I would like everyone's opinion about water filters. Do you like iodine or filters?, witch is better?

not filter, a purifier for me...first need. been using that model for 20+ years now. crystal clear, tasteless water.

Yes a MSR sweetwater filter for me. I use a coffee filter over the prefilter before the main filter. I filters out all the nasties. You can field clean the filter if needed. The First need filter is also a great filter. I had one for many years.

Sawyer gravity filter by far my first choice. Also have a MSR Sweetwater. Good pump filter, can be cleaned in the field. My two cents.
Bruce

I like a filter. I don't care for things floating in my water. I also don't eat grubs.

I have a Katadyn Guide and Base Camp fi lters. Both have always worded well but I have been disappointed with filter life on both of these. I have heard good things about the Sawyer gravity filter but don't have any personal experience. I'm planning on replacing my guide with an MSR mini works before my next trip. I know a few folks with that filter and all of them like it.

I followed the advice on a thread this spring where the Sawyer gravity filter got great reviews. I got one and used it on our May trip. It is great! lots of water fast and high level of filtration.

I have used a MSR Waterworks for some number of years and like it.

I remember when I was a kid we just dipped our cup in and took a drink or lifted the paddle up in the air and drank the water running down the side. Never got sick...but I dont care to do that anymore!

It would be interesting to know if/how much the water quality has changed over the years.

MSR MiniWorks here. I like being able to scrub down the filter element to restore flow. The downside is having the scrub down the filter a bit frequently (say 3-5 liters depending on BWCA water quality).

I also have an MSR AutoFlow gravity filter that worked great the beginning of the trip, but did slow down a fair bit towards the 4th day or so (should have backflushed a bit more frequently). The flow has been pretty well restored once I got home.

Katadyn Hiker filter.

I have a Katadyn Hiker Pro, and a Katadyn Base Camp Filter.
(they both use the same filter cartridge)
The Hiker Pro is a hand pump. I use to use it for day use and the Base Camp for hanging in camp. I WRAP some pre-filter material around the base camp filter...that really extends the life of the base camp filter. Plus it doesnt slow down and plug that way.

I have since bought a Steri-Pen. I will use the SteriPen on the trail canoeing during the day, and the BASE camp in camp.

It takes like 90 seconds to SteriPen a Liter of water. I bought a pre-filter that goes on the top of the Nalgene to get the Bigger Particultes out. Then you just push a button on the Steripen and Stir for 90 seconds.

I will be trying this system out in Woodland Caribou and will know more in a month.

SunCatcher

Katadyn hiker or hiker pro. Can't go wrong with either. The pro will move water a bit quicker I think, they both use the same replacement filter too so that is a bonus. Very proven designs. Solid performance in my years of experience. Both weigh in around 11oz.
As far as tablets go, I will carry them as back-up on EVERY outing. I carry them exclusivly on backpacking trips, however when I can spare the extra room and weight like in BW I will carry the Katadyn. I don't use Iodine tablets. They taste funny and are not recomennded for long-term use. The Chlorine Dioxide I prefer by a wide margin.

-Steven

quote Bannock: "Katadyn Hiker filter."

Same here. Very good filter at reasonable cost, and doesn't mess up the taste of good 'ol canoecountry water.

I doubt many will recommend iodine pills since they add a "taste" to the water. I used to always filter my water, but I have become a mid lake dipper the past few years. I bring my Pur Guide filter for when I'm on shore and need some water. Dipping is a personal choice and I would never push it on someone else.

While out on the water I use a bottle type filter (no longer made) but in camp I use a Sawyer gravity filter with a Nalgene bottle. I really like the Sawyer filter although a Katydn gravity is easier to fill.

I got the MSR Miniworks, the MSR Hyperflow and a Sawyer Gravity Filter. By far my favorite is the Sawyer Gravity Filter. Why?

1. No Pumping.
2. Can be backflushed while out camping.
3. In an emergency, it can be an extra 4 liter water carrier.
4. Lightweight when empty
5. Doesn't take up a lot of space when packed empty

My next favorite is the Hyperflow, because it is lightweight and packs small. I am wary though of the build quality.

And the old, tried and true MSR MiniWorks. If I needed to survive a nuclear fallout, this would be the one I would grab first. Rock solid construction, filter can be scrubbed clean, and it is simple to use. However, it is the heaviest and takes up the most space of the three.

However, in my ditch kit, I do carry a small bottle of tablets. But if I were to need that ditch kit in the Boundary Waters, I probably wouldn't use those tablets of iodine.

Have used MSR Miniworks for years and it has been great. If I go with more than two people, then I bring an extra or my Steri-Pen, which works great too.

quote Minnesotian:

My next favorite is the Hyperflow, because it is lightweight and packs small. I am wary though of the build quality.

"

Have you had issues with rapidly decreasing flowrate with the Hyperflow? I really have to muscle mine after the first day or so of a trip, was wondering if there is something I can do to solve this problem.

Katadyn for me. Both a hiker and a basecamp

I used a Katadyn Base Camp. It slowed down noticeably on the 7th day, that's mostly because I got water near shore and didn't pre-filter. Long story short, we drank a lot of water, it all tasted fine and 2 weeks later we're both quite well.

I used the platypus gravity filter for the first time a few weeks ago. It worked great on our 4 day trip. We filtered from shore in total about 32 liters. Backflushed as directed before every bag. It still filters as fast as the first bag, and it's way faster than the advertised 2.5 minutes per 4 liter bag.

After 3-4 years thinking the Katadyn Base Camp system was the answer and fighting with it to keep a decent flow of filtered water coming we switched to the Platypus system this year. (Picked it up at Canoecopia after lengthy talk and comparison with other systems) What a welcome change. Many liters of filtered water flowing quickly! We backflushed it every so often and, I felt, it was still working fine and didn't really need it. The only complaint I had was the scoop (dirty water) bag was only 4 liters and we easily could have used a larger bag. As it was we would collect extra water with whatever container we could use and as soon as the first bag filtered (which was not long!) we'd all fill our nalgenes and then refill the bag so we'd have a ready supply of drinking water. We could filter what we needed and then some in less time than the old Katadyn system could ever do.

I use the Katadyn Base Camp and tablets for back up. I like the Katadyn because I don't have to think about water all the time. It produces a lot in a short period of time.

quote bapazian1: "

quote Minnesotian:


My next favorite is the Hyperflow, because it is lightweight and packs small. I am wary though of the build quality.


"

Have you had issues with rapidly decreasing flowrate with the Hyperflow? I really have to muscle mine after the first day or so of a trip, was wondering if there is something I can do to solve this problem."

Bapazian1
Ya, that sounds familiar. Backflushing in the field helps greatly, but ya, there is some muscling involved with it still.

Edit: And MSR recommends backflushing the Hyperflow after ever use. Here is a Youtube video on how to do it: Hyperflow Backflushing

Hope that helps you.

OK....this goes back to a previous thread about filters. I've used the Katadyn Base camper for a bunch of trips now with little to no problems. Well.....the timing and type of lakes must have been right this time. The filter slowed quite a bit after day one. I had a spare cartridge that I put in on day 2 and that slowed quite a bit by day 4.
I'm now scheming on my next move. Rather than buy all new, I sawed off the old filter and will just use it as a plug for the bag bottom and as a prefilter. I think I will buy a Sawyer Filter bottle (for travel day use) and then take out the filter and install it as an inline filter on the Basecamper outlet hose. I'll let you know how it works.

I had planed on doing something very similar to Cowdoc's suggestion since my Katadyn base camp doesn't last more than one trip also.

I just found out MSR dromedary bag cap fits on the bottom of the base camp bag without the installed filter. Just attach a Sawyer filter and some hose. MSR Dromedary cap

quote TwoByGreenCanoe: "I had planed on doing something very similar to Cowdoc's suggestion since my Katadyn base camp doesn't last more than one trip also.


I just found out MSR dromedary bag cap fits on the bottom of the base camp bag without the installed filter. Just attach a Sawyer filter and some hose. MSR Dromedary cap "

Thanks for passing along the information. I will be picking one up. Then save my filter for my hiker pro.

Jrlatt

Another Katadyn Hiker here.

I've been meaning to switch to a first need one of these days. I've heard nothing but great things.

Steripen here (with a Katadyn Hiker for backup)

quote Scout64: "I use the Katadyn Base Camp and tablets for back up. I like the Katadyn because I don't have to think about water all the time. It produces a lot in a short period of time."

i use the exact same setup.

MSR gravity filter. Had it for two years and it works flawlessly. My kids like to paddle out to get water-that's how easy it is to use!

I'm thinking of getting the MSR Gravity filter as I can get a good deal through "work". But I've had the hiker before it was the hiker and it still works good. I found greasing the o-ring in the pump helps a lot. My only problem is when the pollen is so bad in the spring. Last year it was my May trip, this year it was my June trip. It saved the day for my trip partner as he had the Steri pen and it failed. But the pollen made things difficult by the end of twelve days. And no we didn't go out in the lake always to get better water... It was bad out there too anyways.

quote cowdoc: "OK....this goes back to a previous thread about filters. I've used the Katadyn Base camper for a bunch of trips now with little to no problems. Well.....the timing and type of lakes must have been right this time. The filter slowed quite a bit after day one. I had a spare cartridge that I put in on day 2 and that slowed quite a bit by day 4.
I'm now scheming on my next move. Rather than buy all new, I sawed off the old filter and will just use it as a plug for the bag bottom and as a prefilter. I think I will buy a Sawyer Filter bottle (for travel day use) and then take out the filter and install it as an inline filter on the Basecamper outlet hose. I'll let you know how it works."

Great minds think a like - we did exactly as you proposed on our May trip - worked super well!! The Sawyer is so much better - faster and has a finer filter. I will be anxious to hear if you have a good experience with it.

Always used the MSR Mini works and it works great and cleaning is easy. This year I got the MSR gravity flow and it is fast and easy. The problem I have with the gravty flow is the bad taste of plastic. I have tried to clean it and still have the taste. I will be sending it back for exchange to see if another one is better.

quote Grandma L: "

quote cowdoc: "OK....this goes back to a previous thread about filters. I've used the Katadyn Base camper for a bunch of trips now with little to no problems. Well.....the timing and type of lakes must have been right this time. The filter slowed quite a bit after day one. I had a spare cartridge that I put in on day 2 and that slowed quite a bit by day 4.
I'm now scheming on my next move. Rather than buy all new, I sawed off the old filter and will just use it as a plug for the bag bottom and as a prefilter. I think I will buy a Sawyer Filter bottle (for travel day use) and then take out the filter and install it as an inline filter on the Basecamper outlet hose. I'll let you know how it works."

Great minds think a like - we did exactly as you proposed on our May trip - worked super well!! The Sawyer is so much better - faster and has a finer filter. I will be anxious to hear if you have a good experience with it. "

Glad to know it works. Thanks for the info.

Gonna go ...go big

JB

quote HowardSprague: "

quote Bannock: "Katadyn Hiker filter."

Same here. Very good filter at reasonable cost, and doesn't mess up the taste of good 'ol canoecountry water."

same here. got it used from this forum, double bonus.

Just for your information the MSR dromedary bag cap is out of stock at the Bloomington and Maple Grove REI stores. If you want one order it online, or Midwest does have a few in stock.

Jrlatt

just ordered the sawyer gravity filter last night...excited to give it a try...using a pump last year just took much of my time

quote nctry: "I'm thinking of getting the MSR Gravity filter as I can get a good deal through "work". But I've had the hiker before it was the hiker and it still works good. I found greasing the o-ring in the pump helps a lot. My only problem is when the pollen is so bad in the spring. Last year it was my May trip, this year it was my June trip. It saved the day for my trip partner as he had the Steri pen and it failed. But the pollen made things difficult by the end of twelve days. And no we didn't go out in the lake always to get better water... It was bad out there too anyways."

You'll love the MSR! You do need to backfilter it every other day or so, but that's easy and takes little time. I also have a Hiker but have not even thought of bringing it since I got the MSR.

I have the Katadyn Vario.

TwoByGreenCanoe

The MSR dromedary bag cap also fits on the sayer complete bag.

Jrlatt

ive never understood the aversion to pumping water.

in the grand scheme, the amount of time you spend pumping water is NOTHING compared to the rest of your trip.

i do understand the ease of gravity filtering, but so many here seem to just plain despise pumping. i guess i just dont get the hate.

"ive never understood the aversion to pumping water." kanoes

Might have something to do with how much time is involved! I use a First Need also and have Impressed a few with the demonstration, it filters twice as much water in the time they take!

butthead

Kanoes, when a person travels in small groups or solo like yourself, I agree that filtering water takes up a very small amount of time. I would also like to add that water filtering can be a nice and relaxing break from all the tough work one does on a canoe trip.

When traveling with a large group, water can be a real hassle especially when a some of the people in that group are not real good at doing tasks unless told to or forced to. Gravity filters are great for those groups.

Katadyn. I have used and currently use a combo of different ones. Large gravity bag filter for camp (can double as a shower with slight modifications) and the Vario which gives alot of water, fast. I have taken the Hiker Pro but I find the "pump" on it a little less than ergonomic. But then I am not coordinated anyway. The Vario can screw directly onto a water bottle which I find REALLY nice. The Hiker has an adapter for a water bottle but I have not been able to find a water bottle that it actually fits.

Another happy user of an MSR MiniWorks here. Solid construction and field maintainability were what made me buy it.

I tested out the sawyer filter on the Base Camp bag and this combo works great. I was very impressed with the speed and I like the upsides of the sawyer setup.

As far as why do people hate pumping, because its something that takes time and effort that can be spent elsewhere. I would much rather hang a bag in the tree while I setup camp then sit in the boat pumping. Or I could be fishing, or napping or whatever. When you need to fill 4 nalgenes, a platypus bag and maybe more, just to get water for an afternoon, that could take a half hour. I would much rather let gravity do the work while I do something that's actually productive.

I have the Katadyne Hiker Pro. I've had it for years with no problems. Like kanoes, pumping water is one of the least time consuming or strenuous things I do. What's the big deal? When I travel with other people we all have our own filters and filter our own water.

cjrn, the outflow on my Hiker pro fits snugly into a Nalgene 1 liter bottle.

If I traveled in big groups, which I'll never do, or basecamped, I would probably invest in a gravity filter. For now I'm happy with my hiker.

I carry potable aqua pills as a backup. Before I got my katadyne I used the pills and don't care for the taste, but it's better than giardia!

First Need here.

To be fair, I do always bring an MSR Sweetwater. Its a pump, but one of the reasons I chose it is because of its speed. It hasn't been used in two years thanks to the gravity filter.

I will liken the "why to pump" discussion right next to the "why single portage" question. We all have different reasons for doing what we do. Adding an extra lap at every portage and spending extra time pumping water seems like a waste of time TO ME, but if others enjoy walking over portages or sitting and pumping their water, more power to them. I'm not trying to convert you.

We purchased two of the base camp gravity flow by katadyn. The first one did great the first few days then slowed to a trickle. We thought it was an issue of not using a pre-filter (coffee filter). We bought a second one thinking the first one was just a bad one. On the next trip we took both with new filters, same issue with both. We ended up boiling a lot of water to keep up with fresh water needs for those that didn't want to dip (includes me). We tried all types of back flushing, cleaning, drying out the filters, etc. I would not buy another one.

quote backwoods pro: "We purchased two of the base camp gravity flow by katadyn. The first one did great the first few days then slowed to a trickle. We thought it was an issue of not using a pre-filter (coffee filter). We bought a second one thinking the first one was just a bad one. On the next trip we took both with new filters, same issue with both. We ended up boiling a lot of water to keep up with fresh water needs for those that didn't want to dip (includes me). We tried all types of back flushing, cleaning, drying out the filters, etc. I would not buy another one."

There has been lots of discussion on the posts over the years as to the poor performance of the Katadyn base camp filter. Most have altered it to use an inline filter with it instead or have gotten an MSR, Sawyer or Platypus Gravity Filter.

WE have the Katadyn Vario and used it for several years, with varying levels of success. Bought a Platypus gravity system a couple years ago...best gear purchase in a long time. Effective, convenient, simple.Pumping is not that bad, when the filter works right. But gravity systems leave that time for something more interesting or rewarding and work much better too. Backflush 8 ounces at the end of each filtered bag by elevating the clean bag above the dirty and it will contin\ue to function well.

From another post...

This is a shot of our water station on our BWCA trip over Memorial weekend. Very convenient and 16 liters of fresh filtered water available at all times. It consists of 2 6 liter MSR Hydration reservoirs with replacement spigots (the ones that come with them suck) and a Platypus Gravity filter system. No trees were harmed in the creation of this photo...or the station. Used rope, bungees and carabiners, and took it down when we left.






Ultimate Water Station

We had a same/experience with our Katadyn Base Camp filter. It worked great for about a day and a half, then slowed to a trickle. The following year we bought the “upgrade” kit, which I suspect was created after bad reviews, and we had the same experience. Fortunately for us, I brought my MSR mini works filter as a back-up. I’ve contacted the company to express my concern, and never heard a word back. So.... $200 in, I have filter that is no use to me. We are seasoned campers, and my husband is a “Macgyver” of sorts....are we missing something....comments/suggestions?

Katadyn Befree 0.6L for traveling in the canoe. 3L for camp. Both weigh next to nothing and can be backflushed.

kanoes: "not filter, a purifier for me...first need. been using that model for 20+ years now. crystal clear, tasteless water."

Thanks man! Never heard of this filter. Really quick as well.

We use a MSR charcoal filter and a Platapus gravity filter. The system works great, for large groups, always enough water with two systems in play.

Frenchy19: "MSR gravity filter. Had it for two years and it works flawlessly. My kids like to paddle out to gbeccaet water-that's how easy it is to use!"

I've had mine for 2 years now and no problems. I do notice I need to backwash the filter often but I do just get the water from shore. Is that why you paddle out for your water?

Beaverslide: "We had a same/experience with our Katadyn Base Camp filter. It worked great for about a day and a half, then slowed to a trickle. The following year we bought the “upgrade” kit, which I suspect was created after bad reviews, and we had the same experience. Fortunately for us, I brought my MSR mini works filter as a back-up. I’ve contacted the company to express my concern, and never heard a word back. So.... $200 in, I have filter that is no use to me. We are seasoned campers, and my husband is a “Macgyver” of sorts....are we missing something....comments/suggestions?"

Stu with bwj swears by these. Not used with great luck for a lot of people.
MSR gravity system with Sawyer filter for me.

GearJunkie: "

kanoes: "not filter, a purifier for me...first need. been using that model for 20+ years now. crystal clear, tasteless water."

Thanks man! Never heard of this filter. Really quick as well."

He's smiling at you from heaven...

For drinking water I use the Lifestraw water bottle. I like it because when it gets hot I can refill with cold water from the lake. The convenience is great.

I use a Lifestraw gravity filter for cooking water. It works but I have not compared it with the competition.

How about a recommendation for the collapsible water containers? All the ones I have tried leaked at some point.

For the last 15 years I have not used a water filter or tablets. I simply reach down well under the water surface and fill my water bottle in deep water well away from shore. We fill our camp water bag the same way. This may sound a little crazy, but I have never had a problem. I do carry some iodine tablets if an emergency should come up and I am forced to drink questionable water. I recently bought a sawyer squeeze that I will likely bring on my trip later in May. There is a hiking trail nearby and when I spend a few hours on the trail I end up getting water from the shore.

For camp I use a Platypus Gravity works 4 Liter system. The Platypus is fast, easy to back flush and has never failed me. I have used just the Platypus and it will keep 6 ppl at camp hydrated easily on its own.

Katadyn be free is perfect for water on the go. Its has the fastest/most flow I have ever seen in water filtering. It also folds down to nothing. No backflushing needed. Just rinse the filter. Fits easy into any of your pockets.

In theory one person on a day trip could just bring the be free (20 oz) and squeeze clean water into everyone's bottle. For more storage it is also compatible with the Hydrapak Seeker, which is a 2-4 liter super compact water storage bag. I bought one for my brother for his bday. Everyone that has used mine has been impressed by how good the flow is.

Platypus weighs like 14 oz. The Be Free weighs 3 oz. At around 1lb of weight covers all water needs.

I think each tripper should have a Be Free and then use 1 Gravity works at your site.

Last trip I went with a base camp. It was good for everyone. Slow but good.

This trip everyone has personal filters. I already bought the Sawyer mini like everyone else in our group.

However... after watching the YouTube vids on the First Need. Sold! 1 quart in less than a minute. Can ditch a reservoir. Refill a nalgene mid paddle. And the space is no more than a sawyer and 2 liter res. So glad a few of you guys mentioned it.

GearJunkie: "However... after watching the YouTube vids on the First Need. Sold! 1 quart in less than a minute. Can ditch a reservoir. Refill a nalgene mid paddle. And the space is no more than a sawyer and 2 liter res. So glad a few of you guys mentioned it."

While I own/use/recommend a "First Need", it is easier to use a "Trailshot" squeeze hand pump filter in a canoe. It has replaced the "Sawyer Minis" I used for weight and pack size, and the First Need only comes on trips with very questionable water now. Doubles as a gravity filter with some home adaptation. MSR does offer a convertible
TrailBase system.

butthead

Don't know a lot of filters, but General Ecology, First Need XLE Elite Water Purifier is only one that I've ever used. It is great, can be field serviced - etc. I also, against advice, often drink out of the lakes. On Solo trips mid trip or if have small kids along, always filter .

chr1s00: "I used the platypus gravity filter for the first time a few weeks ago. It worked great on our 4 day trip. We filtered from shore in total about 32 liters. Backflushed as directed before every bag. It still filters as fast as the first bag, and it's way faster than the advertised 2.5 minutes per 4 liter bag."

it is so fast its hard to believe it is filtering at first! :)
+1 platypus and +1 DIY sawyer gravity system

Make your own.

Ardwich: "Make your own. "

Nice bag. I modified/fixed a Katydyn basecamp after way too many filter failures. I really like the basecamp bag. But it is starting to leak. Your bag looks good.

Sawyer squeeze for me. This year, I might make a setup to use it gravity feed.

Ardwich: "Make your own. "

What filter and bag to you guys recommend for building your own?

A1t2o: "

Ardwich: "Make your own. "

What filter and bag to you guys recommend for building your own?"

That appears to be the Wal Mart brand dry bag and the Sawyer Squeeze filter. You’ll have to buy the adapter and punch a hole in the dry bag. Super easy and cheap to do.

Depends on how much water you want, etc. I've used the Sawyer Squeeze/Mini bags (2L size), which are very light, with adapters and tubing. You can punch holes in the bottom corners of the bag with a hole punch to hang it. I've also connected it the same way to the bags from MSR and Platypus gravity systems. MSR has several size Dromedary bags.

A1t2o: "

Ardwich: "Make your own. "

What filter and bag to you guys recommend for building your own?"

I just stumbled across sawyers gravity feed setup. $34 on amazon. Includes one gallon res, sawyer mini, surgical tubing, and all the fittings. It would be a be challenge to build something cheaper on your own.

GearJunkie: "I just stumbled across sawyers gravity feed setup. $34 on amazon. Includes one gallon res, sawyer mini, surgical tubing, and all the fittings. It would be a be challenge to build something cheaper on your own."

A quick link
These sure are showing up in a wide variety of shapes and sizes...most designs unheard of when this thread started 7 years back.