for all of its convenience, the

But for all of its convenience, the LifeStraw Go isnt incredibly versatile. The system couldnt be simpler: put two iodine tablets in a liter of water, wait 30 minutes, and drink. The most important distinction comes in the level of protection each method provides. Finally, both systems require a good set-up for effective operationwe prefer to hang our gravity filter from a tree branch, and have thus found it a difficult system to use in alpine environments. Many water filters and purifiers are able to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes even viruses, but they wont necessarily change the taste of the water. If your filter lasts that long and youre ready for a new cartridge, then youve gotten a lot of use and clean water out of it, making it a solid investment. This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. Further, the Guardian uses advanced self-cleaning technology (about 10 percent of water from each pump cycle is used to clean the filter) and is far less likely to break down than cheaper models. Instructional videos are available online for almost every product on our list, and you should expect basic maintenance to be part of owning and using a water filter. Keep in mind that Grayl also makes the 16.9-ounce UltraPress, which features the same technology in a more streamlined (12.5 oz.) Similar to the Aquamira drops, Katadyn tablets, and SteriPen above, keep in mind that you will be drinking unfiltered water, so Portable Aqua is best used with relatively clean mountain water., The big downside of Potable Aqua is taste. Instead of the various gravity filters, pumps, and chemical drops on this list, SteriPens technology uses UV rays to destroy bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. But gravity filters arent for everyone: theyre bulkier and heavier than most alternatives, and youll need a fairly good water supply to fill up your reservoir (pumps are better for shallow sources). You simply place the SteriPen in your water bottle or reservoir and swirl until the device indicates youre finishedit takes about 90 seconds to purify 1 liter. But where it falls short is in its simplicity: Unlike the Sawyer, the Platypus cannot be used as an inline filter, which really cuts down on versatility. Whats more, with a filter life of just 1,000 liters, its certainly no match in terms of longevity.

. While streams, lakes, and ponds along the trail can be great drinking Review: Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking, backpacking water filtercomparison table, Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L ($50), See the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Bottle 1L, Katadyn Micropur MP1 ($16 for 30 tablets), See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter, Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier ($100), See the Potable Aqua Pure ElectrolyticPurifier, Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table. The Peak Squeeze is relatively new to the scene, and though weve been impressed throughout testing, its too soon to tell if it will unseat popular models like the BeFree and QuickDraw. Because chemical and ultraviolet purifiers do not filter water, they dont have a flow rate. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses. Gravity does all the work: simply fill up the 4-liter dirty reservoir, hang it from a tree branch or boulder, and in just a few minutes youll have four liters of clean water to drink. In general, gravity filters have the fastest flow rates: the Platypus GravityWorks filters 1.75 liters per minute, which means it only takes a few minutes to fill a 4-liter bladder with clean water.

Type: Bottle filterWeight: 3.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Fast flow rate, easy to clean, and durable materials.What we dont: Cannot be used as an inline filter; oblong size is difficult to hold while running. . It slows you down on the trail, takes some concentration in terms of measuring out the drops, and can bleach your clothing if youre not careful. For backpacking, the practicality is limited.See the Grayl 24oz GeoPressPurifier, Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3.8 oz.Filter life:60,000L+What we like: Can filter 60,000 liters with little upkeep.What we dont: Less convenient than other chemical purification options..

Another downside is the rather pricey replacement filter: after approximately 750 liters, youll need to spend $55 for a new one (the MSR MiniWorks recommends a replacement filter after 2,000 liters and that costs $45). And finally, with a 2.5 liter-per-minute flow rate, the MSR is ridiculously speedy. The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years. The lack of filtration certainly is a downside and means that unless you dont mind drinking silt or other particles, youre limited to moving water sources of a decent depth. And if you want to keep weight down, its also worth checking out the Hydroblu Versa Flow filter, which is still lightweight at 2.6 ounces but has a faster flow rate than the Mini.See the Sawyer Mini Filter. Plus, the Katadyn tablets are difficult to cut in half and dont work with 500mL bottles (its one tab per liter), which is a bummer especially for trail runners with smaller soft flasks.See the Katadyn Micropur MP1, Type: Inline filterWeight: 2.5 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: For those who hike with a water reservoir, the convenience is unmatched.What we dont: Does not come with compatible vessels.. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. Straw filters have their place for simple applications and day trips, but are not a very versatile setup as they offer no way to produce or store clean water for cooking or drinking later.

Straw Filters The device is made of ABS plastic and has a number of hoses and small parts, and weve had pieces snap off of other pumps in the past (not with the Katadyn yet, but it certainly can happen). Water filters use microscopic pores to strain out protozoa (such as Giardia) and bacteria (E. Coli and Salmonella, for example). Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. You get a bottle of filtered water, and thats about it. Available in both liquid and tablet forms, chemical purifiers use iodine or chlorine dioxide to remove protozoa, bacteria, and viruses from water. In the end, if your standard on-trail setup uses a hydration reservoirand you dont mind converting that water reservoir into a dirty bagits really hard to beat the convenience of the Thru-Link.See the MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter. Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us (the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.5 L/min.).

Finally, the Platypus is also available as a standalone filterfor $35 (2.2 oz. However, if youre traveling in less-developed regions of the world or just want to be extra cautious (especially in high-traffic areas), a purifier is a great option to have. Viruses are rarely found in natural sources, which is why most backcountry-goers find filters to be fully sufficient.

But similar to the Sawyer Squeeze, the Peak Squeeze also threads onto bottles with standard-size mouths and can be used as a gravity filter. Cleaning pump filters is a slightly more intensive process, as you'll need to unscrewthe apparatus and either removethe filter or extenda brush down the interior. ), which is a competitive price for those who use Smartwater bottles or already own a compatible reservoir.See the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System, Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz. And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too.. We ran the numbers and youre paying roughly $0.53 per liter of clean water with Katadyn whereas Aquamira is more like $0.13 per liter. All told, with a scant 2.5-ounce weight, affordable $45price tag, and impressive flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute, the Thru-Link is a lightweight and convenient way of hydrating on the go. Aside from cost, its noticeably heavier and bulkier than most filtersat just over a pound and packing down roughly to the size of a 1-liter water bottle. Staying hydrated is an absolute necessity on any outdoor excursion, but if youre headed out for more than a few hours, it might be unrealistic to carry all the water you need. Second, the filter is only compatible with42-millimeter openings, so its not as versatile as the Sawyer, which fits a variety of standard (28mm) water bottles. setWhat we like: Light, cheap, effective, and wont break.What we dont: The mixing process is annoying, and the drops leave a faint chemical taste., There are a number of chemical water treatment options for backpackers, and each has itsown set of pros and cons. Plus, the bottle has a nice soft touch (albeit cold when full of stream water), and when empty, the BeFree system can fit in the palm of your hand., All that said, the Katadyn BeFree isnt without its drawbacks. And while most newer bladders support the connection system on the MSR (any bladder with Quick-Connect fittings will work), others require you to modify by cutting the reservoir tube and utilizing the two included fittings. We brought the Mini along on a 4-day trek in Patagonia (with clear water sources), and it required so much suction when paired with a smartwater bottle that we resorted to our groups gravity filter instead. The flow rate is impressive at 3 liters per minute (compared to the Squeezes 1.7 L/min. Instead of pumping, this system requires minimal effort, can filter up to four liters of water at once, and boasts a speedy flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute. But we still prefer the Katadyn, which despite the shorter filter life, has faster and smoother pumping action.See the Katadyn HikerMicrofilter. At just 3 ounces and $15, Aquamira is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. For more background information, see our backpacking water filtercomparison table and buying advice below the picks. This filter is great for large groups, but weve enjoyed it on smaller outings too when we could quickly retrieve our days water and escape back to our camp to fill individual bottles (the clean bag also functions as water storage). Type: Pump filter/purifierWeight: 1 lb. If you've ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you've used a headlamp. The design excels on long trail runs when water is readily available: the compact filter sits inside the bottle (unlike the protruding Sawyer Squeeze), its wide mouth makes refilling easy, and the whole setup is a feather light 2.3 ounces. (total for both bottles)Treatment ratio: 30 gallons per 1 oz. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Backpackers need a stove that is lightweight, dependable, and will get the job done quickly after a long day on the trail. Sawyer has played into the fast-and-light community of hikers who use disposable plastic water bottles on the trail, making their Squeeze and Mini versions able to screw into the mouth of a standard plastic water bottle (great for weight savings, less great for the environment). In parsing out the differences, the LifeStraw is bulkier and heavier than the Katadyn, and it also requires a syringe (included) for proper cleaning. In general, we dont recommend simple straw filters for high-performance backcountry use, but we include the LifeStraw Go on our list as a nice recreational option. Its important to note that carbon becomes ineffective before the filter (after approximately six months or 200 liters), so if this is a feature you want to maintain, choose a filter that allows you to purchase the carbon element separately from the complete cartridge. Furthermore, water retrieval can be a pain if you dont have a reasonably deep or moving water source (similar to any system that relies on a bag to collect water). For backpackers, there is a strong argument for going this route: the tablets weigh less than 1 ounce for 30, making them by far the lightest water purification option on this list. And the Ultra here is our favorite model, with a durable 2.9-ounce build, helpful LED display, and convenient USB-rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery., We love the concept of the SteriPen but have mixed feelings after extended use. Remember, this doesnt mean your water isnt safe to drinkyouve filtered or purified itbut you can always add an electrolyte-enhanced drink mix like Nuun Sport hydrationtablets to make it more palatable (or in the case of Potable Aqua, use the accompanying neutralizing tablets). Further, many bottle filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze) also can perform as inline or gravity filters, or be used as straws to suction water directly from the source. In general, its a simple, lightweight set up that can purify 1-20 liters at a time, boasts a lifespan of 60,000 liters, and charges (slowly) using the attached solar panel. In order to use the Katadyn, just add one tablet to a liter of water, wait 15 minutes for protection from viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for Giardia, and four hours for Cryptosporidium. 1.3 oz.Filter life: 10,000 litersWhat we like: The most advanced portable water purifier on the market.What we dont: At $390, the Guardian is the priciest option on this list. Finally, squeeze and straw filters can only move as fast as you can drink or squeeze, although newer models like the Platypus QuickDraw and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze advertise rates of up to 3 liters per minute. But weve never been sick after using a SteriPen, so those concerns havent yet been realized.See the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier. As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. Youll have to purchase inline adapters separately for use with a gravity system or hydration reservoir, but the Mini is nevertheless a decent option for those who dont mind a simple bottle filter. Without a doubt, the Platypus GravityWorks is one of the most convenient water filters on the market, and its become a backpacking staple. For this reason, we think its a good idea to carry a lightweight chemical treatment or basic LifeStraw as an emergency backup. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and MSR has been a longstanding leader in the world of backpacking filters, so its no surprise their Guardian has become our go-to pump for trips abroad. Finally, gravity filters arent our first choice for on-the-go water treatment, as setting up the system can take some time, and youll need somewhere to hang it (something to keep in mind if you're headed above treeline).. Compared to the Katadyn Hiker above, the designs have identical filter pore size (.2 microns) and protect against the same contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. To purify your water, mix 7 drops each of Part A and Part B in the included cap, let it sit for five minutes, and add the mixture to 1 liter of water. Like the Katadyn BeFree and LifeStraw Peak Squeeze above, it makes water treatment as simple as taking a sip, but the hard-sided bottle boosts durability and convenience for casual day hikes and frontcountry applicationsno squeezing or cold hands required.

If youre using chemicals to purify your water or drinking from questionable sourcesperhaps water with floating leaves or plants growing underneath the surfacetaste can come into play in a big way. All in all, its an ideal and long-lasting set-up for environments when weight and bulk arent top considerations. The LifeStraw weighs only 2 ounces and costs $20, and Aquamira drops are just $15 for enough solution to treat 30 gallons of water (and a mere 3 extra ounces in your backpack). Unlike most chemical purifiers that use chlorine dioxide or iodine, the Pure combines salt water and an electric charge to remove contaminants from water. Not all portable backcountry filters use carbon, but many on our list do including the MSR MiniWorks and Grayl GeoPress.Additionally, some models offer carbon filters as add-ons: the Platypus GravityWorks, for example, sells a carbon element separately that can be added to the existing filter.

The QuickDraw System is competitively light at 3.3 ounces and has a grippy, soft-touch exterior with durable caps on both ends, giving it an extra dose of toughness and reducing the chance of contamination. Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. Finally, keep in mind that when calculating the weight of your setup, that youll also want to factor in your water storage (bottle, reservoir, etc.). Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances (i.e. Most backpacking filters on this list have a pore size of 0.1 or 0.2 micron, which is why they sift out protozoa and bacteria, but not viruses. Then wait 15 minutes before drinking for protection from Giardia, bacteria, and viruses, or four hours to kill Cryptosporidium (that takes a lot of advanced planning). Although theyre most commonly used in gravity setups, inline filters also can be paired with a hydration reservoir (purchased separately) to provide on-the-go filtration for solo travelers.

Second, the SteriPen uses a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and if that runs out and you dont have a portable charger, youre stuck in the wilderness with no purification (SteriPen also offers a few AA-compatible models).

All told, its a well-built pump from one of the most trusted brands in water filtration. Water purifiers also remove protozoa and bacteria, but they eliminate viruses as well (like Hepatitis A and the Norovirus). Further, while the purifying capabilities are smart for traveling and backpacking in certain regions of the world, theyre not necessary in most wilderness areas in the United States and Canada. Type: Gravity filterWeight: 12 oz.Filter life: 1,500 litersWhat we like: 10 liters of capacity in a relatively lightweight build.What we dont: No clean bag; gravity filters have limited applications. Getting sick in the backcountry can be a serious medical concern, so we think having a backup is a smart way to go.Back to Our Top Water Filter Picks Back to Our Water Filter Comparison Table.

Type: Pump filterWeight: 16 oz.Filter life: 2,000 litersWhat we like: One of the few pump designs with a ceramic filter.What we dont: Heavier and pricier than the Katadyn Hiker. Some gravity systems have a separate clean reservoir to collect the water, while others dispense it straight into your vessel (or mouth) via a hose with an on/off valve. Finally, as with the QuickDraw, it features a competitively fast flow rate, filtering a whopping 3 liters of water per minute. Additionally, the purifier cartridge has a lifespan of only 65 gallons, which pales in comparison even to the LifeStraw Go's 4,000 liters. For those wanting a dedicated water bottle filter, the LifeStraw Go has a lot of appeal. And at $120, the GravityWorks is on the more expensive end of the water filtration spectrum. In general, chemical purifiers are the most minimalist option (and great for groups), with squeeze filters like the 2-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Mini not too far behind (although theyre slightly larger in size).

With especially dirty water sources, pre-filtering can be a great idea even if youre using a filter to treat your water, as it will mitigate potential clogging. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 3 oz.Treatment ratio:0.5liter per tabletWhat we like: Lightweight and cheap.What we dont: Tastes funky and takes 30 minutes to activate.

Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. But its 2,000-liter lifespan is twice the length of most competitors, and the price is right at just $38 for the 1-liter model (you can also purchase a replacement filter for $18, which is a real steal).

Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comeswith the Sawyer Squeeze. Pump filters are a great option for small groups (1-4 people), and especially when you need to pull water from shallow pools. There was a lot of press surrounding the release of MSRs Thru-Link, and for good reason. This technology is more common in military and municipal applications than the outdoor world, although weve even seen it before with MSRs now-discontinued Miox. This isnt a huge issue when youre drinking straight from cold mountain streams, but it definitely can be as the quality of your water source deteriorates. Given that the Katadyn replacement filter costs $55 vs. $45 for the MSR, this brings the cost of the system up over a period of years. First, it has a relatively short lifespan compared to a filter like the Squeeze (1,000 liters vs. the Sawyer's lifetime warranty), and its known to clog much more quickly in dirty water. Pumping water has its downsides, but weve found that the Katadyn Hiker is one of the most reliable filter options across a wide range of backpacking scenarios. But keep in mind that both chemical and UV purifiers forgo filtering, making them good options only when you have access to clear water sources like glacial streams. The primary consideration here is cost: you have the initial purchase price of the item, but after a certain number of liters of water have been filtered, youll need to buy a replacement cartridge. On the extreme ends of the spectrum, the Grayl GeoPresshas a cartridge life of only 65 gallons, while the Sawyer Squeeze has a lifetime warrantythey dont even make replacement cartridges for it.

In terms of construction, the Katadyn Hiker is well-built for a pump, but these systems are not infallible. Whats more, it includes a carbon filter for better-tasting water when drawing from dirty sources. In general, its important to read about and practice maintaining your filter at home before taking it out into the field. Bottle filtersalso known as squeeze filtersattach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. And MSR also makes the Guardian Gravity Purifier, which features the same advanced technology of the Guardian but in a gravity setupRead in-depth reviewSee the MSR Guardian Purifier System.

Not only do the Sawyers included pouches feature flat and handle-less designs that make water collection challenging, but they also suffer from serious durability issues (we recommend using a Smartwater bottle or longer-lasting Evernew or CNOC reservoir instead). At 12 ounces, its just a half-ounce heavier than the Gravity Works, and the inline filter passes water at an identical rate (1.75 L/min). Type: Bottle filterWeight: 2.3 oz.Filter life: 1,000 litersWhat we like: Extremely light and great for on-the-go hydration.What we dont: Short lifespan and does not fit standard-sized water bottle openings. Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns.

MSR makes their Thru-Linkfor this very application, and models like the Sawyer Squeeze quickly convert into an inline filter with included adapters. Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters. But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. ), and the QuickDraw is easy to clean without the need for any extra tools (we recommend watching Platypus instructional video here). For well over a decade, SteriPen has held a unique place in the water purification market. Did I submerge the device too little or too much? Whats more, the MSR comes with an attachment for a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle for easy and leak-free filtering.

You get roughly one liter of clean water per minute if youre pumping at a good clip, and weve found that the Hiker Microfilter works faster and is easier to use than the MSR MiniWorks below. UV purifiers like the SteriPen use ultraviolet rays to achieve the same effect. Similar to Aquamira drops below, Katadyn Micropur tablets are a simple and effective chemical treatment using chlorine dioxide. But for short adventures or those who like to filter their tap water, the LifeStraw Go is one of the most convenient and user-friendly options here.See the Lifestraw Go 22 oz. As we touched on above, if youre not using a dedicated filter to separate out sediment and other particulates, finding a clean and moving water source is the best way to ensure your water tastes good. Type: Bottle/straw filterWeight: 7.8 oz.Filter life: 4,000 litersWhat we like: Incredibly convenient and relatively long filter life.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than soft-flask bottle filters. Water filters and purifiers range in weight and bulk, from super lightweight tablets that are just a fraction of an ounce, to the 1-pound 1-ounce MSR Guardian.

Unlike the MSR Guardian, however, the Hiker is a filter but not a purifier, so you dont get virus protection. Given that their task is to remove contaminants from water, it should come as no surprise that many water filters need to be cleaned of this buildup. With a product like the LifeStraw Go,this is as easy as blowing out after each use. In the end, we dont recommend the Mini for anything other than emergency use, especially given that the Squeeze is a fully functional alternative for just 1 ounce and 20 bucks more. Type: Chemical purifierWeight: 0.9 oz.Treatment ratio: 1L per tabletWhat we like: Simple and light.What we dont: More expensive than Aquamira and youre drinking unfiltered water straight from the source. Further, the Katadyn and Aquamiradon't have as many issues with taste, which is why theyland higher spots on our list.See the Potable Aqua Tablets. The result is ultimate performance and peace of mindwhen backpacking and traveling in less-developed regions of the world or other high-use areas (viruses are most commonly carried in human waste). But despite our gripes, no other filter comes close to matching the Squeezes versatility and longevity, which are undeniable draws for those who want to get a lot out of their gear. But we love the convenience, especially for groups of backpackers or basecamp-type situations, and feel its worth the cost and bulk then.

Because its a straw filter, you cant use the Go to squeeze water into an empty bottle or a pot for cooking (like you might with the BeFree or Sawyer Squeeze). The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier is designed with travel and light adventuring in mind. Further, many bottle and inline filters also can be used as a straw (such as the Sawyer Squeeze Mini), and are by far the more well-rounded choice. LifeStraw also offers a smaller filter-equipped bottle (650mL) for $33 and Peak Gravity System with a 3-liter reservoir for $60.See the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L. Finally, some premium treatment options both filter and purify water, such as the MSR Guardianand Guardian Gravity., Gravity/Inline Filters

Sitemap 34

for all of its convenience, theplant liners wholesale florida