Which water filtration pump?

[Rockhammer]

Katadyne Hiker Pro for me. Others have already covered the reasons.

 

[LandYacht]

First Need purifier, weighs more than my Sawyer but I can pump water collected on rocks without issue. It's worth the extra weight to not have to hike down to find water.

 

[Grunt-N-Gobble]

The Katadyne Hike pro seems to be a favorite here.

For those that use it, tell me about keeping the o-rings lubricated properly. What's involved and is the lubricant included with the unit?

 

[PA 5-0]

Sawyer with the three bags. Super light and crazy easy. I've just bought my 4th one because EVERY guide I have hunted with asks for mine as part of their tip.

 

[Derek0525]

The Katadyne Hike pro seems to be a favorite here.

For those that use it, tell me about keeping the o-rings lubricated properly. What's involved and is the lubricant included with the unit?

Yes it comes with lubricant for the Orings and it all depends on how much you use it the main one to worry about is the one on the filter cartridge of its not lubed it could be a pain to get the filter out to clean it if needed. I have never had it happen but heard of it happening it doesn't take much just a dab on your finger and go around the oring. I just check mine every year before elk season starts I only had to lube the Oring twice so far. If you ever run out wich would take a long time you could use Keg Lube about $7 and would last a lifetime. other nice thing about the hiker pro is it pretty much has 2 pre filters one on the pickup tube and one wrapped around the filter cartridge.

 

[Derek0525]

Or you can use Aqumira drops wich I carry also but get the drops not the tablets the tablets take longer to work.

 

[Tim M]

I used to use a katadyne hiker pro but with the type of soil we have out here the sediment stays in suspension too long and I have had to replace way too many filter cartridges in a summer, even if we fill another container and let it settle then filter it, so we all switched to the sawyer because we can and do backflush it in the field... I also carry aqua tabs that I use as a backup.

 

[Rockhammer]

We have the same issue in ND, lots of suspended clay particles. I change out my filters on the first of January and the first of June every year, whether they need it or not.

 

[Tim M]

Agree completely, unfortunately it started getting too expensive as I went thru 3 filters in about 6 months then plugged the last and over pressured (blew thru the filter) and caught giardia... hence the reason I switched filters.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

Katadyne is the best pump filter hands down. Have used several others and these move water faster and are just plain simple.
I also fill directly from springs coming out of the ground around here alot and don't even filter much water in several areas I hunt.

 

[7stw]

Aqua Mira drops. And a steripen mostly. Also have a katydyn hiker pro that I'll use if it's going to stay above freezing. Hunting partner carries platypus water works system if above freezing and it works good as well. I prefer to just use the drops if I know I won't be getting water out of a seep though. Lighter than any pump and I've drank gallons of backcountry water sterilized with the drops and never gotten sick. Knew a guy whose filter froze then thawed and he got beaver fever. The combo of steripen and Aqua Mira works great and both together will weigh less than a pump.

 

[Grunt-N-Gobble]

I plan on taking drops as well. The steripen I've read good things about too.

Where I'll be has decent water sources, except maybe one ridge that I haven't been on yet, but I'm sure I can find something there.

Sounds like the Hiker Pro with aqua Mira drops as backup is a good way to go. Maybe even get the sawyer squeeze due to its light weight.

I didn't think this would go 2 pages, so I apperciate all of the replies. Thanks.

 

[beetlespin]

Ill throw a different on in here. I hunt later season mostly so ability to hold up to freezing is important to me. I use the MSR miniworks EX. It is easily field strip-able and easy to maintain. I keep the ceramic filter on my body to keep it from freezing until it has dried completely. Its a bit heavier but i find it a tough unit

 

[thejones]

I have moved away from a filter and now use a steri pen. Light and awesome. Sure you have to carry extra batteries, but all total it is still lighter, and way less space.
Check them out.

 

[pirogue]

I've had a MSR for years and no reason to replace it with anything else.

 

[chrislane]

I use a Sawyer Mini. I like it a lot .

 

[Domestique]

Katadyn Pocket for me. It's more expensive, and heavier then some of the cheaper offerings, but is expedition grade, and one filter will last 13,000 gallons.

Compare that to the Vario: 530 gallons, or Hiker Pro: 300