water filter?

N

nc527

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Mar 22, 2009
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I am going to be purchasing a new water filter soon, and would like to know if the katadyn hiker was any good? Its in my price range at $80
 
Used the Hiker when it was made by PUR, now Katadyn owns the patents. Good family filter because it works for anyone using it.
 
I have one of the older Katadyn models that has worked well and lasted admirably. In clear water areas like the Sierra I now use an Aquastar UV purifier (works like the Steri Pen, but simpler). www.uvaquastar.com.

DancesWithKnives
 
I've been using the Katadyn Pocket Filter since 1996. Katadyn makes sweet products and I've never gotten sick, so I guess it works. The Pocket Filter is more like a $300 filter, but I would imagine Katadyn extends the same level of quality to their more affordable line. I trust it would be excellent.
 
The hiker was my first pump and I can't fault it.it saved more than just my behind on a few long hikes.I carry a Vario now for the extra level of filtering and the longer life of the filter core.Great products all around.
 
20 oz. is a pretty reasonable weight for that Sawyer system, considering the container weight it would replace. I wonder how murky the water can be before you have problems? For example, when I rowed the Grand Canyon we rented an expedition size Katadyn (like a large bicycle pump). When making water for the group, it had to be cleaned a couple times per day on account of silting.

Another option for the OP (low-tech): www.sodis.ch/

DancesWithKnives
 
1Tracker said:
Used the Hiker when it was made by PUR, now Katadyn owns the patents. Good family filter because it works for anyone using it.
Click to expand...

I also have the Pur version of the Hiker. excellent filter has been on tons of backpacking trips and held up great. I can't even remember how long I've had it, maybe 15 years or so.
 
I am using the Katadyn but have been looking at the MIOX MSR filter ....any feedback on that one guys and gals?
 
I had good experiences with the PUR version. The hiker series has been a good option since its inception from wht I understand, even with the company change. Should be good to go.
 
I looked at the miox but the ultraviolet units (like the Aquastar---mentioned above---and the Steri Pen) seemed even less work. With my Aquastar, I simply fill the Nalgene size bottle, hit the activation switch, then stuff it in my water bottle holder (inverted) and start walking. Within a minute or so I have drinking water.

DancesWithKnives
 
Yes I like mine. The new cartridges have a pre filter you can use and for me that makes the filter part last about twice as long:thumbup:
 
I've used tons of different filters for international travel, while mountain guiding, in the military and out backpacking and there are different tools for different jobs. You need to decide what it will be mainly used for and then decide from there.

Do you need a filter or a purifier? Is the water you're treating going to have viruses? Then go with a purifier, but you usually just need a filter. If you find yourself in the situation where viruses might be a problem then drop a Katadyn MP-1 chlorine dioxide tablet in the treated water and you're golden. I recommend having the MP-1 tablets with you regardless, as back up. Pump and electronic filters and purifiers can and do break.

What condition is the water you'll be treating? If the water is silty then that precludes UV purifiers, unless you're willing to let the mud settle first and then skim off clean water for treatment. If you're in the Sierras and other clean water sources or using it for international travel then UV purifiers are ideal, except they do require batteries and are electronic so might be more prone to failure. I love my SteriPen Adventurer for these uses. If the water if muddy, wrap a coffee filter around your filter intake and that will help to remove some of it.

Is there a chance of heavy metal or pesticide poisoning from farms upstream, a Hurricane Katrina type situation, etc? If so then UV filters and chemicals are useless and you need to check individual filters for their ratings against these things.

I tend to shy away from ceramic filters because they shatter when dropped or frozen. I went through dozens of the MSR filters while in the military and I consider them useless for anything but car camping. YMMV, but if you're going to jump one in a ruck on a drop line or you'll be in sub-freezing temps I would avoid these.

I field tested the MSR Miox before it was commercially available and it works as advertised. It's a phenomenol piece of gear, but I don't use it because you need salt and batteries and it can only treat 2 liters at a time. I prefer the UV filters for their simplicity...they still take batteries and they can only treat 1 liter at a time, but they're hard to beat for convenience and they don't require salt. What they do require is a leap of faith, because you can't see anything working. Put the pen in the water and a little light comes on. Stir the water with it and hope for the best. So far so good.

I use chemical treatments (Katadyn MP-1 Micropur Tablets) when ultralight backpacking in places like the Sierras and the Rockies where the water is clear and usually free of heavy metals and chemicals. They're more expensive in the long run, if you're out a lot. They are convenient, light and foolproof, although I'm not convinced they're that safe for long term use. They used to say that other chemicals were safe too, but then changed their minds after extended testing.

I already have too many filters and purifiers, but I'm considering getting the MSR Hyperflow. Expensive, but the reviews are great and it's light and pumps a lot of water.

All of that said, the Hiker is the gold standard by which others are measured. It's not the best, it's not the fastest, it's not the lightest or the cheapest but it's been around forever with a great reputation, does everything more than adequately and so it is used as the yard stick. Sort of the Moras or Opinels of water filters, if you happen to be one of those strange people who likes knives! If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've had my Pur Hiker since 1993 and it's still going strong with no problems at all. I have a second Hiker in my BOB. Another bonus: the replaceable filter it uses is often the base for different gravity filtration systems too, so it lends versatility. Get it, I think you'll be happy. Pack some MP-1 tabs for back up and for viruses if you're traveling.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps.
 
kage,

Thanks for the benefit of all your experience. I too reserve the UV purifier for generally clear water applications like the Sierra or foreign tapwater. I haven't checked out the MSR Hyperflow but will have to take a look at it. I got my original Katadyn back in the 80s and have cared for it carefully enough that it's still fine---just more pumping work.

DancesWithKnives
 
DWK2,

Whenever I travel I always treat the water now that I have the UV purifier. I figure, why not? It's fast and simple to use and I carry plenty of CR123 batteries anyways (plus I have the solar charger case, which I have yet to try out).

I definitely prefer it for the Sierras as I don't have to put the effort of pumping and it's lightweight. I typically use a Camelbak so I use a cut down Platypus that I marked at 1 liter. The weight is unnoticeable and the larger opening of the cut down Platypus makes stirring the water easier (these also make great ultralight bowls, too!).
 
I recently got the MSR Miniworks EX. I love it so far and am kind of surprised not see any comments on it. Am I in for a rude awakening?

I also back it up with the Aquastar just out of paranoia due having come down with something once and not being willing to sacrifice my vacation time like that ever again!
 
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