Portable water filters?

Hi guys,<br>I went to Bass pro shop and REI outfitters last weekend looking for a moderate priced backpack water filtering system. I want to put one in my truck kit since I really dislike the tablets. I am going camping/hiking Memorial day weekend and would like any suggestions for a unit up to $150. Pur' seems to be what I am looking at but which model? There will be 4 adults and 3 children in our group but only 2 adults and 2 of the children will be doing any hiking. We have water at the campsite but if we need more water it would be nice to have a filter with us when camping.<br>Thanks<br>Barracuda<br><br>Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. <br>—Thomas Jefferson <br>

I have the katyden.the ergonomics are at times frustrating,but it works.The price has stabilized at $200.There was a price war and units were at $150 for a while.I've tried a friends PUR Explorer which is just about at your price ceiling.I like it very much.With 4 adults and 3 children capacity is a criterion,and since this will be a base or truck unit the weight is of less concern.Palatability may be an issue,especially with children,so a few packets of Tang or Koolaid are a good idea.I always have a serving of cultured yogurt before any preplanned adventure.A healthy gut flora will help you handle all the unseen environmental changes that can add up to distress.Don't forget that brushing teeth require purified water also.<br><br>

A few weeks ago, I was preparing for a 4 day hike and put up a post about chlor-floc tabs in addition to the PUR hiker microfilter ($59.95). The microfilter does not eliminate viruses (smaller than the .3 micron filter). Chris K. recommended it and I and my bowel were very pleased. It is easy to use, guaranteed not to clog for a year and filters fairly fast. I was using a two litre container for my water and filled it in no time. Also depending on water quality it claims to filter 200 gallons on one cartridge! That's a lot of tooth brushing! I did however, at the advice of C.K., only get my H20 from the fast moving parts of a stream or creek. I and my dog ate lots o' yogurt, too.<br><br>