Water filters/purifiers

[mttgilbert]

I use a first need water purifier. It weighs around 18 ounces but filters down to .01 microns. It claims to take everything (including viruses) out of the water and I haven't had a problem yet. It costs around 80 bucks. I have also used iodine tablets and bleach, personally I like the purifiers (not just filters) better.

I would like to upgrade to a unit thats lighter and has a higher flow rate. Of course I want to retain the purifying aspect of the unit, any suggestions?

[outdoor_lover]

@Grasshopper
Every time I drive by your place, I beat myself up for not having it with me to return! We need to do Lunch, we're sadly way overdue! I'll have it back to you in the next couple of days! With a huge Thanks for letting me borrow it!

[RowdyandMe]

I always seem to carry enough water that I don't need a filter. However I do carry a Life Straw which I have never had to use. It weights only 2oz and cost $20. I am not sure if it is reuseable or not not. I bought it at Bass Pro Shop and always take it with me because you never know. Thats it the same reason I always carry head lamps with extra batteries. I have used my lights twice and not by choice. When I need them it was a great felling knowing there in my pack along with my Life Straw

[FOTG]

@Widowmaker
If it is only a one use filter, might I also suggest carrying tablets...always good in a pinch as well..quick and easy to use..

[Tough_Boots]

might I also suggest carrying tablets

I always have tablets with me in case of an emergency. I also usually have my steripen depending where I'm going-- I've found that I'm much more likely to use it to top off somewhere than I am if I'm carrying my pump. The threat of having to clean my filter when I get home is more likely to make me say "ehhh... I probably have enough." It also allows me the freedom to mix up electrolytes on the fly without carrying a bottle of Gatorade all day or dipping into my bladder. Some type of water purification is a must have for your day-pack.

[hikeaz]

The 'claimed' weight of the Frontier Pro http://tinyurl.com/26o5yb is 2 oz. (dry). I have used these for many years - direct from a pop bottle or platy bag and/or add 3' (or more) of tubing for a gravity feed system using a platy bag and some sort of receptacle. Length of tubing UPSTREAM of the filter works best.
Generally I pay about $15 online. If filtering turbid water these have limitations, as do most filters.
Here is a gear report ... http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews ... t%20Papke/

[RedRoxx44]

Still use Aqua Mira only, use a coffee filter to strain out some particulates. For water if rehydrating food or morning coffee, no treatment, just boil it and use it. Been doing this for years. Used to carry a filter/purifier but wanted less weight and fuss.

[Grasshopper]

MSR MiniWorks- Marathon EX Ceramic Water Filter for HAZ Member Loan
( http://www.rei.com/product/695265/msr-m ... ter-filter )

Some time ago GPSjoe's son gave me GPSjoe's never used, above top-of the- line Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Water Filter. To date, with all filter accessories included with instruction manual, it is still yet to be used in the field. I have recently checked it out inside my residence and it works as new.

I would now like to offer this MSR Ceramic Water Filter for any needed HAZ member backpack loan availability. It's the way Joe would have wanted it to be used and shared. I live in South Scottsdale and would only request that the HAZ member(s) whom I loan it to would personally pick it up from me and personally deliver it back to me soon after their trip return. Just PM me if interested.. :thanx:

[outdoor_lover]

I was just getting ready to put my Katadyn Hiker Filter up For Sale. I was literally typing it in and decided that I should probably check it out first in the Sink since it's been a couple of Years. The little Nipple on the Input End (Cheap Plastic) just broke off so I guess I won't be Selling it now, but throwing it away...If anyone needs any Parts, let me know....

[hikeaz]

I was just getting ready to put my Katadyn Hiker Filter up For Sale. I was literally typing it in and decided that I should probably check it out first in the Sink since it's been a couple of Years. The little Nipple on the Input End (Cheap Plastic) just broke off so I guess I won't be Selling it now, but throwing it away...If anyone needs any Parts, let me know....

Before you part out your filter you may want to contact Katadyn about a potential repair/replacement. From memory, I believe they may have either a 20-year or lifetime warranty on their products.

Katadyn North America Inc.
4830 Azelia Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55429
U.S.A.
Tel - 800 755 6701

[outdoor_lover]

Thanks Kurt...I doubt if it would work, but I'll try it...I purchased this 10 Years ago and according to the Manual that came with it back then, the Warranty was only 1 Year...And I doubt very Seriously if I can find that Receipt either....

[hikeaz]

Thanks Kurt...I doubt if it would work, but I'll try it...I purchased this 10 Years ago and according to the Manual that came with it back then, the Warranty was only 1 Year...And I doubt very Seriously if I can find that Receipt either....

i never said it was a 'good' memory...... ;)

[outdoor_lover]

Hahaha....Well, I just called them anyway and they said I could get a Replacement Outer Shell for 12.00 plus 3.00 Shipping, so not sure how I want to Proceed. I guess if someone was interested in buying it, it might be worth it maybe.....

[AZClaimjumper]

As far back as I can remember, I've always filled containers with water prior to leaving the trailhead & relied on that supply for my water needs all during my one-day hikes.

Starting with tomorrow's hike which is a hike I've made B4 & one that has numerous water sources, I plan to carry relatively small quantities of water & refill my containers with the Grayl Water Purifier when I arrive at water sources along the trail. Perhaps you've never heard of the Grayl Geopress Water Purification equipment. No hoses, No pumps, No need for gravity, No batteries and the Grayl Geopress removes EVERYTHING that can be removed.

Have you or anyone you know, carried a water Purification/Filter specifically for the purpose of adding water to your containers for you to drink during your hike?

[Jim]

Yes, I carried my filter both for the obvious: backpacking I did between 2008 and 2012, and for some day hikes both with water sources, and because I would exhaust my supplies on the long hike. The one I recall is Catalina SP to Mt Lemmon, and back. I can't recall on other shorter day hikes, but I may have, too. Perhaps to keep weight down, I may have done so on hikes I have forgotten.

Added: I plan to carry my filter if I get back to the Grand Canyon this fall, both to take advantage of back country water supplies and to keep weight down, and because I can't carry enough water to hike in near 100 degree hikes to the river and back, if I attempt the Tanner Trail. Hopefully, the river isn't too sediment loaded.

[LosDosSloFolks]

@AZClaimjumper
I have the "Clear2o" filter in which you squeeze water through the filter (which fits inside the neck of the bottle) into your larger bottles or straight into your mouth. https://www.clear2o.com/collections/fil ... e-cwf302bl

[AZClaimjumper]

@Jim_H
What kind/brand/model filter do you have?

[AZClaimjumper]

I have & have used the MSR mini works EX Purifier, however, I recently replaced it with the Grayl Geopress water purifier. No batteries, chemicals, gravity, tubes, pumps NEEDED

[rcorfman]

I have an MSR Mini Works also but it's heavy at a pound, as is the Grayl Geopress. Currently I use a Sawyer Squeeze. It's light, about 3 oz., inexpensive, and effective though it doesn't remove viruses but those really aren't an issue anywhere in the US. I got the Sawyer Squeeze after I realized I let my Sawyer Mini freeze in Yosemite. That was back in fall 2016. The Squeeze has seen use over my thru-hikes of the Coloroado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail among several other overnight trips. I just keep backflushing it as needed though I think I'll fill it with vinegar to help improve the flow rate (recommended maintenance). I have yet to have any stomach issues on my outings so it seems to be working just fine.

[Mountain_Rat]

@mttgilbert
I have used a Sawyer Mini for over 6 years now, with only one malfunction (due to my failure to back flush it) and no hint of illness. After looking at pumps and electronic gadgets, I decided on a gravity/squeeze type, ultimately going with the Sawyer Mini. It's~2oz (filter only), ~1oz (16 oz squeeze bag), ~1+oz (back flush syringe, should you be on trail for a week or more). I would be willing to bet that the Sawyer Squeeze (the heavier version) and the Sawyer Mini are the 2 most popular filters on the market for trail use. About 20 buck on Amazon.

[rcorfman]

@Mountain_Rat
For back flushing the Sawyers, I recommend just using a Smart Water Bottle sport cap. They come with the 700ml bottles and fit the clean end of the Sawyer filters perfectly. I keep one on the end of my filter and my filter on a 1L bottle for dirty water. Works great, actually much better than the syringe.