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Best water filter (1 Viewer)

If you get rid of the inexpensive criterion then Katadyn is definitely the way to go, particularly if using dirty water. They are cleanable, serviceable and will last for years.



Most chemical based disposable filter based units will fail very quickly if used with dirty water. Depending on how long you are going to be using them for, taking several small volume disposable survival straw type filters with you. That way if they fail you have a backup.

 
Thanks all for your replies.
The Katadyn filter was my original choice but SWMBO thinks it is too expensive - more work needed. The straws would be a good idea too I think.
I will also look at the MSR option. Somewhere in the garage I have an old MSR stove which is fuelled by petrol from a Sigg bottle. It is a very good product.
 
The straws are great but I consider them a ‘survival’ option or for those needing ultralight option (around here popular with distance hikers such as the Appalachian trail). You can not store the water and you have to physically get down to use it. That is sometimes not trivial… I have had to get water by dropping the hose of my MSR down into a gap in boulders etc.

There are many options these days…. My first MSR was purchased when they were one of the only players!

 
I have used Sawyer Squeeze with great success on long distance hikes such as the Pacific Crest Trail, filtering 4-8 liters of water every day for 5 months. It still works great.

However, the pouch that comes with it to squeeze the water through the filter is pretty useless. It is very difficult to fill it with water. Instead, use a Smartwater bottle and screw the Sawyer on top, and then squeeze that bottle. That is what most people do. Myself, I use a different way: I use the filter in a gravity setup, because I am lazy. Gravity can do the work while I'm relaxing (I can explain more if you are interested)

If the water is really dirty, it is recommended to pre-filter it with a cloth or something to prevent the filter from clogging up too quickly. But even when that happens, you can always backflush it.

Don't be tempted to get the smaller Sawyer Mini. It's lighter, but that one gets clogged up much quicker. Most long distance hikers who start out with that one replace it with the Squeeze after some time, because of very much reduced flow.

TortillaMnts2b.JPG
Yes, I've been drinking from this, after filtering, on the Arizona National Scenic Trail (awesome for birds!). It wasn't even my worst source. I never got ill.
 


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