I have the water purifying tablets. however I was kind of toying with one of the hiking style pump purifiers. The table is open and I am all ears (eyes).

Sorry about the short question folks, I was needed. I have been toying with the idea of " are the hand pump style backpacking water purifiers worth the money". I carry in my BOB water purifier tablets and they are fine. But, I also heard that there is no aftertaste with the mechanical type. Are they worth it or is it good marketing?

They’re not as sleek-looking as other manufacturer’s filters, but I’ve owned two versions of the First Need portable purifier over the past 20+ years, and they’ve served me well. Remember there’s a distinct difference between a filter and a purifier; personal preference, usage environment and acquisition/filter costs will influence which you choose.

A little marketing hype from their web site: “First Need portable purifier continues to be the only chemical-free portable system independently certified to meet EPA Microbiological Guide Standard for removal of bacteria, cysts and virus - all without chemicals, hold time or double pumping.”

It’s not as well-suited as other smaller units for backpacking due to its somewhat larger bulk and weight (15 oz. total weight), but I like not having to use chemicals and avoiding the associated wait time.

Among filters, the Katadyn Hiker (made/marketed by PUR Outdoor until acquired by Katadyn in 2001) has always gotten high marks; I haven’t personally used one. Speaking of Katadyn, their Pocket Filter is a well-regarded classic, albeit pricey at around $200. But, in fairness, they claim its ceramic cartridge will filter ~13,000 gallons under average conditions vs. 200 gallons for a Hiker cartridge, and 125 gallons for a First Need cartridge. Under heavy usage conditions, the Pocket Filter makes more economical sense.

You might find this water filter GearFinder on Backpacker Magazine website a useful research tool.

Edit: I might have to recant on accuracy of the GearFinder. Tried it, specifying virus removal as a requirement, yet it listed several filters. The basic distinction between filters and purifiers is that filters don't remove viruses (unless chemicals are used after filtering). REI has a decent article on their website: How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Katadyn Hiker filter, but my cousin is in India right now and the only water purifier she brought with her is something called Pristine, recommended by her doctor and travelling agency. FWIW.

I looked at that Katadyn for camping / hiking (don't remember the model) and that seems like it was about what I had in mind. I didn't see any mention of chemicals, only a filter. Does it require chemicals as well?

I just looked up the Pristine and it was drops (maybe chlorine or iodine). Which I am not apposed to, I guess I have been softened by society and was looking for a filter as well. Get all the bugs out so I don't have a sequel to the movie ALIEN on my home movies.

I guess what I want is for a water biologist to accompany me on my trips / bug outs and make sure that I won't get sick. Or something like that. Like I said, I am open to ALL suggestions on this matter as I have so little experience with water filters.

After reading the previous posts, here's my two cents.
I have both the "Polar Pure" iodine treatment, and the "MSR Water Works" filter. In real world practice, if it comes out of a tap, or other trusted source, it goes through the filter. If it's standing, or flowing, or whatever, e.g. unknown source, it gets chem. treatment, then run through the filter. Some might call this over-kill, but where my health is concerned, I figure I can't be too safe. Treating the water, then filtering it takes more time than filtering alone, but saving one case of the trots is well worth it.

Troy

I bought a First Need but I've never had occassion to use it so I don't know if they're actually good.

Since then I've come across the ultra-violet purifiers, eg AquaStar which look tempting. No filters to clog, no chemicals to run out, just CR-123 batteries to carry - which I need anyway because of my Surefire addiction.

How do you like the MSR and do you have any esperience with another brand? The reason I am asking is I (by nature) am "frugal" "cheap" and a few other adjectives that may fit; I only want to by one GOOD one that will last me for years. I hear the salesman trying to get his commission, but I would like to hear as much as I can from trusted sources.

EPI

Katadyne Pocket is the way to go if you want a filter that won't fail on you.

It's used by Doctors Without Borders, The Red Cross and numerous military groups. It DOES not filter out chemical nasties but then again neither do most filters. The charcoal they contain filters out some impurities and taste but will not filter out nitrates, fluoride or most industrial contaminants. Even if you could find one that does (like the British Berkey) it isn't backpackable and the elements run out in 6 months or so (sooner if the water is highly contaminated).

Note: If you purchase the Katadyne pocket throw out the abrasive pad that comes with it and use something FAR less abrasive for longer filter life. You can even use a piece of cloth if the filter is still wet.

I got stuck for 2 months in the wilderness and it functioned perfectly for the duration. I'd bet my life on it again.

-Nim

I've never had a complaint with it, and originally bought it because after doing a lot of looking around, it was the most robust one I had found. Another thing I like is the fact that I can keep it going in the field. The MSR (at least when I got mine) was one of the few that had a cleanable (in the field) filter, and parts kits available. When I got mine (1998), I got an extra filter (ceramic) and two spare parts kits, and haven't needed to buy any replacements yet. As far as my experiences with other filters, I've had various filter bottles that I've carried for daily use of tap/fountain water, and while most any of them are fine for supposedly "safe" water, none of them would begin to stand up to my MSR.

Troy

It depends on the level of protection you're seeking; following filtration with certain chemical treatments gets more "bad stuff" than filtration alone.

It's important to understand the differences in effectiveness between chemical-only, filter-only, purifier-only, or some combination of mechanical-and-chemical; and now, as Brangdon mentioned, ultraviolet purifiers like the AquaStar (or the SteriPEN).

Once you're familiar with the results each process will yield, then you have to decide what level of protection you're comfortable with. Want to avoid exposure to waterborne viruses? Then filter-only treatment is not for you. If usage will mostly be in remote backcountry, maybe you'd be comfortable with filter-only. Conversely, if expected usage will be nearer urban areas, I'd personally want my drinking water purified, and not merely filtered.

Again, for a thorough discussion of water treatment processes/equipment, I recommend the REI article.

The ceramic filter (same medium as the Berkey) is part of the reason that I like my MSR so much, and it's scrubbable too...though Katadyne is a close second IMO.

Troy

I have an old Katadyn Pocket which has been great, and 3 weeks ago I got a Katadyn Mini.
The Pocket is quite a few years old and it has never had a replacement cartridge and is still going strong. Katadyn put a very abrasive cleaner with it, (I think they want to sell more cartridges) but it has never been used. A higher grit bit of sand paper is much better and smaller to pack. The ceramic cartridge is impregnated with silver to aid with killing any nasties and it think its down to .2 micron filtering. (going from memory so I may be wrong)
I wanted a smaller filter to pack, and I found a local who was selling the Mini, so I bought that from him. It uses the same type of ceramic filter as the Pocket only smaller. It also takes more strokes to get the same amount of water, but it is half the size of the Pocket. Unfortunatly the previous owner use the cleaner that came with it, but it still has plenty of life left.
I highly recomend either of these. They also do a filter called a Combi which is midway between these 2 in cost and size. It has a carbon filter cartridge as well as the ceramic cartridge. I didnt see the need for this though.
The Katadyn Pocket was the best filter I could find at the time, and I havent found any I would replace it with apart from the Mini. The Katadyn Mini is the filter I should have bought the first time, because its just as good as the pocket but smaller and cheaper.
If you are filtering for 1to 3 people, the Mini is great. For more than 3 look for the Pocket.

I have an MSR Sweetwater, which replaced an old sweetwater. Great system, great value. Used at least once a year for a week long trip, never had any drama. However, I do recomend chemical treatment along with filtration.

I have a Katadyn Pocket Filter to get rid of bacteria and protozoa and to compliment it I have a Katadyn activated carbon pre filter that fits in the outlet hose of the KP to get rid of a lot of the chemicals and bad tastes. I really like the combination and it has worked extremely well thus far and surpassed my expectations.

The Katadyn Pocket may seem exorbitant, especially where replacement ceramic filters are concerned, but its lifespan is extremely long in comparison to a lot of other filters.

You can get the Katadyn Pocket for $159.99 from Amazon (Free Shipping). Right now Amazon also has a deal on replacement ceramic cartridges as well ($79.99).

I am also thinking about buying a SteriPen. Does anyone have any experience with these?

It looks like this would be better used with chemical treatment, but it is compact and if memory serves the retail on it is only about $3 US. I haven't read the specs on filters on purifiers enough to know how it compares, but I thought I'd throw this out as an option. It's called Lifestraw

Note: I have no association with the folks that make or sell this product...just saw in Time magazine a few weeks back.

have you already read this stuff: http://www.equipped.org/watrfood.htm#WaterFilters ? Bit outdated but still very good info.

Is your concern for biological and/or chemical contaminants?

There are many products out there, which address one or both concerns. Costs, ease of use/maintenance, portability are just a few of the variables, one should consider when selecting a water filter/purifier.

If you examine your anticipated needs/parameters, perhaps we could focus in on units that will fulfill your needs.

Pete

Check out these threads:

Steri Pen 1
Steri Pen 2
Steri Pen 3

Pete

Thanks! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I can honestly say that I am concerned about all of the above. However, when do the risk factors out weigh the practicality of a certain water filter?

I don't want to spend a fortune on a filter that will do every bit as well as the $75.00 acme brand. I also don't want to spend $75.00 every time I have to use it because it was so cheaply built it breaks upon use. In a nutshell I am getting as much info from people that have experience and can give me enough input that I can make an informed purchace.

With that said... What do you have in your BOB?

Pretty cool, but I think I want something that I will be able to fill my Camelback or use to re-hydrate my food. Thanks for the effort though
Epi

I've used the Katadyn filters for a while now. If you're considering the "Hiker" model, you might also look at the "Guide" model. It is a little larger, but, filters more water faster. We broke the pump handle off our Hiker model, and replaced it with a Guide filter. You can now get an inline attachment for the Guide so you can put it on top of a widemouth 1L Nalgene bottle and pump directly into the bottle.

Since you are concerned with both biological and chemical contaminants, you can narrow the field down to primarily filtering devices. Products such as the Steri-pen, MIOX, AquaStar and most chemical agents are designed only for biological contaminants. There is at least 1 chemical chelating agent designed to reduce chemical contaminates, but I would not recommend that product for personal use.

Many have already posted the better known, tested and established products, which will likely serve your needs. When selecting a particular model, also consider the anticipated needs of potable water. It might be better to select a model that has a higher output then you anticipate, as your needs for both you and any traveling companions might be higher then expected.

If possible, go to a local REI or similar store and talk with the staff, play with the display models and look at both the accessories and replacement items (filters, chemical additives, etc.) before buying.

As to what I carry:

I have several systems that I have and use. My main use has been during my trips to Ecuador. My personal and primary system is a Katadyn Exstream Purifier, which I carry everywhere, including the plane. I also carry in my check-in luggage a MIOX, MRS Sweetwater Purifier System and a Steri-Pen. Keep in mind; I am the “go-to-person” on our medical missions, so I have redundant systems for many applications. I have used the various systems to generate both drinking water for the group and water for medical applications (wound/ear/eye- cleansing/irrigation, etc.).

Pete

Again... take a real hard look at the MSR pumps.

Troy

agreed with the MSR comments...........i have been using their products for years...................other than the steri pen....i primarily use the miniworx

Another vote for the MSR WaterWorks. I've used the big one for years, but I haven't upgraded to the EX filter yet. I also use the membrane element on mine.