Let's talk water purification

E

Expatriated

Joined
Jan 19, 2004
Messages
551
For years, I've been using THIS in conjunction with my Nalgene bottle.

However, I'm wondering if these new bottles by katadyn, sawyer, seychelle, etc that have the filter built-in the bottle along with a straw wouldn't be a more efficient system? I'm obsessed with weight and space and it seems like this would help in both of these areas.

I've read that the flow through the straw can sometimes be tough (slow). I guess I can put up with that.

Sometimes, though, I've had to pump water out of just a small puddle or trickle of water that was pooling in a small crevice. I was able to pump it since the pre-filter float was able to fit in there. I don't think I'd been able to dip the water bottle into those little spaces.

What do you guys think? Anyone ever used the built-in bottle filters?

I'd also be open to hearing experiences with the steri-pen but I know virtually nothing about those.

Thanks!
 
I use a katadyn Hiker and have been using it for years.. I think they are more reliable than the straw system in the bottle as like you said u may run into a situation where u have to draw from a puddle or a small well.. Im also on the fence about the new steri-pens as I havn't heard much about them...

I think the final decision just depends on where you are going and if you know the terrain and flora and fauna...
 
I've been wanting a hiker pro or msr miniworks for awhile. Have any of you had peons with your hiker handles?
 
I am using a MSR MIOX and it works great for be. I use coffe filters to filter particules from the water.
 
Well if you are really into saving weight, most lightweight and ultralight backpackers use aquarmira tablets or the liquid dropper version. I have never tried either but tons of people do use them. I think that this year I am going to start though. The taste isnt bad from what I understand, the only drawback is that you have to wait about 30 mins before you can drink so the chemical can do its job. I currently use the katadyn hiker pro, and it works nicely but I am sick of carrying so much weight around.
 
jlamb said:
Well if you are really into saving weight, most lightweight and ultralight backpackers use aquarmira tablets or the liquid dropper version. I have never tried either but tons of people do use them. I think that this year I am going to start though. The taste isnt bad from what I understand, the only drawback is that you have to wait about 30 mins before you can drink so the chemical can do its job. I currently use the katadyn hiker pro, and it works nicely but I am sick of carrying so much weight around.
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I've thought about the drops. I've seen plenty of people carry them on the AT but I don't like the wait before you can drink. I may end up going with these in the long run, though. I need something smaller and lighter than the hiker pro. A week of solid hiking can make anything feel heavy so I'm obsessed with weight.
 
Expatriated said:
I've thought about the drops. I've seen plenty of people carry them on the AT but I don't like the wait before you can drink. I may end up going with these in the long run, though. I need something smaller and lighter than the hiker pro. A week of solid hiking can make anything feel heavy so I'm obsessed with weight.
Click to expand...

A week of solid hiking can really suck when sucking the straw :)
I use an msr miniworks and use drops first, then the miniworks. Kills it all..
The wait for it can be combined/planned with a stop, or the chemicals can do work in a seperate bottle while you are on the move. When you need a drink and can't wait for it there's obviously some rethinking necessary on your water obtaining method :thumbup:
 
Is there any type of strange taste with the drops? I seem to remember there were some drops that destroyed the bad stuff and then some other drops to make the water taste better--maybe I'm remembering wrong. Do you need 2 sets of chemicals?

I really just need to get some of that powdered water, but then, like Stephen Wright says, "What do you add?"
 
I have a nice little MSR pump filter but I don't think I'll be carrying it as much anymore to save weight. Last time I went out I relied on coffee filters, drops/tablets, and boiling. No contraption to carry around.
 
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