I’ve been trying various methods for water purification and filtration over the years of recreational backpacking, camping and a few deployments between Afghanistan and South America. I have about a dozen pumps (Katadyn Pocket, Katadyn Hiker, Katadyn Vario, Katadyn Mini, MSR Sweetwater, First Need, etc.) and the newer gravity systems such as, Sawyer and Katadyn along with iodine (sublimated crystals), Micropur tablets, MSR MIOX and other chlorine-based purification treatment methods).
Filtration/purification choices are always dependent on an individual’s requirements and location; even seasonal factors play a role in the selection. For the majority of my spring through fall backpacking, I’ve evolved to a point I can say I’m pretty satisfied. I keep a slightly heavier “maximum” water kit when we have two or more with us or water sources are not too reliable and water runs can be anywhere between 100 yards to a quarter mile where we plan our camp setups.
This is my maximum water kit for backpacking. I’m sure this looks overly complicated, but I’ve found this to be the most versatile, fast and simple setup for filtering and/or purifying water. I do have a couple of silk cravats that could be used as a pre-filter for very turbid water or water with a lot of surface debris. For the most part, this covers all the water sources where we backpack. For a my bug-out-bag, I keep my Katadyn Pocket Filter and a bottle of sublimated (Polar Pure) iodine crystals; that combination will get everything but heavy metals and chemically polluted water sources.
Basic filter is the Sawyer “squeeze” filter. It can be attached to a plastic soda bottle or their squeeze pouches (I pack two 2-liter pouches). Their pouches last for several uses; I have an old version that is still functioning even after a seam leak which was patched with duct tape. These are “gray” water pouches and can be used to transport water if needed.
The filter can also be used to connect directly into my Osprey filter with a few additional quick-connect adapters. This is handy when you want to just fill up the bladder without having to remove it from your pack, making it pretty quick for fast refill. The cut-in-half Gatorade bottle is just used as a scoop for very small water sources that can be a hassle to transfer into the small-opening bags.
With the gravity filter connections, you can also set the filter up for gravity filtering; very handy when you set up a base camp. Although I’m packing the heavier Sawyer gravity bags, the regular “squeeze” pouches have holes in the bottom (outside the sealed seam) that can be fully punched out and rigged up to hang vertically and serve as the source for filtering via gravity.
The large syringe is for “back-flushing” the filter. A quick shot of clean water and your filter will be working like new. The only caution to the Sawyer is to avoid freezing temperatures. I’ve been in freezing temperatures, and you do have to take some precautions. Make sure you shake out as much water as possible and keep it in a Ziploc or other pouch (even insulated would be a good idea) and place in the bottom of your sleeping bag or close to your back in your pack. Honestly, for freezing temperatures, I would opt for my Katadyn filter, but the same threats are a concern; it’s just less susceptible to damage from freezing than the Sawyer filters.
My Osprey bladder is the 3-liter variety. It’s not the lightest (12.4 ounces), but I like some of the features. It has a quick connect added in for filling with the Sawyer while in the pack.
I also have another Platypus 2-liter folding water container for holding additional potable water in camp. And I like having the durability of a single wall, metal (this is titanium) water bottle. If all else fails, you can always boil water in a pinch...
Sea-to-Summit makes an awesome “folding” bucket. It is self supporting when filled and sitting on level ground, but level ground is the key to avoid spilling the several liters you carried from a water source a couple hundred meters uphill! It will hold up to 10 liters and is a great way to transport a lot of water for short distances. It also allows you to transport water and let sit to clear the top of turbid water before filtering.
Lastly, I always have back up. I’ve been using Aqua Mira’s chlorine-solution mix purification. It’s useful when your water source is really questionable or for purifying a larger quantity of pretty clear water when you have the time to wait such as in camp when you have other tasks to complete.
With the “heavy” setup, I can pack about 5 liters of potable water and if needed, I could hump an additional 6 liters of gray-water in the pack and hand-carry another 6-8 liters in the folding bucket. That’s all situational-dependent, but I’ve done enough backpacking to know that water sources are not always immediately available and it’s prudent insurance to have the capacity when needed to do a water run that could be as much as a mile from your campsite.
Total weight for my heavy set up is about two and half pounds:
If you have more water sources available and you don’t have to pack as much water, I can drop to under a pound (14.2 ounces) and maintain a 650mil (my water bottle capacity) of potable water and another four liters on tap for filtering as needed.
My system isn’t perfect, but it’s about as close as I can get for weight given my own needs and backpacking activities. I still like the Katadyn pump filters, but the Sawyer has proven reliable, robust and much faster at filtering. Field cleaning is much easier as well. I would have to go back and add it up, but the whole system minus the water bladder would be well under $100; the filter is for a lifetime (if maintained) and the Aqua Mira is relatively inexpensive (compared to tablets), good for about 60 gallons and a decent shelf life (uses the two-part mixture for activation of the chlorine-dioxide).
ROCK6
