Water Filter/Purifier

[rhino]

Rhino here.  New to bikepacking, not new to bikes or backpacks, so thanks for entertaining my (many) questions in advance.

Question #1

What water filters/purifier does everyone recommend (primarily Arizona use)?

On most of the AZ bikepacking routes is an actual filter needed, assuming you carry 150-200oz of fluid? 

I have an older MSR ceramic filter.  It can filter water out of mud, but the thing weights a ton.  I carry the emergency aqua tabs, but have never used them to date.

thanks
-rhino

[Chad B]

PUR Hiker or tablets, depending on the availability of water. I have had the PUR Hiker since my backpacking days and love it.

[rhino]

do you use the tabs as emergency only or do you rely on them when you "know" you will need to filter water?

[DiDaDunlop]

I recently came across this:

http://www.sodis.ch/methode/index_EN

You can get clear water with using a shirt as a filter. And then carry a pet bottle on the outside of your backpack or anywere else. Filtration while on the go.

I dunno if it works with the water sloshing about during the ride and you need to have a solid system of changing bottles and keeping tabs on clean and dirty water.