water filter use

[goldenboy]

What are the best options for water filters?  I would like to be able to filter out bacteria, and sediment.

[riverfever]

I've been really happy with my MSR Sweetwater.

[goldenboy]

Does the sweetwater hook directlty to a bladder?  I heard that some filters can do that.  After reading the thread about the TD Basics and the stomach issues riders had, I am curious as to how to prevent that from happening.  Would that in-line hook up help?  A couple of grams of weight can make a difference, but I am more concerned about contaminating my bag/gear while trying to fill up.

What other preventitive measures do people use to avoid getting giardia or other similar issues?
I think removing gloves before filling was one.  How about washing your hands - soap or dissenfectant?

[riverfever]

In the past, I used simple drops to purify and have had Giardia twice. Last year I switched to the MSR. It does hook directly to the Camelback bladder which is nice. I also use the drops that MSR provides. I've had no issues so far. This setup is not the lightest but it's a trade off I'll take. Depending on the water you're filtering it could clog up but it's easy to fix.

[daveB]

alcohol based hand sanitizer is key
I prefer Aqua Mira drops as long as there are not excessive floaties/sediment

[MonkeySpacePilot]

I use a travel tap, from these guys http://www.drinksafe-systems.co.uk/products.php
when i know there will be plenty of streams i just refill when needed, if water is less sparodic I use it to fill a bladder. they also do an inline filter to attatch to a bladder, but I haven't tried it as I like to drop an electrolyte tab into my bladder.

[goldenboy]

So how paranoid do I need to be?   Do people seperate the filter in their kit with a ziploc bag?  or keep the clean end from becoming contaminated?  I used to use iodine tabs and to fill directly from the spring, now I am becoming a Howard Hughes germaphobe. 

Anyone with pro/con experiences with the MSR mini ex or Katadyn hiker pro?

[riverfever]

I toss my filter in my backpack and forget about it until I need it again.

[AZTtripper]

I like my Hiker Pro, paper filter = light weight, I have used an MSR also but ceramic filter = heavy.

I have had good luck pulling the shut off valve off and putting the bladder hose right on to the filter outlet. I have an MSR bladder but use a Camel brand shut off valve the tubing is the same size.

And I just throw it in the pack I used to keep the hoses separate but now that I only use the one it's not an issue.

[Mike Brown]

Hiker Pro has been fool proof for me for 10-plus years. 
That's a great idea with the bladder hose, trying it next time. 

[AZTtripper]

Hiker Pro has been fool proof for me for 10-plus years. 
That's a great idea with the bladder hose, trying it next time. 

I did have mine fail me once on a backpacking/climbing trip into the Wind River Range. Now I always carry the silicone lubricant with as well just in case.

[mnmtb]

This question is more specific to the CTR than the GDR since it seems that water is much more available throughout the trail.  I have come to the conclusion that a filter is lighter than a second filled bladder, but I am having too many questions on which filter.

I came across this on REI:
http://www.rei.com/product/801824

Only 2oz and allows me to fill and move on.

And with a Camelbak bladder these quickconnects for a socond spare and no fiddling with connections:
http://www.rei.com/product/695526

Maybe add some tablets as a backup and this could be an effective light set-up.

Anyone have any thoughts  pros/cons on a set-up like this?

[bmike-vt]

Lots of reviews of inline filters over at backpackinglite. I've done a bunch of research but haven't come to decision... too many conflicting opinions - I need to get some hands on time...

[AZTtripper]

This question is more specific to the CTR than the GDR since it seems that water is much more available throughout the trail.  I have come to the conclusion that a filter is lighter than a second filled bladder, but I am having too many questions on which filter.

I came across this on REI:
http://www.rei.com/product/801824

Only 2oz and allows me to fill and move on.

And with a Camelbak bladder these quickconnects for a socond spare and no fiddling with connections:
http://www.rei.com/product/695526

Maybe add some tablets as a backup and this could be an effective light set-up.

Anyone have any thoughts  pros/cons on a set-up like this?

On the Sawyer system what is the actual filter and how much water does it filter before needing to be replaced and then how much per replacement. The link didn't really answer these questions or did I not look far enough.

[mnmtb]

On the Sawyer system what is the actual filter and how much water does it filter before needing to be replaced and then how much per replacement. The link didn't really answer these questions or did I not look far enough.

Sawyer has a "Million gallon guarantee".  Although they state that they actually never really tested a million gallons.  It is a tube type filter system (the blue/black part) that would connect in-line to the drink hose.  Or at night I could hang and filter while I sleep.

I read the reviews of Backpacking light and most seem pleased in general.  Also, I had to filter the model 121 (old) reviews from the Model 122 (new) reviews which seem more positive.  At least no one ever claims it made them sick. 

[Marshal]

This question is more specific to the CTR than the GDR since it seems that water is much more available throughout the trail.  I have come to the conclusion that a filter is lighter than a second filled bladder, but I am having too many questions on which filter.

I came across this on REI:
http://www.rei.com/product/801824

Only 2oz and allows me to fill and move on.

And with a Camelbak bladder these quickconnects for a socond spare and no fiddling with connections:
http://www.rei.com/product/695526

Maybe add some tablets as a backup and this could be an effective light set-up.

Anyone have any thoughts  pros/cons on a set-up like this?

A possible drawback to a inline system would be if you ever want to put something other than water in your bladder.  Once the bladder has unfiltered water in it the bladder itself is technically contaminated till washed/disinfected.  So if you want to dump some say lemonade, gatorade, soda etc into the now contaminated bladder it also must be filtered.  I suspect running any surgery drink through the filter might clog it.  Of course this is a non-issue if all you ever put in the bladder is water. 

But now that you got me thinking about it I can think of a couple of “work-arounds” ’ to that issue……….hummm might have to re-think my TDR filter strategy……….

[BobM]

2 things to keep in mind:

I had an MSR Hyperflow for about a day until I returned it - the instructions (NOT the advertisements) mention that dropping the filter from 5 feet or so to a hard surface could break the microtubes and make the filter worthless AND you might not be able to tell if they are broken.  That was a no-go for me.  Don't know about Sawyer in this regard.

The second consideration is that I have heard a lot of feedback on clogging/slowing rates with hollow fiber filters.  Not always easy to get enough clean water to backflush on the trail.  Sawyer hints at this:

"Filter is fully field maintainable to ensure a fast flow of water; use the faucet adapter for thorough back washing from a household faucet"

Bob

[bmike-vt]

I've read  a few folks who would sit on their bladders and force water back through the system... not sure how much it can help - but it is unlikely that you'll come across a faucet to hook up the adapter when you need it most...

Curious about this setup:

http://www.geartalkwithjasonklass.com/2008/09/my-new-water-filter-design.html

Its a bit dated - but I like the concept. Still requires tablets.

And then the Sawyer info I found:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews.html?forum_thread_id=5536

[donmeredith74]

I use the MSR Hyperflow and really like it. Its fast, small and light. The back flush procedure is a little more complicated than your typical filter but with a little practice at home its really no big deal. MSR's lawyers did have the 'don't drop it' line in the literature but if you read the docs on ceramic filters you get the same disclaimers. I don't treat mine particularly delicately and its fine. I pump the water straight into my bladder by taking off the bite valve and pumping through the hose. Works great and prevents the hassle of taking the bladder out then putting it back when its full.

[goldenboy]

My setup use to be a bladder (that leaked from the bite-valve) and waterbottle with a filter (exstream) for emergency filtration, plus chemical backup.  The problem with the water bottle with a filter built-in was the lack of flow.  It was like trying to drink through one of those skinny red coffee stirring straws - annoying, especially when your thirsty.  Perhaps that would not be an issue if you're constantly sipping from a bladder.

As for my original post, I needed a whole new system so I purchased the MSR products - 4L dromedary and Hyperflow.  I can see some downsides already but looks so much better than my current system.  A review to come after some testing...