What do you use to filter water? Need help in my new purchase...

You'll get 100 different opinions, and that's all they are... opinions. Why base your choice on what others think? Why not read up and decide for yourself?

For what it's worth, I'd recommend a read of Chapter 13 of "Long Distance Hiking" by Roland Mueser. Some interesting conclusions there. In any case, the book is a classic and I'd recommend it to anyone considering a thru-hike or long section hike on the A.T.

I prefer Steripen (with Micropur tablets as a backup) when I know the water sources will be relatively clear, like the AT or out west. For areas around where I live, where I am using lake or creek water, I use a filter (with Micropur tablets as a backup).

Uhh, I'm gonna need to be able to select three methods 'cuz I change my approach depending on the hike, location and the nature of the water source. Sometimes I use a filter, sometimes I go chemical and some water I just drink without treatment.

Aqua Mira drops replaced my filter on backpacking trips a few years ago (I still keep it for canoing though). Weight was the biggest factor (3oz, vs 15-17 for many filters). Some people claim there's an aftertaste, but i don't taste it. YMMV. Some people don't like to wait 5 minutes to mix parts A and B, and then wait 15 more minutes for it to work. I'm seldom in that big a hurry. Polar Pur would be another option i'd explore, especially for a long-distance hike (cheaper).

Haven't filtered the last two years, except from a mudpuddle up at Beauty Spot. That being said, if the wife goes out with me, I think I'm gonna get a Steripen. I'll risk the Revenge, but if the little lady gets sick following my example, once again it will be my behind that ends up suffering!:eek:

Uhh, I'm gonna need to be able to select three methods 'cuz I change my approach depending on the hike, location and the nature of the water source. Sometimes I use a filter, sometimes I go chemical and some water I just drink without treatment.


I use multiple methods (or none) depending on the source too.

I normally use a pump type filter. I have since tried the Aqua Mira drops. I went to our local paint store and purchased a paint "net" that is used for straining paint to get the bubbles out and any real small trash. I slide it over the mouth of what ever bottle I am using when getting water.

I am however goint to purchase a Steri Pen! Hiked some this year with a couple that used one and was pretty impressed.

Whatever you do try it for awhile at home or on day hikes to make sure that it works well for you! Opinions are nice but whatever it is has to work for you!

I've used a SteriPen for the last year and really like it.

I am a big fan of the Steri-Pen. I used it a lot last summer and had no problems. I also always carry micro pur tabs as a backup. I had to use iodine once when a filter broke. They are nasty.

Theres a reason why the pump/filter has the bigsest line....
Just MHO of course!

Bigboots

I used a hiker-pro last year. The bad water still tasted bad. If i was to hike it again I would go with steri-pen or chemical. Probably bleach.

I used a hiker-pro last year. The bad water still tasted bad. If i was to hike it again I would go with steri-pen or chemical. Probably bleach.

I'd gladly take the bad water taste over the chemical taste, I drink enough chemically altered water right here in my house, don't need it on the trail too. The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Bigboots

I'd gladly take the bad water taste over the chemical taste, I drink enough chemically altered water right here in my house, don't need it on the trail too. The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Bigboots

Yea but then u gotta carry extra drink mix, which gets old after awhile. I never ran into much 'bad' water. Some of the water in New Jersey and New York is pond runoff, which has algae growth in it. Not to metion it plugs filters fast.

The only way to get rid of the bad water taste is to put drink mix in and enjoy.

Crystal Light - Peach Ice Tea is my mix of choice. I haven't tired of it yet.

I use a Katadyn Hiker filter or the Thermette (Boiling.) I use a coffee filter on both to pre-filter. I know the Katadyn has a pre-filter, (I wrap the coffee filter around it) but it’s easier to just replace the coffee filter then to back-flush the pre-filter.

I use my General Ecology First Need purifier...it takes care of the little nasty critters and viruses too!! It also removes pesticides and other impurities..I have found it improves the water taste too. Yes it has some weight, but that is the cost of fresh water, when pumped is still cool and refreshing with no chemical taste. I also boil in camp, also use micro pur as a backup if needed.

I used iodine for six weeks in Nepal, and the one and only time I got sick was from dinner in a restaurant. That water was nasty! Not safe at all, not even out of the tap. So the fact that the iodine kept my from being sick has made me a huge fan of the stuff. Plus it's cheap and lightweight.

I also use a squeezable filter bottle. Very convenient for scooping up water as you hike. I'm surprised they're not more popular.

I came here looking for advice in selecting a filter pump, and I guess I got it.

I have a Katadyn Hiker pump. Love it. Have used it for YEARS with no problems. I just went to order a replacement filter for it, and the filter (same as for the Hiker Pro) costs ten less than the whole pump. Never had any problem with the pump, but I don't use a bladder anymore. Instead I carry 2 20 oz. disposable sport bottles. I like right at the southern base of the Appalachians, and water is plentiful, so I rarely carry more than 30 ounces. And with a bladder, you never know how much is left unless you remove your pack and pull the bladder out to check. The disposables fit in the two side mesh pockets on the outside of my pack, and I always know how much I have.

So I thought maybe I would go to a filter bottle instead. But here is the catch: The pump can be used in very shallow water. VERY shallow. I've dug a pocket 2 inches deep at the base of a weeping cliff wall and filled my bottles. Just let the silt clear, hold the prefilter bulb in place with a rock, and pump slowly. That won't work with a bottle.

So I'm going to spend the extra $20 and upgrade to the Katadyn Pro. Same weight and filter as the Hiker, but the pump is a double action and pumps twice as fast, which cuts down on time dealing with bugs in summer time. So there you have it. Thank you, and you are welcome.

Oh, and never assume water is OK to drink without filtering. It may be clear, cold and sweet, but that doesn't mean there is not a dead raccoon laying in the stream up around the next bend.

Aqua Mira is pretty popular among thru hikers and it's not an option on your poll. It's what I carry most of the time, but seldom use. All those dead animals I keep hearing about have not made me sick yet.

Just because most people who respond to a WB poll use a certain piece of gear doesn't mean it's best for you. I know a lot of people who drink too much, even more who overeat and are fat, and many smokers. These people have made decisions for themselves and I'll make my own.

I always used Aquamira and I never minded the wait... till I used Summit's Steripen. I have a Steripen coming in the mail as i write. 90 seconds is all it takes. dip, swirl and drink. 20 minutes is a long time to fight the skeeters.. for one liter of water..

Another First Need filter user here. I was torn between the XL and finding another gravity filter system like the Aquamira Frontier Pro, until I saw a youtube video on something being sucked thru the 5 micron prefilter mesh on the First Need, growing for 3 days in the filter and coming out during a backwash. That sold me on the XL completely.

I selected Other.

I like the gravity-feed system.

I use the Platypus Big Zip SL for the "dirty bag" and the plusBottle for the "clean" because I like the easier clean out of the Big Zip SL and the plusBottle goes into the PlusBottle Holster, and I use the plusBottle for wash-up like in the Jason Klass video.

I have two plusBottles, I like them so much.

I do use the I use the Sawyer in-line water filter, because it is rated for more uses than using a gravity-feed system with Aquamira® Frontier Pro™ Water Filter that weights a little less.

I give my gear a lot of use.

I want it durable and convenient for me.

I like the gravity-feed system for a number of reasons.

I get "double-duty" out of the water bags: filter water, carry water.

I like to "prefilter" silt out, before the water gets into the "dirty bag".

I also like the convenience of the gravity-feed system, either while I am setting up the camp or, if not freezing weather, overnight for water in the morning.

I still boil water, whenever I can make the time.

I do not like chemical additives. That said, I will use Aqua Mira after I "prefilter".

I am considering the mÜV (http://www.uvaquastar.com/skins/2008Style/standard2.aspx?elid=249&plk=76) over the SteriPen for "fast-packing".