Water Filters

[Sanjuro82]

In the past I have always used tablets to purify my water.  But lately I've been thinking of making the leap up to get a portable Water Filter, and then use my tablets as backups. 

I have about $40 in REI dividend that I need to spend as well as a 20% off one item code, so that's where I'll been shopping.  I've pretty much narrowed my choice down to either the MSR MiniWorks EX Filter or the Katadyn Hiker PRO.  Does anyone here have any experiences with either of those two?  Which would you recommend?

What about cleaning and also buying replacement filters and parts.  Does one have an advantage over the other?

Thanks!

[badknees]

I have a Katadyn Hiker PRO so I can only speak for that one.

It pumps pretty easy, not too heavy, filter cartridges cand be rinsed, but not really cleaned. They cartridges are about 55-60% of the cost of the whole thing.

Overall I'm pleased with it but really don't have any experience with an alternative.

[01ACRViper]

i got the new katadyn vario. i really like it, but it doesn't get the life that it advertises, even on long life mode. though it does work really well, really quickly. and it's nice to screw the bottle into the pump so you don't ahve to worry about holding it.

[trtlrock]

Forget the filters!  Get this stuff instead:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/aquamira_mcnett.html

we've been using this for 8+ years now.  Field-tested in grungy tinajas on Mesa Anguila.  Saves lots of pack weight & bulk.  Much quicker than pumping...

You won't be sorry!

[presidio]

Forget the filters!  Get this stuff instead:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/aquamira_mcnett.html

we've been using this for 8+ years now.  Field-tested in grungy tinajas on Mesa Anguila.  Saves lots of pack weight & bulk.  Much quicker than pumping...

You won't be sorry!

True, but there's something to be said for pumps which get the caca and basura out of your water better than filtering it through a bandanna. Sterilized dirt and other tidbits are still tidbits.

Additional issues with the chemical is that you must wait some period of time for it to be totally effective and, with this one you have to mix a binary solution. A pump will produce instantly usable water at a known level of treatment that does not rely on mixing chemicals.

I could not find any dosage info on their website, but they say the 1 oz (total 3 oz of weight, more on that in a minute) package will treat 15 to 30 gallons of water for $11.04 (member price). You have to repackage if you want less weight.

They also offer a pro filter that, gasp! is 33% lighter, at not quite 2 oz, than the chemical bottles and it goes for $17.95. This item also did not show how long the filter lasts or how many gallons it will process, so there are unknowns about both methods. For an extra $7, I'll take the lighter and less complicated filter.

A final issue is the chemical has a temperature range of 32 to 100 degrees. Now, while you also won't be pumping much water at 32 degrees, it is entirely possible to exceed the upper limit of the chemical in the desert, in the summer. Filters don't have that limitation.

[badknees]

True, but there's something to be said for pumps which get the caca and basura out of your water better than filtering it through a bandanna. Sterilized dirt and other tidbits are still tidbits.

I agree. I like my water less "chunky"

[Sanjuro82]

True, but there's something to be said for pumps which get the caca and basura out of your water better than filtering it through a bandanna. Sterilized dirt and other tidbits are still tidbits.

I agree. I like my water less "chunky"

That's the reason I want to get a filter.  I've never been a fan of the extra tidbits that my bandanna or coffee filter couldn't filter out.  Right now I'm leaning more towards the MSR.  But I'm still open to suggestions.  I will be buy on Friday.

[trtlrock]

ahhh...wussies!   

dual bandanas takes care of any chunky stuff, and the weight & bulk savings are very significant.

At Fresno Creek last year we loaded up & treated 7 litres of water in less time than one poor guy took to pump one *ONE* litre of water!  Seriously.

It takes a minute or two to prep the solution & get the water, then you get a 5-minute break while you wait for the solution to energize...better than spending your "break" doggedly huffing & puffing with the pump.

We used to do the pump routine -- had a nice PUR one...no going back -- it's part of the evolution towards lighter weight packing, IMHO, and your knees etc will thank you.

Of course, YMMV and all that stuff!   

[TheWildWestGuy]

I might be considered "old school" but I like my "First Need" filter.  It's a bit bulky and heavy but can filter anything and can be backflushed and/or repaired in the field.  It filters a liter in 3-4 minutes which is not record speed but than I am not racing anyway.  I just can't go the chemical route - might not mix well.. TWWG

[presidio]

ahhh...wussies!   

Oh, this is fun!

dual bandanas takes care of any chunky stuff, and the weight & bulk savings are very significant.

Now you have to add the weight of the bandannas to the package, plus when wet they represent temporary additional weight you have to pack for no benefit (well maybe neck cooling in the summer).

At Fresno Creek last year we loaded up & treated 7 litres of water in less time than one poor guy took to pump one *ONE* litre of water!  Seriously.

Us desert lizards only need one liter.

better than spending your "break" doggedly huffing & puffing with the pump.

You cannot discount the upper body conditioning and toning...the better to help you lift your pack!

it's part of the evolution towards lighter weight packing, IMHO, and your knees etc will thank you.

Yeah, but in the case of the product you're recommending, the same company's filter is lighter.

As you note, YMMV.

[Ay Chihuahua!]

Just thought I'd add my two cents here.  Several years ago I ditched the Pur (now Katadyn) Hiker water filter and replaced the 11oz contraption with 1) a Nalgene 1 liter soft plastic bottle, 2) a footy panty hose I pilfered from my wife, 3) a rubber band, and 4) Aquamira water treatment drops.  Put these ingredients together and you have a very light weight space conserving water treatment kit.

First, mix your Aquamira drops and set it aside.  Then put the panty over the mouth of the bottle and secure it with the rubber band.  The Nalgene soft plastic bottle will allow you to squeeze it, so squeeze the bottle, place it in the water, and then allow it to expand back out.  Voila...you now have a filtered pump!  Repeat this excercise until you have the desired amount of water and then add your drops. 

I've measured the "full" Aquamira containers to weigh 2.9 oz, the panty at 0.2 oz, and the water bottle at 1.7 oz.  I have not weighed a rubber band. So, you now have water treatment device that weighs 4.8 oz.  If you were going to be carrying the water bottle anyway, then consider it to weigh 3.1 oz.  Saves you a half pound compared to carrying a Katadyn Hiker Pro (which, BTW, is the lightest water filtration/pump device I have found on the market).

[TexasGirl]

Then put the panty over the mouth of the bottle and secure it with the rubber band. 

PantyHOSE pantyHOSE pantyHOSE, dear God, please let him mean pantyHOSE.  Also known as knee-high stockings.  Or...WHATEVER...as long as you're not sharing the water....

[LandCruisers4Life]

I have a regular Katadyn pocket filter which I have had for about 15 years and never had to replace the ceramic filter yet. Of course, I am careful with it, and never put it in muddy water. Never gotten sick, and it lasts and lasts. Also, the water just tastes so clean after it's been filtered with the Katadyn.

[EdB]

I've got the MSR Sweetwater (not the Miniworks EX) from REI. It's a bit lighter and faster, and for some reason $15 cheaper than the Mini EX.

I suspect they're fairly similar in terms of cleaning - if the filter gets clogged just brush it out and rinse. Do that enough times and you'll have to buy a new filter - the Sweetwater says it'll filter up to 200 gallons. It pumps up to 1L per minute. I just don't see pumping time as a big drawback compared to chemical treatment - I'm not in that much of a hurry out there.

I also carry some purification tablets with me as a backup in case the filter breaks or I do something stupid and lose a key part. As much as I want to keep my total packweight down, I do think there are some times where redundancy and the little bit of extra weight is worth it for peace of mind.

[dkerr24]

hmmm... not so sure I'd want to risk Montezuma's revenge just to shave off a few ounces from my pack weight.  I've had good luck with my Katidyn Hiker Pro filter and will continue to take it on my trips.