Water Filters, hydration bag, & water storage

[borrowed time]

for the longest time i had a PUR Hike filter, and that took care of my needs. However, as the years went buy, i felt that just having a pleated "paper" filter with a short lifespan wasnt enough. so, gave this one to my Boyscout son w/ extra filter and bought another.

I recently bought a Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Mini-works EX. This one caught my eye because it has a ceramic filter that can be scrubbed when the surface gets clogged with gunk. i also bought an attachable MSR pre-filter that filters out any silt or smaller particlesthat get by the sponge in the hose tip that goes into the water source. I'm hoping it has a very long life, as im planning on stocking at least one extra filter cartridge and two extra pre-filters.

to complete my outdoor water package, i picked up a 2L Camelback water bag for my backpack. along with that i got the Exchange-a-tip attachment that allowas me to detatch the bite valve and put on a tip that fits the filter.

so, anybody have the Mini-works-EX? experiances with it? any other filter info, stories, etc? thanks!

oh, almost forgot, i use Platypus water bags for extra water storage at camp, hot water bottles, and, you can force the air out of the bags for zero sloshing while hiking!

- Eric

 

[ROCK6]

I've don't a lot of backpacking and camping in WA and GA...usually plenty of water in the areas I hike, but in Texas, you really have to stock up and carry more. I have a couple Katadyn's which are great and recently picked up a couple filters on sale for my older Sweetwater (now under MSR). I much prefer the cleanable filters and a good pre-filter is a must. I purchase the cheaper Katadyn Vario for my wife and we used it a couple weeks ago on a hike. WOW, the ouput was incredible and both my kids could easily handle it. Water filters are a great investment, but don't forget a backup method if your filter breaks or has issues. I still carry a bottle of Polar Pure for back up and my daughter has Katadyn's Micropur tabs as her back up in her pack (she has a thyroid condtion).

ROCK6

 

[storl]

You should have no problems with the Miniworks. That has been one of the best selling and best reviewed filters for a long while. I have a Sweetwater and have had zero problems with it. Both are easy to clean in the field and are even easier to maintain with a prefilter. The Miniworks is a little larger and heaver, but is more burly than the Sweetwater. The filter will last you for years if you take care of it.

I use a 3L Camelbak instead of a 2L since some of the places I go to have sporadic water sources. I can easily go through 3L on a day hike, so I like to be sure I have enough water for the trip.

I also use one of those 4L platypus water bags for water at work every day since the tap water around here isn't the best tasting in the world.