In my seemingingly never-ending quest to find a straw or pocket size water filter/purifier that can deal with post-Katrina type flood waters (stews of germs, viruses, chemicals and debris), my current choices are a Katadyn Exstream XR (near the mark, but largish/somewhat heavy) and the Water Straw (the small blue one sold by BQ). I've never had full confidence in the straw, back-up data is thin, at best. Recent internet surfing led my to the Berkey Sports Bottle. Alleged to be a bottle sized insert, comparable in purification, but not capacity, to their big Black filter/purifier catridge. If true, I could also use the bottle insert as a largish straw filter. I'd like to get your comments/suggestions.

Thought about the 'Extreme' water bottle filter?

I have a First for the same purpose. (I've never had to use it...)

http://www.rei.com/product/767831

I have the "First" in my larger kits. I agree that it is the best option. But, its too big for a small EDC kit that is designed for actual daily carry, not to be kept in a nearby car or office. I also posted this inquiry on another forum and the Seychelles filters, straw and bottle, were suggested. Right now I'm leaning towards those. They have a 25% off sale thru the end of November.

Ah, I missed the "compact for EDC" requirement. Have you looked into SteriPen? Couple that with even the cheapest, most compact straw filter to weed out heavy metals and particulate matter and you should be good.

Thoughts?

From my understanding, the cons of the in-bottle purifiers is the slow output; you have to suck pretty hard and for a long time to get much water out. You might have to buy one just to see if you can put up with the diminished flow.

I personally keep chlorine tabs in my EDC, a Steripen in my hiking kit, and a pump filter w/ tabs in the car kit.