Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: Elkaholic87 on May 07, 2014, 12:37:50 PM

Title: Water Purifiers
Post by: Elkaholic87 on May 07, 2014, 12:37:50 PM: I'm just curious as to which water purifiers some of you are you using and what the pros/cons are of your current system. I'm thinking about getting the First Need XLE and was hoping to get some feedback, thanks.

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Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Rider on May 07, 2014, 10:45:05 PM: MSR MiniWorks Microfilter

Cons: Slower than others, somewhat pricey.

Pros: Very effective, attaches to my MSR water bladder that goes in my pack, lightweight ~1#
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 07, 2014, 11:08:23 PM: I have the Platy Gravity Filter.

Pro's: High volume, minimum work.

Con's: I wouldn't use it in super silty water, it clogs easily and is not field serviceable.

I also have the Katadyn Hiker Pro on order for use in areas where I will need to field service it.
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: mossy8352 on May 07, 2014, 11:11:31 PM: You will like the Katadyn it works.
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Maligator on May 08, 2014, 12:56:35 AM: I use the Steri - pen for clear water and then strain it with a coffee filter if it's loaded with particulates.
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Bmcox86 on May 10, 2014, 05:03:03 AM: Sawyer squeeze and sawyer mini
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 10, 2014, 05:27:49 AM: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product)

MSR Miniworks Microfilter EX backed up by

Pros:
Local company;
Made in USA;
Bulletproof;
Been around almost unchanged for a quite a while and popular, so replacement consumables and accessories are readily available; and
Attaches directly to a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle or similar.

Cons:
Somewhat heavy and bulky compared to some of the super lightweight versions.

But if I want to go lightweight, I just boil or use water purification tablets.
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Rider on May 10, 2014, 08:41:44 PM: Good read: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-treatment-backcountry.html (http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-treatment-backcountry.html)
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: fair-chase on May 10, 2014, 09:18:27 PM: Sawyer mini for me. But it's a filter, not a purifier. I just don't have a need for a purifier in the areas that I frequent.

Pros:
Lightweight
Compact
Versatile
Low Price

Cons:
Slow when using as a gravity filter. Moderate if you can apply pressure.
When used as an inline filter to your water bladder, there is some resistance. Similar to drinking a milkshake through a straw.
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Jingles on May 11, 2014, 09:12:51 AM: Don't use one have been drinking creek, stream and river water in the mountains for nigh on 21 years and haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood)
If all else fail just boil the water before drinking cold
Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: Elkaholic87 on May 11, 2014, 10:03:14 AM: I assume you boil all of your water?

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Title: Re: Water Purifiers
Post by: rover758 on May 11, 2014, 11:35:30 AM: I gotta agree with the two previous posts 'cept I've been drinking out of running water for nigh onto 50 years in the outdoors. Boiling water is your sure bet. 15 or so years ago my brother and I would meet up one a year and hike 50 to 75 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT). He had a water purifier that suffered failure a time or two. It was a pain to use as well. Me? I always stuck to the old school. Iodine tables followed by a Ph balancer. Water was always fine. Takes up less space and weighs next to nothing in the pack.