Hey all just wondering if anyone has any advise on water filters, Im going to pick one up and was just curious about which one to get. I have never used one before so I want to make sure I get a quality unit.

cheers,

kahuna

I know this topic has been addressed a number of times in the past, as recently as a few months ago. If you take a peek through the history or do a search for "Water filter" you'll probably get some hits. The one that I think is really cool is the "Steripen" which is a UV water treatment device. It works in 30 seconds (a little longer if the water is muddy or cloudy) and kills it all. Check out the link...

http://www.betterhealthinnovations.com/SteriPEN_Portable_UV_Water_Purifier_p/hp-sp-rp.htm

That UV pen is pretty cool?
Never seen one of those before.

I use a Katadyn-Hiker http://www.backcountry.com/store/EXT0046/Katadyn-Hiker-Pro-Water-Microfilter.html

Its pretty good, and not overly expensive.
The only issue I had with it so far is a broken handle....it gets tought to pump as the filter gets used(stops pumping when its time to replace the filter)

My Brother didn't know that...pushed to hard and snapped the Plastic handle.
But I had it replaced, and its good as new.

Pa, Have you used the Steripen before? That's the first time I've ever heard of it. The thought of not having to pump water through a microfilter does sound appealing, but I guess you'd still need a pre-filter to keep out any large matter.

Good find!

TT.

TT,

I've actually not broken down to buy a steripen...I still use the basic Katadyn tablets that treat a liter at a time. They're only 15 bucks and you get gallons of potable water perhaps when I run out of those I'll break down. The price is coming down though. Try searching a customer feedback on steripen through some outdoor sales source like MEC or something.

I have used a First Need filter for years. For a long time it was the only filter certified by the US EPA for removal of cysts, bacteria and virus. Our group likes them for the convenience of threading our water bottles directly to the pump rather than having to hold the pump or bottle between your legs or having to rely on another person to help.

From their web site, http://www.general-ecology.com/portablesystem.htm :

General Ecology water purifiers utilize our unique, proprietary "Structured Matrix" chemical-free technology to offer the highest level of water purification instantly without chemicals, pretreatment, double pumping or hold time. General Ecology's water purifiers remove viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, plus many organic and inorganic chemical and aesthetic contaminants at the highest "purification" micron level (0.4 microns absolute) to provide great tasting water while protecting against water related disease. First Need Deluxe Water Purifiers like all General Ecology Water Purifiers are certified to meet EPA Microbiological Purification Standard against cysts, bacteria AND virus!

By comparison, even the very best water filters only remove certain protozoa, and perhaps bacteria and possibly certain aesthetic contaminants and provide a lesser standard of protection than that of General Ecology water purifiers.



I also have and like an older PUR Voyager, now marketed by Katadyn which bought the outdoor filter line from PUR. It has been rolled into the Hiker and Hiker Pro line. It has been simple to operate but the bottle stopper is a press fit into a Nalgene bottle and can slip off so you do end up using all your hands and knees or a friend to filter without risking spilling water.

http://www.katadyn.us/brands-products/katadyn/katadyn-filters-and-purifiers.html



I don't use the steri pen or the inside the bottle filters which to me seems to be backwards. I want to keep crap out of my water bottles so I use the filter. If you rely on a system that requires batteries (some systems do while others don't) make sure you have back up batteries.

The big issue is finding a product that you can afford, can use and always, ALWAYS use. Today, pretty much all products are good, they just implement the clean water concept a bit differently.

-Jester

-Jester

Thank you all for the help... I went with the MSR miniworks EX. I think it will handle all my needs. I am heading out to the park tomorrow cant wait, although by the sounds of it Id better bring my toque.... OH well as long as the fish are biting I'll deal...

So until next week, I bid you all a good day...


kahuna

I was excited about the SteriPEN until I got an email back from them that said, "SteriPEN is intended for use on clear water only. Water with significant discoloration or particulates can reduce effectiveness of SteriPEN by inhibiting penetration of UV light through the water." There isn't much water in Algonquin that is clear or not discolored. Check out the SteruPEN website for more specs: gallons per battery life, prefilters, etc.

MSR has announced a new water filter, the Hyperflow

http://www.msrgear.com/watertreatment/hyperflow.asp

The HyperFlow utilizes the latest Hollow Fiber Technology in a package so small and so easy to use it will change the way you travel in the backcountry. Its ergonomic design, diminutive size and tool-free maintainability make it just as appropriate on day trips as it is on multi-day excursions. Also included is a Quick Connect Bottle Adapter™ — allowing direct connection to all MSR hydration products and a variety of other "wide mouth" containers — and an advanced prefilter to prolong the life of your filter.

* High Flow Rate: Pumps more than 3 liters per minute or one liter every 20 strokes.
* Ultralight: Just 7.4 oz. (209 g).
* Ultra Small: Just 7x3.5 in. ( 17.8 x 8.3 cm) makes it easy to take along even when space is at a premium.
* Field-Maintainable: Can be cleaned repeatedly for flow recovery without tools.
* Super Convenient: Quick-Connect bottle adapter lets you filter water directly into a variety of containers, including all MSR® hydration products and Nalgene® bottles.


HyperFlow Accessories »

Awards
Backpacker 2008 Editors Choice Award for the HyperFlow Microfilter
Buy Now
56500 - HyperFlow Microfilter - $99.95*
Algonquin Outfitters will be carrying this filter when it's available (soon)

I've personally used a Miniworks for years now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this new model.

Randy Mitson
Paddle Sport Manager
Marketing Director
Algonquin Outfitters
Huntsville