Water filters

[jaymeister99]

I've used the Katdyn Hiker for a long time. But pumping for so long gets on my nerves! I've heard good things about the Plataypus gravity filter. Holds plenty of water, works about the same speed as the Hiker, but you don't have to pump it.

 

[readyme]

I have one of these MSR AutoFlow gravity filters on order:
http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/basecamp-water-treatment-and-hydration/autoflow-gravity-filter/product

It looks big, but the bag folds flat and the hose/filter is also pretty small. The best part is the gravity filter...just fill the bag and sit back and relax.
Platypus has a version that uses a dirty bag and a clean bag, but utilizes the exact same filter.

 

[Nickelsig229]

Me too.
I wanted the Hiker Pro. Tried both of them at a store last night, had a long talk with the manager (who I have a mutual friend with) about the pros and cons of both systems. He did tell me that Sawyer has addressed the complaints about the durability of the pouches. He also told me that if I brought it in next week or next year, he would replace it, refund my money, or exchange it for something else. I figure I cannot lose. His employees have been testing them out on the trail and they love them. If it turns out to be a dud, I will go with the Hiker Pro.

Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. I will grab one for myself when I finish all of my Christmas shopping for everyone else.

Don't forget to get some water treatment tabs as well. They are cheap and easy to pack away. It's a no brainer insurance plan.

 

[grogimus]

Any comparisons between how the Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn Hiker Pro, or Platypus GravityWorks components do in freezing weather? I ass-u-me all of them would need the filter component worn close to the body to remain functional, more interested in how the other pieces survive.

Also, being in farm country with all the chemicals being sprayed (RoundUp! nom nom) and presumably contaminating any surface water will filtration at the .1-.2 micron level remove these?

Thanks.

First post!

 

[Cougar Allen]

Also, being in farm country with all the chemicals being sprayed (RoundUp! nom nom) and presumably contaminating any surface water will filtration at the .1-.2 micron level remove these?

No. It won't have any effect at all on dissolved chemicals. Activated carbon reduces dissolved chemicals, but the only way you can eliminate them is fractional distillation.

 

[bacpacker]

I have an older Pur purifier that is great, except its large and heavy. Next came a SteriPen, not bad and works well, but I hate having to depend on batteries. I just got a sawyer squeeze model a couple months back and have only used it once so far. But it's light and seems to work well. Big plus to it, it is supposed to last for 1,000,000 gallons. It's used in some off the biggest hellholes in the world and has worked in those areas for a while.

 

[CellerDrummer]

I have a Hiker Pro..After tons of research and not wanting to spend a fortune but still own a quality filter that was my choice...Its in the bob as a back up..CD

 

[eomeo]

I have a Hiker Pro which I've used for a few years. No problems, it is just a bit bulky/heavy. I picked up some Iodine tablets which I may switch to in the future. I've also contemplated adding a couple drops of bleach, but that doesn't appeal too much.

 

[bacpacker]

I have a Hiker Pro which I've used for a few years. No problems, it is just a bit bulky/heavy. I picked up some Iodine tablets which I may switch to in the future. I've also contemplated adding a couple drops of bleach, but that doesn't appeal too much.

I'm sure you know this, but thought I would mention anyway. Be sure to use unscented bleach for this use, always. IMO Bleach taste no worse than the iodine tablets. I would be concerned about using either for a longer period (more than 2-3 days). I do keep tablets in my car bag should I ever need to get water while on the road.

 

[grogimus]

No. It won't have any effect at all on dissolved chemicals. Activated carbon reduces dissolved chemicals, but the only way you can eliminate them is fractional distillation.

Thanks for the info. The county extension office didn't have much info on tests of local surface water. Something I'll have to look into some more. Hauling enough water for two people for a couple days in the woods isn't horrible, but it's not necessarily fun either.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have been more than pleased with my Katadyn Hiker Pro.

 

[hstdist]

another vote for the MSR

MSR Miniworks Ex.

I havent tried other filters, but this one has worked fine for me. It might be considered bulky, but its user-servicable and reliable.

 

[TwinStick]

I would not want just a filter. I would want a purifier. Many filters just remove bacteria. A chlorine solution also kills virus's. Just thought i would throw that out there for those that did not know. For home filtration or mobile filtration, Big Berky water filters are hard to beat. They remove bacteria and virus's with just a filter, (the black filter removes the chlorine after use). All you taste is pure water. Yes, they are expensive, but you get what you pay for. I am trying to save up for one now.