I normally use a Katahdin Hiker filter and in the northeast it lasts multiple seasons. Last year was my first trip to the BWCA and by the end of a two week trip it was very difficult to pump. I assume the tannins pass through so is it algae that plugs the filter? I filter from what looks like clean water normally from the canoe mid-lake.

Never really had much problem with mine. New filter in it every few years. Good to go now I do paddle in the shoulder seasons, so less algae. ?

Depends on the time of the year. Algae usually isn't much of a problem. Pine pollen can be an issue.

I think the simplest thing to do is to get one of the many hollow fiber filters that are field maintainable by back flushing.

Sawyer filter and back flush regularly. Mine has been going for 4 years, river trips also and should last many more. But without a filter you can back flush I think you are in trouble. Mine is the mine with some silicone tubing and an old platypus make a gravity filter for under $30.

The Best For the BW. Simple and easy to clean. Comes in many different sizes. The 0.6L is great for on the move

I solved my filter clogging problems - Hiker pump and Platypus gravity - by using a light collapsible bucket. I collect a bucket full and let it sit 5-10 minutes before filtering.

Welcome to the site fishinmagician78. Using the search feature you will find many good threads on water filters. In my opinion if it's more than one of you tripping then a gravity filter makes sense. The most popular are the Sawyer (which I have not used) and the Platypus GravityWorks which I very highly recommend. It's simple to use, lightweight, backflushes easily and provides as much fresh water as you could desire.

the First Need that people were raving about 2-3 years ago sure did become obsolete fast

I see most places don't even sell it anymore

I believe your statement about the tannin in the water is correct. I have had very different experiences with the hollow fiber filters than others here. I can't get them to last more than 3 trips before they are totally clogged, even with backflushing. When I contacted Sawyer about this problem they said that the tannin leaves a sticky residue that clogs the filter. So I resorted back to the tried and true MSR Miniworks filter. The gravity filters are great when they work, but I have had no luck with them.

Lots of references to poor performance with Katahdin filters in this and some other forums, by regular members and users. Anyway I use hollow fiber filters that can be back-flushed in the field. Saywer, MSR, and First Need specifically.
ZSp00k, I just bought a First Need replacement filter filter at the Milwaukee REI, they had a board full. They can be found on a bunch of web camping stores.

While I still like my FirstNeed it is large and heavy compared to the MSR Trail Base I also have. It (First Need) still has the fastest pumping and a purifier rating, with the best neutral taste after treating.

butthead

Best piece of gear we have bought in the last 10 years or more...hands down: the Platypus 4 liter gravity filter system - to some extent it transformed our trips. We bought an extra filter for a spare several years ago and it is yet to be used. Ease of getting water while you are accomplishing other camp tasks...or relaxing.

We bring two 6 liter MSR reservoirs so with the clean Platypus water bag we typically have 16 liters of fresh water available so no need to be careful with it and easy to stay hydrated.

Used to have a Katadyn pump filter, never worked beyond the first couple days.



Our typical water system:

butthead: "Lots of references to poor performance with Katahdin filters in this and some other forums, by regular members and users. Anyway I use hollow fiber filters that can be back-flushed in the field. Saywer, MSR, and First Need specifically.
ZSp00k, I just bought a First Need replacement filter filter at the Milwaukee REI, they had a board full. They can be found on a bunch of web camping stores.


While I still like my FirstNeed it is large and heavy compared to the MSR Trail Base I also have. It (First Need) still has the fastest pumping and a purifier rating, with the best neutral taste after treating.


butthead"

good to know, I have one, but I wouldn't have bought it if I knew I'd stumble across a deal on the Sawyer Mini, 3 of 'em for $25, they charge almost that for one now

the REI here doesn't even list the First Need anymore, nice to know somebody has a board full of replacement filters, it's really my doomsday filter, when the Dems & Repo's stop flinging barbs and start using bullets and water becomes more important than money

as for the Hiker, maybe they changed the filter because mine works excellent, but then I also follow the instructions for use, owning three different types of filters it still is my go to for solo trips, I wouldn't trust others using it given the poor reports from others, experience tells me that some people can't even be trusted with a screwdriver without screwing something up, the Sawyer for longer solo trips


If I had to do it all over again I would have bought an MSR Miniworks EX, I have tripped with several people that own them, they have been around a long time and again, if you follow instructions, seem to last forever, never seen a failure despite a lot of use

I don't put much into speed, the whole point of tripping is to free yourself from the clock, IMO, weight and bulk though, can't beat the Sawyer Mini

ZaraSp00k: "as for the Hiker, maybe they changed the filter because mine works excellent,"

If you check the areas folks complain about the Katahdin filter they center around the upper midwest. I believe it atributable to the solid in the waters from forest decay. Tannins, pollens, moulds, a mix of hardwoods and pine growth found between boreal and mixed hardwood forest types. Pacific coast and mountain and plains use shows few problems.

First Need is a part of General Ecology a worldwide home, residential, travel, marine, and aviation, purifier, company. A much larger product base than Niche hiker camper filtration manufacturers. I do not think you need to worry about them folding up and disappearing from the market.
I keep my First Need around for the same reason, "Shit hit's The Fan", and came in handy for a short time 2 years ago during a Fox River flooding of Burlington, some folks had bad water for 3 weeks. The thing will pump sludge and produce clear fresh tasting water!

butthead

I think a big part of having efficient filters is the maintenance. Every year I bleach my filters using a 10% solution. Just a little bleach in a Nalgene bottle, fill the rest with water and back flush the filter to get all the pollen and crap out. One time I didn't do it on my gravity filter and it was worthless for the next trip. Luckily I bring 2 filters, one gravity and one pump for travel days.

I did bleach the gravity filter after that trip though and the flow increased dramatically. Haven't used it in the field after that though, but for piece of mind I am going to be bringing a spare filter on this year's trip. I also plan to pre-filter the water and get most of the gunk out. I am doing some research on using a metal screen coffee filter glued into a cap as a pre-filter.

Another First Need user here. Still one of a few EPA water purity filters on the market. Yes, it's a bit bulky but it works. We've never been had issues. https://generalecology.com/products/322200

all that may be true about First Need, but I notice all the online camping stores seem to have dropped it from their lineup, which is why I say it is obsolete

I will bring it when I go to BC kayaking/car camping, but hiking/canoeing, no
too heavy and bulky, besides, the Sawyer Mini is far cheaper