Water bladder and filtration.

[Jmckamy915]

Hey guys,
New to Rokslide and western hunting. Avid bow hunter and rifle hunter for years in the Midwest and south. I’m going on my first elk hunt this fall and looking for suggestions on water bladder for my pack and filtration for it. Been looking at the Platypus stuff but any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[muddydogs]

I use the bladder from Black Ovis as its a little lighter then a Camelbak but both are good quality. A sawyer mini filter is a good inline filter.

https://sawyer.com/products/?type=water-filtration

https://www.blackovis.com/blackovis-high-country-elite-hydrapak-water-bladder

 

[Desk Jockey]

There is a bunch of good info on here and other sites on water treatment.

- Chemical options are viable but I use them as backup.
- Pumps of various sorts have their place but they can foul and freeze
- steripens are worth considering. IMO they are a pain in the ass for high volume.
- there are some inline options for a bladder and some filter straws. Fine for on the go IMO but a little less good for camp water and such.
- gravity systems have the same issues with freezing and fouling but IMO they are the best for larger groups - platypus makes my current favorite.

For 2 or more I use a paltry gravity system and a 4-6 liter camp water bag plus whatever bladders and bottles people are toting.

For solo I will use a steripen or small pump.

I bring iodine or tablets as a backup in any case.

I like MSR dromedary bags for camp water and source bladders for pack systems.

Here is another good source:

THE SHAKEDOWN – 09: WATER TREATMENT

Explore the most effective methods of water treatment for outdoors on Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Learn how to make any water source safe for drinking.

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

 

[Jmckamy915]

Great info already guys
Thanks so much

 

[Mosby]

I am very similar to Desk Jockey. I use a Platypus gravity filter or a Steripen depending on temps and quality of water availble. Most of the time I use the Platypus gravity. If it is freezing cold, the Steripen is easier and safer. Frozen water filters do not work and the Steripen works in all temps. Get the Steripen Classic, if you get one, understanding that the water will look the same after using the Steripen as before.

If clean water is scarce and I have to get water out of really nasty sources, I will bring a small pump with coffee filters attached to keep out some of the floating nasties. I use Evernew bags or an MSR dromedary for storing in camp. I use tablets for back up, as well. Can't go wrong with Source water bladders or anything from Platypus.

 

[tttoadman]

MSR 4L Drom Bags
Katadyn Mini pump filter or Sawyer Mini inline

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I use:
Platypus big zip 3L (really not enough water for 1 day exerting at altitude for me coming from sea level)
Sawyer fast fill adapters so I don't have to take the bladder out of my pack
Sawyer mini filter
Evernew 2L soft bottle for my "dirty" bag

I fill the evernew in running water, squeeze out any air as I screw on the sawyer mini, use the fast fill adapters on the hose, then fill my bladder by squeezing water through the filter. Then I refill the evernew, throw that in back in my pack unfiltered, and carry on my merry way with 5L of water. The only issue with all of the filters is that you need to get them dried out after use before they freeze, otherwise the filtration tubes will rupture and your "filter" will be doing nothing.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've used a military grade 3L Camelbak for the past 15 years or so. Then I use quick connects with my Katadyn Hiker Pro to fill it directly through the tube.

 

[Jbehredt]

I stick with source bladders. Heavier but I’ve beat the snot out of them for years with no issues. A sawyer mini and a quick connect to fill the bladder in the bag. An evernew bladder as a dirty bag. Also never been able to break one of those.

 

[LaHunter]

I've used a military grade 3L Camelbak for the past 15 years or so. Then I use quick connects with my Katadyn Hiker Pro to fill it directly through the tube.
View attachment 102769View attachment 102770

I use this same setup and it has worked well for me too.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Source 3l. With the bite mouth piece.
Sawyer squeeze with quick connect

 

[CJF]

3 Liter Platypus
Sawyer squeeze
Quick connect/disconnects

In my opinion if you use a bladder the quick connect is the only way to go.

 

[Jmckamy915]

Guys thanks for all the input and time. I went with the Platypus 4.0L filter system.
Can’t wait to get in the mountains with it

 

[Backyard]

Guys thanks for all the input and time. I went with the Platypus 4.0L filter system.
Can’t wait to get in the mountains with it

You realize that that is almost 9 lbs full?
I carry a 2 liter and have never ha a problem refilling anywhere.

 

[Jmckamy915]

Guys thanks for all the input and time. I went with the Platypus 4.0L filter system.
Can’t wait to get in the mountains with it

You realize that that is almost 9 lbs full?
I carry a 2 liter and have never ha a problem refilling anywhere.

Yes I do
I got it on sale and I will not run it full
But I do have the capacity if I need around camp

 

[Mosby]

Yes I do
I got it on sale and I will not run it full
But I do have the capacity if I need around camp

Make sure you get the excess water out of filter before putting away and put it in your sleeping bag at night if temps are below freezing. Also have a way to back flush the filter if it gets clogged. I use a smart water bottle with a sports cap but syringes like you get with Sawyer filters work too. If you use a bladder, quick connects are worth every penny.

 

[Jmckamy915]

Make sure you get the excess water out of filter before putting away and put it in your sleeping bag at night if temps are below freezing. Also have a way to back flush the filter if it gets clogged. I use a smart water bottle with a sports cap but syringes like you get with Sawyer filters work too. If you use a bladder, quick connects are worth every penny.

Yes,
I planned to carry a couple plastic syringes for that purpose and other needs. And I ordered quick connects with a shut off as well.

 

[colersu22]

I use the platypus 2L with a quick connect and gravity feed with a sawyer mini but also carry a steripen for the Nalgene bottles if I don’t know how water will be. Luckily in Wa there are lots of water sources when your out and about so most the time I just grab 2 nalgenes and the steripen if it’s a known area. Only downside is the water will look the same as when you got it from the source which doesn’t bother me but my wife is not a fan.

 

[Boxerboxer]

You realize that that is almost 9 lbs full?
I carry a 2 liter and have never ha a problem refilling anywhere.

Just because your hunting spot has readily accessible water doesn't mean everywhere else does.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Backyard]

Just because your hunting spot has readily accessible water doesn't mean everywhere else does.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Not sure I follow you on this one. But ok, no need to explain.