Water Filter Recommendation

Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
78
I am considering a Katydyn Pocket filter to use for hiking and possible camping in south florida. Does anybody have any feed back on this and/or other recommendations? I want a compact, high quality filter that I can carry as part of my gear in a day pack. Thanks y'all!

Thunderhorse













wW
 
I have had good luck with steripen where ever I've gone. This after getting giardia in N. Utah hunting.
 
For overall combination of performance (effectiveness), field serviceability, and reasonable cost, the MSR Mini-works is probably the best out there. I also have a Katadyn Hiker and it is faster pumping than the mini-works.

Steripen is a decent choice for clear water with no sediment or tannins. But I prefer a mechanical filter to an electronic device.

The Sawyer Squeeze is getting rave reviews these days, but I haven't tried one. Since I spend all my dirt time in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon high country, filtering is not necessary and I haven't used one for some time now.
 
Yeah, I spent 3 years up there also. Including the entire Sierra National Forest. There are many good filters out there but I got along just fine with the steripen and a several water containers, which I refill with H2O. Even did the Paiute Pass with just the pen. I started using it when I lost the cap to the Katydin guide. Now, I have just completed a year in S. Utah with just a steripen. You are right, can't use it in crappy water where filters do well. I have always found springs, lakes, pools, etc to get my water.
 
I purchased a Katadyn Pocket years ago and it is very high quality. It's also very expensive.

Last year I purchased a swayer Squeeze and its superior in every way, its also about one sixth the cost.
 
I just recently bought a Sawyer Squeeze, and I think it'd be perfect for day hikes. Light, compact, proven filter technology, simple use, and low cost.

What's not to like?
 
Thanks Thrifty Joe. I was thinking backback / hike. I have a PUR hiker. But leave it at home most of the time then wish I had it.
I checked out the Sawyer. So if you have two bags you can just squeeze the water from one bag to the next then it later?
 
Last edited:
Wow thanks for all the feedback. There is a sediment issue in florida water so I think the steri pen wouldn't be my first choice. My first need is for a compact filter for day hikes and maybe an overnight. I also have some iodine crystals for backup. Too bad those aren't available anymore. Florida drains one of water quickly so I need to be able to produce a reasonable amount of water in a short time..
 
I love my msr mini works filter it is a bit big and a little heavier then some, but it is awesome never gotten sick and water tastes great compared to a pen or other filters. I have used it to filter some water that wou
D appear undrinkable. And it tasted like bottled water.
 
IMO Katydyn Pocket filter is the best, built like a tank, will serve a lifetime.
 
Back
Top