Water filters

[airlocksniffer]

Another Katadyn Hiker user. Not the lightest or most compact but does the job.

Not to threadjack but how often do you other Hiker users replace your filters? I just replaced mine after 3 years. It wasn't hard to pump just looked nasty. Crappy thing is that a replacement was $50.

 

[ridgefire]

I got like six out of mine but was always filtering water that was clean.

 

[SHTF]

Another Katadyn Hiker user. Not the lightest or most compact but does the job.

Not to threadjack but how often do you other Hiker users replace your filters? I just replaced mine after 3 years. It wasn't hard to pump just looked nasty. Crappy thing is that a replacement was $50.

LA police gear has them for 38$

http://m.lapolicegear.com/katadyn-h...4HNpUttcqgMLiuQZXx1H4k1JuXSKA8CfaaxoCvPnw_wcB

 

[Brock A]

Thanks for the info. Time to do some research!

 

[MTbowhunter36]

I switched to the Sawyer, but have had my PUR since the late 90s and it still keeps on pumping. The PUR is just heavy compared to other options.

 

[aggieland]

So, If I plan to Run the Sawyer Mini inline with my Water bladder. Would the Geigerrig be thebest option? I had never even heard of these until this thread but they do seem to be some very nice Bladders, I just ordered the Sawyer mini so I have no idea how difficult sucking water through the line will actually be. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[bridgerbenson]

I used the Sawyer inline last year in Colorado. First one plugged up and I couldn't get it working again. Luckily was close to a walmart so bought another. It was plugged and barely trickling water by the end of the trip. Going with a katadyn hiker pro this year.

 

[Darren Best]

No matter the filter you use, it's a very good idea to pre-filter your water. A piece of cloth or coffee filter will work. Gunk can plug up a filter fast and it only takes seconds to filter it off.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

The Sawyer comes with a syringe to clean out the filter, just by backflow. My PUR got plugged up when it was used in the red rocks in Utah. No filter is immune from getting plugged.

 

[twall13]

It looks like I'm a little outside the norm but I've been running a First Need XLE water purifier. It's a bit bulky and heavy but it's pretty versatile in that I can hang the storage bag and let it filter like the Gravity Works or use the pump which is actually pretty fast. It also is a water purifier so it cleans out more gunk than a typical filter.

I also have and occasionally use a Sawyer Mini as that thing is tiny and weighs next to nothing but it's a lot more work to get a water supply with it. If I drink straight from the Mini it works but I typically like to have a decent supply of clean water on hand and filling bags to squeeze out can get cumbersome. If I used it in line on a bladder it might be better but I haven't tried that route yet. If I ever get a Geigerigg I'll probably go this route. I may need to do some more experimenting anyway to save some weight and space.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Katadyne Hiker Pro and their Base Camp model for extended stays and/or showers.

 

[White Wizard]

A friend of mines Katadyne broke on a trip last year and kinda spooked me on them. Not sure how old it was, but I know hes pretty easy on gear. Bought an MSR miniworkx. just used it around the house but seems to be pretty good so far. Also screws right on my nalgene and my bladder and makes it easy to fill.

Might give the Gigerigg setup a try too. Looks light hand I like the presure for multi purpose use.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

What's the latest & greatest water filter everyone is using? I've been using the sawyer squeeze for the last 2 years or so and I am on my 3rd one. Time to move on.

Not so much concerned about weight, more so durability and the ability to filter water quickly.

Brock, When you say durability, what exactly are your issues w/ the Sawyer?
Do you back flush regularly when you get back home?

Currently I'm using the Sawyer Mini on an inline gravity rig and so far I haven't had a flow issue, but I also back flush a couple times a season... or when I think about it.
I did have to back flush afield once, and I just used a platy bottle w/ some clean water we'd already filtered.
I just pushed on the platy bottle ready hard to pressurize the filter and it seemed to open it right up and it started flowing much faster again.
Just curious about your issues.
Hunt'nFish

 

[jmez]

So, If I plan to Run the Sawyer Mini inline with my Water bladder. Would the Geigerrig be thebest option? I had never even heard of these until this thread but they do seem to be some very nice Bladders, I just ordered the Sawyer mini so I have no idea how difficult sucking water through the line will actually be. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

This is what I used last year and it worked great. I just put it inline in my Camelback with no issues. Mine never plugged and it takes very little effort to suck the water through.

 

[troutdreamer]

I use the katadyn hiker pro, pretty easy system, but likely not the latest and greatest

Same here...

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I use the Katadyne Hiker Pro and Base Camp (for longer trips).

 

[COlineman78]

I use the same system as SHTF. I have never had an issue and always backwash after every trip. I do not filter into a reservoir although have considered it. I simply pump straight into my Nalgene or Jetboil as needed. I also usually bring a soft bucket so I don't have to make as many trips down to water and it is easier to fill. I do keep a hose with a bite valve in my pack so I can drink right off the filter on the move. Lastly, I use a mosquito net as a pre-filter when I fill to prevent big chunks that may clog the hoses or the filter.

 

[Art Vandeley]

I'm using the Platypus gravity system. I really like it, easy to use and quick. Only problem is; it is hard to fill the dirty water bladder if the water is really shallow.

 

[rodney482]

hiker pro with QD's

it has never failed me.

 

[Brock A]

Brock, When you say durability, what exactly are your issues w/ the Sawyer?
Do you back flush regularly when you get back home?

Currently I'm using the Sawyer Mini on an inline gravity rig and so far I haven't had a flow issue, but I also back flush a couple times a season... or when I think about it.
I did have to back flush afield once, and I just used a platy bottle w/ some clean water we'd already filtered.
I just pushed on the platy bottle ready hard to pressurize the filter and it seemed to open it right up and it started flowing much faster again.
Just curious about your issues.
Hunt'nFish

It's the flow rate slowing down over the course of 5 or 6 trips. Yes, I back flush every other trip.