Wow that’s sad that the military didn’t educate you better. Pretty common in third world foreign countries for people to be bathing drinking fishing in those waters .... not very responsible

Zakaraia Hermes wrote on 09/30/19 at 12:42pm:

Back in the 70s, we made an Indian cry. And also back then, the military advertised traveling the world and learning a new skill. They didn't say anything about being Grizzly Adams. But even the folks who just dump without burying. It will still eventually make it in the stream. I was camping at Mills River, and there was a little girl in the stream who told her mother she needed to go potty. Her mother said to just go in the stream. I'm sure you believe your Waters are very pristine. So believe what you must. If you haven't gotten sick, then I guess it's ok. I myself will just drink from my bladder

Let me just say, I don't carry water at all when I ride locally.
Even when it's brutally hot.
I'm like a camel, I hydrate before I ride.

There is an exception or two. When the ride is in more remote areas, especially long and during the hot months.

In the old days in the mountains, hydration packs didn't exist. We carried a bottle and a few purification pills. A small filter or straw of today would be better.

I'll have to say, I kind of chuckle when I see guys riding with hydration packs on local area trails.. I've got one. It gathers dust. Can't remember ever using it.