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07/20/2025 08:08AM |
canoemama3: "Gravity filter - quick and easy! We also have a couple life straw water bottles that we bring with."
Same here! Platypus gravity filter 4L system and a folding bucket (handy for many reasons) for at camp, but while we travel we dip with our lifestraw bottles. That way we don't have to set the whole gravity system up at lunch.
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01/13/2023 10:38AM |
My clean bag failed after 7 years of 1-3 trips per year of use. I contacted Cascade Designs and they sent me a set of the newer design bags.
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01/12/2023 01:44PM |
straighthairedcurly: "For a gravity filter around camp, I use 2 Cnoc bags attached to a Versa Flo by Hydroblu . The nice thing about the Versa Flo is it is designed to screw on the Cnoc bags to both ends. No other coupler needed. It is easily back flushed as well.
I have also fallen in love with the Katadyn BeFree for easy drinking while traveling during the day. My husband loves his Steripen. Katadyn BeFree "
I also use the Hydro-Blu VersaFlow filter between 2 CNOC bags. I also have a Sawyer Water Filter bottle for drinking on the go that I've been using for years.
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01/13/2023 10:23AM |
Tomcat: "The site is under maintenance and I was not able to load photos."
Glad I'm not the only one...I got the same error starting Wednesday.
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01/11/2023 07:54AM |
I use this filter with these bags for in-camp water filtration.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go with the platypus system.
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01/11/2023 09:34AM |
Tomcat: "MacCamper: "There are plenty of hanging filter knockoffs on Amazon. For group expeditions. I’ve been happy with my Waterdrop 6 liter at about a quarter of the cost of a Platypus. Following proper maintenance practices I have yet to have any issues. When on solo trips I rely upon my steripen. "
I agree with McCamper, there are plenty of capable gravity water filter systems that are reasonably priced.
Go Flow 10L gravity bag with Versa Flow water filter
"
Definitely recommend the Hydroblu Versa Flow. You only need a dirty bag since it is threaded on both ends so a Smartwater bottle can screw directly onto it. My setup goes:
- Dirty Bag (3L water bladder like a camelbak but with wide opening top and attached hose)
- Hangs with some paracord and a NiteIze Figure 9 carabiner for variable length.
- Hose clamp as shown on HydroBlu's site.
- Hose connects to Versa Flow filter
- Smart Water bottle screws into clean side of Versa Flow. Also works for the occasional purge when connected. You can also connect a clean Cnoc bag if desired.
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01/11/2023 04:59PM |
No better system out there in our opinion. . ..based on bringing 3 groups up a year for the last 15 years.
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01/12/2023 07:55AM |
sns: "geotramper: "Obviously a lot of support for the Platy Gavity Filter system, but that thing ain't cheap. As a couple others have mentioned, it is easy to set up your Sawyer Squeeze and a gravity system. Just a matter of finding the right dirty and clean water bags, tubing, and connectors.
Here is an ultra-simple setup, which I use, that features two Cnoc Vecto bags and the Sawyer coupler. I have also done this system, but used a tube coupling and connected up to a traditional bladder."
This is also what I do. Love the simplicity. Can backflush with a quick squeeze of the full clean bag - takes 5 seconds. And mine weighs 6 oz (5oz as pictured, 6 oz with a 3L Cnoc bag as the dirty bag.
The 3L Cnoc bag then is also a shower - fill it with warm water, screw on a bottle cap with a few small holes drilled in it... And you enjoy 5-6 minutes of a hot shower in the backcountry. "
Man, that shower idea sounds nice. I think it might seal the deal for me on this method. Definitely worth trying anyway.
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01/12/2023 08:24AM |
NEIowapaddler: "MacCamper: "There are plenty of hanging filter knockoffs on Amazon. For group expeditions. I’ve been happy with my Waterdrop 6 liter at about a quarter of the cost of a Platypus. Following proper maintenance practices I have yet to have any issues. When on solo trips I rely upon my steripen. "
I personally wouldn't be comfortable using a cheap off-brand water filter. I'm usually pretty stingy, but there are a few places where I won't try to save a buck, and my health and safety is one of them. Its great if it works for you and you're comfortable with it, though. "
FYI: Waterdrop is an international water filtration company. Waterdrop.com
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01/12/2023 10:04AM |
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01/12/2023 11:35AM |
butthead: "HighnDry: "i use this for filtering water on-the-go.
I use this filter with these bags for in-camp water filtration.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go with the platypus system."
With the first 2 choices I'm surprised you didn't choose MRS TrailBase system as a single solution.
The Trailshot is so easy to use and easy to pack when on the move, combined with the ease and large quantity output of a gravity setup.
I converted my Trailshot to combined use right after it came out, bought the Trail Base when they were offered. I still have good First Need and Sawer filter sets but use the MSR instead.
butthead"
Some of what I have was given to me as gifts and others I purchased outright. I'll look into your suggestion. I learn as I go.
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01/10/2023 10:49AM |
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01/10/2023 09:01AM |
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01/09/2023 08:38PM |
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01/16/2023 09:19AM |
We also carry life straw water bottles, so when we're paddling we can just dip straight from the lake without having to set up the filter system
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01/16/2023 11:25AM |
sns: "NEIowapaddler: "Man, that shower idea sounds nice. I think it might seal the deal for me on this method. Definitely worth trying anyway. "
It got a lot of positive feedback from the guys after our week in Quetico last May."
Now that the photo upload function is working, here's a pic of the shower head.
Weight penalty is about two grams.
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01/16/2023 12:24PM |
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01/13/2023 07:27AM |
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01/13/2023 08:54AM |
We found that the 6l is plenty fast enough if the entire group needs water on a travel day. we pack it on top, sets up fast and plenty fast enough to fill everyone's water bottle at the end of a portage. The days of the extra Be-Free filter may be numbered.
My personal option is get the bigger 6L bags over the 4L or 2L . Even on a trip last year with just 2 of us we loved the extra capacity of the 6L dirty bag.
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01/13/2023 09:06AM |
IndyCanoe: "We take 2 and both have been mentioned a few times so far. A 6L platypus gravity filter for camp. Then a BeFree with the 600ml bladder that i carry in the canoe for travel/daytrips/fishing.
We found that the 6l is plenty fast enough if the entire group needs water on a travel day. we pack it on top, sets up fast and plenty fast enough to fill everyone's water bottle at the end of a portage. The days of the extra Be-Free filter may be numbered.
My personal option is get the bigger 6L bags over the 4L or 2L . Even on a trip last year with just 2 of us we loved the extra capacity of the 6L dirty bag. "
I had 4 litre bags. Then the 6 litre systems went on sale for $60 and I bought two. After using them I got rid of the 4 litre systems. The 6 litre don't take any more room and cut back our refilling to once a day
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08/04/2025 10:41PM |
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01/13/2023 02:35PM |
I would not go on a trip without my MSR Hyperflow though. I use it while traveling and to get colder water. It's great to say that you are just going to use the gravity filter and be set for the day, but we push hard and cover a lot of ground. This means sweating and drinking lots of water. Over a whole day, I might stop to refill once or twice, and that's with 2 Nalgene bottles. I've read before that, depending on how hot it is, you should be drinking 3/4ths to 1 full Nalgene bottle an hour. I'm not going to carry that much water.
I love using the gravity filters and use them when possible over my pump filter, but the Hyperflow is a 'need' and the Platypus is only a 'want'.
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01/13/2023 02:55PM |
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01/13/2023 03:41PM |
A1t2o: "Gravity filters are great when you are in camp. They are my primary water source.
I would not go on a trip without my MSR Hyperflow though. I use it while traveling and to get colder water. It's great to say that you are just going to use the gravity filter and be set for the day, but we push hard and cover a lot of ground. This means sweating and drinking lots of water. Over a whole day, I might stop to refill once or twice, and that's with 2 Nalgene bottles. I've read before that, depending on how hot it is, you should be drinking 3/4ths to 1 full Nalgene bottle an hour. I'm not going to carry that much water.
I love using the gravity filters and use them when possible over my pump filter, but the Hyperflow is a 'need' and the Platypus is only a 'want'."
Love my Hyperflow as well. Most people don't realize that it can be used as a gravity filter as well as a pump filter - which is why I bought it - dual use! Just connect up the hoses to the source bag and the clean bag and give it a pump cycle or two to get it going.
pd
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01/13/2023 07:04PM |
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03/08/2023 03:07AM |
Funny story, my mates & I brought a Brita filter (like the ones in a plastic pitcher) on our first trip haha. Needless to say, it did not last long before it stopped flowing.
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01/10/2023 12:47PM |
CanoeViking: "RodPortage: "YetiJedi: "deerfoot: "Platypus Gravity."
+1"
+1"
+1"
+1
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01/10/2023 12:47PM |
Also, I made the switch from a hard bottle clipped to my barrel to my highly recommended new LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 650 Ml Bottle With Filter. This thing will absolutely not spring a leak and it has taken heavy abuse and has performed the whole time. What's really cool is that you can take the filter out of it and reverse mount it on top and then use the bottle to squeeze water into a pot for cooking, coffee, etc. I recommend the smaller one so you can clip it to your belt as you travel.
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01/10/2023 04:21PM |
MacCamper: "There are plenty of hanging filter knockoffs on Amazon. For group expeditions. I’ve been happy with my Waterdrop 6 liter at about a quarter of the cost of a Platypus. Following proper maintenance practices I have yet to have any issues. When on solo trips I rely upon my steripen. "
I agree with McCamper, there are plenty of capable gravity water filter systems that are reasonably priced.
Go Flow 10L gravity bag with Versa Flow water filter
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01/10/2023 11:45AM |
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01/10/2023 01:09PM |
in New Mexico, Wyoming, Minnesota (SHT) paddling in Missouri, Minnesota (BWCAW)
Wisconsin etc.
I initially used the Squeeze system but it was hard to "squeeze" enough for
a whole days hiking so I made my own Gravity system out of a Sawyer filter
and 2 L bag. I used that up until Last year when I bought a 1 Gallon Gravity system
from Sawyer.
https://www.sawyer.com/products/one-gallon-gravity-water-filtration-system
One gallon when I get to a campsite in the BW works for me.
I find that back flushing the filter when it starts to get slow works fine. Depending
on how much floating junk you have in your water source. That said I have never
used it on sources like the Colorado or Green Rivers where the silt load is VERY
high. I've read about having to use some Alum in that kind of water as a flocculent
to precipitate out a lot of silt but never had to use it .
Larry
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01/10/2023 01:15PM |
Here is an ultra-simple setup, which I use, that features two Cnoc Vecto bags and the Sawyer coupler. I have also done this system, but used a tube coupling and connected up to a traditional bladder.
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01/10/2023 03:48PM |
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01/10/2023 03:13PM |
geotramper: "Obviously a lot of support for the Platy Gavity Filter system, but that thing ain't cheap. As a couple others have mentioned, it is easy to set up your Sawyer Squeeze and a gravity system. Just a matter of finding the right dirty and clean water bags, tubing, and connectors.
Here is an ultra-simple setup, which I use, that features two Cnoc Vecto bags and the Sawyer coupler. I have also done this system, but used a tube coupling and connected up to a traditional bladder."
That's freakin ingenious. I already have 2 CNOC bags, so looks like I can make that without having to get any more parts. Never thought about rigging up the two bags that way. Those CNOCs are good bags.
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01/10/2023 04:04PM |
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01/10/2023 05:41PM |
MacCamper: "There are plenty of hanging filter knockoffs on Amazon. For group expeditions. I’ve been happy with my Waterdrop 6 liter at about a quarter of the cost of a Platypus. Following proper maintenance practices I have yet to have any issues. When on solo trips I rely upon my steripen. "
I personally wouldn't be comfortable using a cheap off-brand water filter. I'm usually pretty stingy, but there are a few places where I won't try to save a buck, and my health and safety is one of them. Its great if it works for you and you're comfortable with it, though.
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01/10/2023 07:47PM |
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01/11/2023 07:16PM |
geotramper: "Obviously a lot of support for the Platy Gavity Filter system, but that thing ain't cheap. As a couple others have mentioned, it is easy to set up your Sawyer Squeeze and a gravity system. Just a matter of finding the right dirty and clean water bags, tubing, and connectors.
Here is an ultra-simple setup, which I use, that features two Cnoc Vecto bags and the Sawyer coupler. I have also done this system, but used a tube coupling and connected up to a traditional bladder."
This is also what I do. Love the simplicity. Can backflush with a quick squeeze of the full clean bag - takes 5 seconds. And mine weighs 6 oz (5oz as pictured, 6 oz with a 3L Cnoc bag as the dirty bag.
The 3L Cnoc bag then is also a shower - fill it with warm water, screw on a bottle cap with a few small holes drilled in it... And you enjoy 5-6 minutes of a hot shower in the backcountry.
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01/11/2023 09:01PM |
I have also fallen in love with the Katadyn BeFree for easy drinking while traveling during the day. My husband loves his Steripen. Katadyn BeFree
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01/12/2023 09:16AM |
HighnDry: "i use this for filtering water on-the-go.
I use this filter with these bags for in-camp water filtration.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go with the platypus system."
With the first 2 choices I'm surprised you didn't choose MRS TrailBase system as a single solution.
The Trailshot is so easy to use and easy to pack when on the move, combined with the ease and large quantity output of a gravity setup.
I converted my Trailshot to combined use right after it came out, bought the Trail Base when they were offered. I still have good First Need and Sawer filter sets but use the MSR instead.
butthead
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01/12/2023 12:05PM |
NEIowapaddler: "Man, that shower idea sounds nice. I think it might seal the deal for me on this method. Definitely worth trying anyway. "
It got a lot of positive feedback from the guys after our week in Quetico last May.
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01/15/2023 05:01PM |
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01/15/2023 06:15PM |
I use the 4-liter Sawyer gravity filter, but there are several good options.
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01/15/2023 06:15PM |
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01/16/2023 04:29AM |
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01/16/2023 06:22AM |
Sparkeh: "Lifestraw gravity purifier. I do not trust a basic filter after seeing people sick on long distance hikes. "
I think many of the water sources on long distance trails don't compare to the sources in the BWCAW and Quetico. I think based on other threads a third or more don't filter at all, just dip and drink. I have from time to time, and no ill effects.
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01/11/2023 11:32AM |
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01/09/2023 09:07PM |
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01/10/2023 08:52AM |
billconner: "platypus gravity also - 4 litre
I back flush at least half of litre every time I use it, and I collect water in a collapsible bucket and let it settle before filtering. I suppose collecting water in middle of lake may make the bucket unnecessary but I like getting to camp. Have not need to replace filter in many years. "
Pack the "Dirty" bag where it is easily accessible. Pull it out at the end of the portage into the lake you plan on camping. Fill the bag in the center on the way to camp. No delay getting into camp.
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01/09/2023 08:23PM |
On my first (6d 5n) trip last year I took a Sawyer Squeeze, and lemme tell ya, squeezing water through that got OLD after the 5
4th day lol. It works great for my weekend trips closer to home, but I'm looking for something that saves some wear and tear on my hands and wrists for future trips.
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01/10/2023 01:12AM |
YetiJedi: "deerfoot: "Platypus Gravity."
+1"
+1
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01/09/2023 09:47PM |
I have a lifestraw system and a friend of mine has a platypus. I use camelback bags for clean water. We always ended using his filter and my bag.
There are some very detailed YouTube videos on the effectiveness of various filters and purification methods if you’ve got time to kill and are interested.
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01/09/2023 10:10PM |
deerfoot: "Platypus Gravity."
+1
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01/10/2023 06:20AM |
I back flush at least half of litre every time I use it, and I collect water in a collapsible bucket and let it settle before filtering. I suppose collecting water in middle of lake may make the bucket unnecessary but I like getting to camp. Have not need to replace filter in many years.
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01/10/2023 07:44AM |
TZ
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01/10/2023 10:06AM |
RodPortage: "YetiJedi: "deerfoot: "Platypus Gravity."
+1"
+1"
+1
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07/19/2025 05:24PM |
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07/19/2025 05:56PM |
HighnDry: "i use this for filtering water on-the-go.
I use this filter with these bags for in-camp water filtration.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go with the platypus system."
I upgraded but went with this CNOC. with a Vecto Verso water filter. It works well and is lightweight. I'm going with a platypus system for a long hike on the east coast next year along with a camel bladder hydration bladder.