Water Filter or Water Purifer?

[Beekeeper]

I'm looking to buy a water bottle for the back pack and one for the camp. Should I be looking for a water filter or a water purifer?

The water filter does bacteria and protozoan.
The water purifer also does viruses.

There is a price upgrade for going to the purifer. Is it needed for the mountain streams?

[ElkNut1]

I have the Hiker Pro by Katadyn, It seems to be very good with the double filter system, it's very light weight & takes up little space. I haven't used it a lot but it does very well on the amount of time it takes to fill pots or bladders. For a bivy hunt this thing is perfect! If you use a ton of water in camp I'd just bring water, it's easy enough to haul 5-10 gallons & refill when needed! When in camp we don't purify water, we haul it!

ElkNut1

[dotman]

Check out Sawyer Squeeze filter, this thing sounds like what you are looking for and it is a great lite weght option.

[Deegee]

Katadyn Hiker Pro Is what I use as well. Love it

[LckyTylr]

+3 on the Katadyn Pro Hiker. Love mine. Idiot proof, not too heavy. Just good stuff.

[Freebird134]

I use the Steripen UV light. It doesn't filter water, just kills bad stuff. And it kills everything. Light and quick.

[elkaholic]

I have the Hiker Pro by Katadyn, It seems to be very good with the double filter system, it's very light weight & takes up little space. I haven't used it a lot but it does very well on the amount of time it takes to fill pots or bladders. For a bivy hunt this thing is perfect! If you use a ton of water in camp I'd just bring water, it's easy enough to haul 5-10 gallons & refill when needed! When in camp we don't purify water, we haul it!

ElkNut1

I have the same one and love it!

[N5J]

Question....I have a Hiker Pro by Katadyn that I bought in 2006. I used it on my Mtn goat hunt...maybe had 5 gals of water through it. I've keep it dry and looked at the filter and looks like new. Wolud it still be good or do I need a new one. I have a feeling I'll be using it a lot this year.

Thanks,

N5J

James

[WindedBowhunter]

I have used the Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Microfilter with great success. You have the option of utilizing 2 or 3 filters, 3 filters slows the water flow down a bit more (I use 3 filters). a high-performance glass fiber filter, a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted individually according to the cloudiness of the water, and active charcoal for eliminating odors. Anyone who needs up to two liters of drinking water per minute can use the glass fiber and active charcoal filter. If the water is extremely cloudy, the ceramic pre-filter can be fitted in a moment in order to extend the service life of the glass fiber filter. The Vario is compatible with most standard outdoor bottles and hydration bladders.

Dimensions: 7.5"x4"
Weight: 15
Output: up to 2 quart/min
Technology: AntiClog Technology with 0.3 micron glassfiber (no cleaning needed) Activated carbon granulate Ceramic pre-filter

Keep in mind that filters, purifiers, chemicals and UV tools don't work when the temps are below freezing. This is due to the tools not being able to chemically break down the junk in the water and for the manual filters, these would work if you could find a way to prevent the from freezing up while pumping the water. The best option is boiling the water.

N5J - With your Katadyn Hiker PRO, if you did not clean your filter by soaking it in Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets, I would recommend a replacement Cartridge

[N5J]

N5J - With your Katadyn Hiker PRO, if you did not clean your filter by soaking it in Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets, I would recommend a replacement Cartridge[/quote]


I didn't have any Katadyn tablets BUT I used 2 teaspoons of bleach in a quart water...flushed the tubing and filter...let it set for a while then reflushed with clean water after use from the high country...then stored it. I read that bleach kills garidia....will that be good enough?

N5J

James

[WindedBowhunter]

That will be good enough as long as you clean the tube with soap and water and rinse off the filter before you run a test pump session before your trip.

[N5J]

Thanks...Yea I soaked everything in bleach... tubing everything!

N5J

James

[outdoordan]

The new Sawyer Squeeze filter system is hard to beat. You can screw this small filter right on to a regular water bottle, or use it with the supplied bags. All you do is squeeze the water right out of the end, and it is clean.

This filter was featured recently in Eastmans Bowhunting Journal, and was 2012 Backpackers editors choice! Check it out:

http://www.hunthardcore1.com/store/search/products/category_water-filtration/

Sponsor

[martinclukey]

I'm looking to buy a water bottle for the back pack and one for the camp. Should I be looking for a water filter or a water purifer?

[WindedBowhunter]

martinclukey - It's truly a personal preference, some people like a separate filtration system, so they can filter the water no matter what the container is that will be storing the water. Others prefer a water bottle with the filter within the bottle.

Then there are those that prefer the chemicals or electronic solutions.

All the solutions are good, its just what works best for you!

Keep in mind, none of the above solutions will purify/filter the water when temps are below freezing. You MUST boil the water to purify it, then filter it!

[jmez]

N5J, no worries on you equipment, in a dry environment Giardia only lasts a couple days at the most. Same for any bacteria that would have been on the filter. Clean the filter when you are done with clean tap water and let it air dry thoroughly prior to storing it. Just make sure it is dry before putting it away.

To the OP, no real need for a water purifier. No real viruses to worry about here. That is an issue in third world countries.

[Indian Summer]

I use a Katydyn Vario. Not as lightweight as the Pro Hiker. But I like the different pump handle. Very durable. But the biggest advantage is it's lightning FAST.

As far as bleach: That's all you need to sterilize anything. A solution of water and 10% bleach is the proper mix to effectively get the job done. Leaves less bleach taste than straight bleach or stronger concentrations which aren't necessary.

[pointysticks]

i am currently shoveling oatmeal into my mouth trying to advert..those starvation shakes.

but..i dont get the question. he is asking..he needs two waterbottles. one at camp, one in the pack..how does that determine filter or purifyer?

i agree..personal preference. i have both. the hiker pro that gets most of the work. and the First Need purifyier. this thing is badass. EPA certified..whatever that means. it does sound impressive

it is bulkier, and slightly heavier..but the thing moves water so fast. i bet it is double the hiker pro speed in filling up a nalgene.

the first need works as a gravity filter, and a pump filter. i dont travel into 3rd world countries without it.

[>>>---WW---->]

I use a Katydyn Vario. Not as lightweight as the Pro Hiker. But I like the different pump handle. Very durable. But the biggest advantage is it's lightning FAST.

As far as bleach: That's all you need to sterilize anything. A solution of water and 10% bleach is the proper mix to effectively get the job done. Leaves less bleach taste than straight bleach or stronger concentrations which aren't necessary.

10% sounds like a pretty strong mixture. Everything I have ever read recommends 2-3 drops of bleach to 1 quart of water.

When camping, I haul my water in. And for the hunt every day I just take a quart of water and a diet Pepsi. I also have one of those filter straws that you can take a sip right out of the creek with.

I just Googled it and the right mixture is 2 drops of bleach to 1 quart of water.

[Still Hunter]

I'm going to have to try one of these new fangled bottles. I'm tired of carrying a half gallon of water up and down the mountain. I always have running creeks where I hunt. I knew better than to drink from them.

[Willie makit]

Just as a precaution with the Hiker Pro by Katadyn does anyone add the iodine tabs or is this thing GTG from the unit itself?

[jmez]

GTG as is.

[martinclukey]

I'm going to have to try one of these new fangled bottles. I'm tired of carrying a half gallon of water up and down the mountain. I always have running creeks where I hunt. I knew better than to drink from them.

That's the good thing for you ! Lol !
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water filter system