Water Purification Pump vs. MIOX Purifier

[jackdcuna]

I'm trying to cut weight and I was given an MSR MIOX Purifier for Christams but have not yet used it in the field.  I have always used a pump and don't mind using it but it is definately twice to 3 times the weight of the Miox.  Does anyone have any experience with using the Miox and good/bad information about it for multi Day trips? When I test it at home on large quantities of water (4L) the test strips always come out negative even though it is very clean tap water (Denver Water).

[offroute]

Mioxx is too much trouble and wait. Pumping sucks, and so do filters.

Just get a Steripen/pre-filter or water treatment tablets. Light, reliable, compact, easy, simple.

[mtnbound]

Take a look at Sawyer filter. It is lightweight (about 3 or 4 oz),  easy to use and fairly small and very reliable.

[offroute]

I was with you on the Sawyer until the "reliable" part. The Sawyer sucks too, based on my use with one. Hopelessly clogged even with rigorous back flushing; this after degrading performance. Hands can get very cold using it. Filters are old tech. Get something better.

[mtnbound]

I haven't had any issues with reliability with the Sawyer filter.  It may be the quality of the water you are using - in that case, a pre-filter would help.  You are more likely to get your hands wet with the Sawyer filter since you have to dip the bag in the water source to fill it up, though that is the same if you use a Steripen or any water purification pills.  I never tried the Steripen so I can't comment on it except that when I looked at it and the reviews, I was concerned about battery issues.  I have had batteries die on me for no reason (also, battery life can be shortened if it gets cold) and I don't want to be reliant on batteries just to have water.  Also, I was concerned about dropping it and breaking it (after a long, hard day on the bike, I find it easy to be careless), but that is just me.

However, to each his own. There are pros and cons to each water purification system and it also depends on your purpose (length of trip (a few days v. weeks/months in the backcountry), frequency of coming near resupply (and ability to buy batteries, etc.), location/remoteness/country where you are going, etc.).  For instance, pills have a long waiting period and you still may need to filter before you put the pill in, depending on the water source, but they are extremely lightweight.  Finally, I have found that if I am headed out for at more than a few days, to have two systems so I have a backup (my backup is the potable aqua tablets).  Jackdcuna - Best of luck with whatever you choose!

[offroute]

Thanks for your experiences, mtnb.

Your hands don't have to get wet to get nice and cold holding and squeezing that Sawyer bottle full of ice cold water as the sun drops. The same bottle that's notoriously susceptible to developing leaks, which I experienced.

I had what I thought were bettery issues initially with my Spen, then I realized it was my fault for packing the unit where the activation button can be inadvertently depressed (inside a bag with other items). I since carry it on the frame of my bike and have had zero issues. One used set of batteries purified water for two people for a two-month bike ride without a flinch. The SP turns the physical chore of pumping for half an hour into a relaxing task. If you want that extra work after a long day of riding, power to you. I don't.

Be aware that there are two different sizes of 3v batteries, and they don't look very distinguishable. If you accidentally buy the short ones, you can make them work in your pen by fashioning a small spring with bailing wire which will fill the gap.

Having a filter fail in the field could be more than an inconvenience. They do without warning. It's totally avoidable by using more reliable technology. I'll never use another filter for any outing of any kind or duration, no matter the water source. No one can convince me that a filter is a reasonable alternative to the better gear available, nor that it's worth committing your safety to. I've done the field work — case closed.

Cheers...

[bmike-vt]

I use the Sawyer in line in the frame bag with a bladder. No cold hands for me.

I use a cut off soft bottle to get water and fill it. Or a spare water bottle. If I had to pull from a dirty source (floaters, silt, etc.) I'd pre-filter before I got it into my frame bag bladder.

I carry chems as well. I'll do the chems overnight if I'm camping with a group so there is water for breakfast and hitting the road. Otherwise the Sawyer has been reliable and easy to use. No squeezing unless I'm filling my coffee cup - but I can get good pressure if I just get the bladder higher than the end of my hose and use gravity.

The chems are a good backup.

[mtnbound]

For whatever its worth, I like to check out a product, including the reviews, on REI.com.  Here is the one for the MIOX - http://www.rei.com/product/709012/msr-miox-water-purifier#tab-reviews

You can also check out various tablets, Sawyer (http://www.rei.com/product/858764/sawyer-squeeze-water-filter-32-fl-oz) and Steripen (http://www.rei.com/product/799003/steripen-adventurer-opti-water-purifier#tab-description).

[Racingguy04]

I've used the miox and it's not terrible, but it is time consuming, and you should carry spare batteries with you. I used the steri pen for several years and it's not bad. These days, I like the sawyer filter for longer trips (I don't mind getting my hands wet/cold) or if it's just a 1 or 2 day trip, I like aqua mira. It's a little fiddly but the water tastes great and it's fairly compact.