Wanted: Good water filter for PSK/day hikes

Stainz · Jan 15, 2009

I've looked at various types - hand pumpers into your own container with a stream suction hose to bottle-type. Suggestions?

My old way of pouring cups of water through a disposable Mr. Coffee type paper filter into a pan - then boiling it - has to have a better and newer alternative. Thanks!

Stainz

PS This has to fit in a pack - or large vest pockets.

kdstrick · Jan 15, 2009

I've been looking at them lately as well. The one that has peaked my interest and has excellent reviews is the MSR sweetwater purification system. It kills everything... including virus'. Here is a link to REI. You can find better prices on the web, but REI has some good feedback on the filter that you may find helpful.

J. Doyle · Jan 15, 2009

I've been using one of these for years now. Never been sick. This never wears out, has no filter to replace, removes just about everything including parasites and chemicals. Also, approved by the FDA and EPA.

http://campingsurvival.com/sustcowapusy.html

KuRUpTD · Jan 15, 2009

The Aquamira water filter straw will fit in your pack or pocket

http://www.survivalstore.com/r5s12lcb2.html

texastonydobbs · Jan 15, 2009

I use the prefilter on my nalgene bottle & M1 tablets
http://www.basegear.com/steripen-pre-filter.html

Stainz · Jan 15, 2009

I was hoping someone would chime in about the Katadyn Hiker or Hiker Pro, the current, I suppose, evolution of the PUR. The straw types would be great backup/minimalist equipment - the 'Survival Straw' at 5,000 gallons/$25 vs the other one - 20 gallons/$15.

Any use-life experiences with the Hiker or Hiker Pro? Bass Pro Sops and Academy Sports/Outdoors carries the basic Hiker. Thanks!

Stainz

ROCK6 · Jan 15, 2009

I picked up a couple of the Aquamira Frontier Pro filters...I plan to try one out. It looks pretty good for a small kit/pocket.

http://aquamira.com/military/frontier-pro-filter-system/

ROCK6

HikingMano · Jan 15, 2009

KuRUpTD said:
The Aquamira water filter straw will fit in your pack or pocket

http://www.survivalstore.com/r5s12lcb2.html

This is what I have too, in my PSK. I'm looking to try the pro filter at some point too, a friend of mine just got it :thumbup:

sptpr · Jan 15, 2009

The MSR MiniWorks can be field cleaned. And it attaches directly to a wide mouth nalgene bottle.

Quirt · Jan 15, 2009

I'm certainly no expert...we sell filters in my business and use them in the field for our Wild classes so we put them through the paces...students borrow and "try before they buy". Students can be particularly rough on "other people's gear." So the ones that seem to be sold the most, hold up to mulitple users, and have the most positive feedback are in no particular order:

MSR MiniWorks - as sptpr said can be field cleaned, attached directly to a Nalgene and does a decent volume. Very reliable system historically. A bit large but I own one and it resides in a mission specific pack.

MSR Sweet Water - good reliable system. I have one in another pack that stays full time in my car.

Katadyn Hiker Pro - very reliable and a strong following.

Steripen has its following and not bad for a battery operated piece of technology - it serves a niche. I own one and it resides full time in my suitcase when I travel to other municipalities or communities. I know two microbologists and after visiting with them I no longer trust anyone's water system!

I haven't used or stocked the Platypus or MSR AutoFlow but will be giving it a good test here real soon once they come in.

Check out REI for reviews...also Cabelas has a great "review" section from users.