I have pump-type water filters, but it seems som much simplier to let gravity do the work. Has anyone tried the hanging-bag type of filter?

TRO

Funny, I am thinking about getting one of the big ones for the house, cheaper than buying bottled water all the time as I am begining to suspect our tap water. Nitro-pak has some good info.

Why wouldn't you get a whole house filter to pre-filter for sediment and then get yourself a reverse osmosis kit with a large pressure tank? They aren't outrageously expensive, and it gives you some backup should TSHTF and the water supply become unavailable.

if you mean the portable once's. Yes i have one of them. Hanging a 10 liter waterbag with only one pair of hands is hard. Best to have another person with you. Beware when filling the bag, that dirty water on the outside will also follow gravity and if you have the hose loose in a cup/bucket/container that dirty water will conatiminate the clean water.

Great for fixed camps with more than 2 or 3 persons. To much hassle for one person.

I've used got one of these bags. In the UK they are known as 'millbank bags' (as used by the army). They are basically a thick canvas sock that you fill & hang up over your billy or water bottle. They can filter about 2L (2 quarts) at a time.

It works really well: even the muddiest water comes out clear, and you can add charcoal inside the bag to remove any unpleasant odours or tastes before sterilising it. Not the fastest way of filtering (takes about 10/20mins each time), but very light, efficient & will last forever.