is safe to drink = No
So all it's really being used for is a water scoop, it's not even a good water storage solution as you can't reduce or stop it's flow/leaking.
I posted the kit I no longer use and the reasons why, It's all just a matter of preference and opinion. if the inflatable mat and honey stove were the only items i had to choose from then that's what i'd use. there must be plenty of members who've had to make do and mend or borrow gear over the years. The way I look at it is if our ancestors managed with animal skins and stone tools then i can manage with the stuff I have.
I can understand folks having a preference for older things, i've got garages full of old motorbikes and cars so i understand the draw.
It's great riding or driving these old cars, no ABS, traction control, no nannying electronics, a proper steering rack with a proper throttle cable giving a direct connection to the carburettors.
I love me old cars and bikes, i've owned some for nearly 30 years and still use them.
I'm also glad that most cars on the road these days have airbags, crumple zones, ABS, traction control etc etc as if i ever have the choice of a car i crash in it'll be a modern one.
To me that's just plain common sense and being honest with myself.
If someone tells me a modern car is faster, more comfortable, more efficient and safer i'll nod my head and agree 100%
I'd argue my old kit is more fun to drive but that's really my choice.
As i've said previously if folks turn around and say "i agree modern filters are safer, lighter, quicker and easier to use BUT i still love my Millbank bags" i'd say good on em.
It's all this silly nonsense of trying to defend them against modern water filters that's causing the problem.
They prefer it, ok
I can't see how anyone in their right mind could argue it's not a system that's had it's day though.
Ha Ha just, thought maybe the bladder was used as a pillow.
