OT: Backpacking water filter

[schwa86]

Folks--

Have been using an old first need that finally met its demise. Headed out for a week with my son in the White Mtns. Haven't really kept up with the technology. Any favorites? Don't need high volume, do like to be able to do some limited unclogging on the trail (eg you can back flush the first need).

All advice appreciated--

[93legendti]

Steripen-tiny, light, quick, easy and no mess.

[gdw]

I'm old school and use tablets of one form or another. Never had any problems but some folks are more sensitive. The reviews at these sites are pretty good and might be helpful.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Water%20Treatment/

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/category_display?cid=55&cat=Hydration%20%2D%20Water%20Treatment

[false_Aest]

+1 on the UV pen.

if the h20 is cloudy its a problem though since the cloudyness makes it harder fr teh UV to kill things

quick/cheap filtration for particulate can be had by running the water through a paper coffee filter. it's not perfect but it does help.

[93legendti]

I thought the tablets can take up to 4 hrs to work? The Steripen takes 90 seconds. iirc, it's the same technology used to make our city water safe to drink.

MSR also makes a light, quick filter: http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/fast-and-light-water-treatment-and-hydration/category

I take both systems with me on trips.

[FGC]

I like the MSR Mini Works. Field serviceable, works well, light, takes care of most pathogens in the water.

The Steri-pen does look great too, but I'll probably never use one because the Mini Works seems like it will last forever.

I've also used Aqua-Mira and no filter. We found dead things floating in our water source a few times and nobody got sick.

[93legendti]

here's a look at some different systems:

http://www.backpacker.com/march-2011-8-ways-to-treat-water/gear/15287

[csm]

msr mini works.... easy to use. and it works

[schwa86]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses.

[Don49]

I use tablets in the backcountry.

This is a popular one for bike packing trips, and should work well for backpacking too. $50 http://www.sawyer.com/SP149.htm

[sand fungus]

+2 on the UV pen. I use a light pen and my hiking buddies use a pump type filters. I think there are advantages to both.

[danksteez]

I have a pur that's been kicking for 8 years, replaced the filter a couple times. I think they're under a new brand now tho.

[merlinmurph]

I have an MSR lying around somewhere you can borrow. I think I used it once on a kayak trip. I'm west of Boston.

What a fantastic trip for father and son - Have a great trip.

Murph