Billo the Clown asked:
I’m thinking the MSR SweetWater, but I’d like to hear what others think. Often the water I use would come from Lake Superior and backcountry streams. Thanks for your help.
Or should I use purifying tablets? Which brands?
February 13th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Pusssy! A true camper would take the chance of getting E. Coli or botulism poisoning! Next thing you’ll be asking is what kind of toilet paper you should take? Wimp! Grab a rock or hand full of leaves!
I joke because you’re my contact.
February 14th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Do you camp/hike regularly? Is weight a consideration?
I personally don’t have an aversion to tablets, among which the Katadyn Micropur tablets are good.
I generally boil snow and ice at high altitude and often don’t carry a filter except in normal alpine hikes, favoring tablets for weight.
If you think it is something you will use for a while, and you want to invest $75 or more, the MSR Sweetwater is a solid choice. The Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter is comparable, and generally a bit cheaper.
I have an MSR Miniworks EX which is fine, but is not the easiest to pump. It’s pretty stiff, like Timinator in the JC Penny lingerie department.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
I was totally going to rip on Crash for having a serious answer, but he redeemed himself with the crack about Timmy and JC Penney.
I would love to help you, but when I camp, I ony drink beer.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:55 am
i just always camp upstream and bring alka seltzer
February 17th, 2010 at 5:11 am
Use Scotch.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
For backpacking I think the Aquamira straw filters are unbeatable.
They are small and cheap, like $10 each, and each one will filter up to 20 gallons of water with 99% efficiency.
When camping I will usually gather a few gallons of water and set up a slow filtration system with these straws and they really work great, especially with the water that you are speaking of, as this is moving water and is pretty clean to begin with, so give them a try and good luck out there.
Edit: What ? Botulism?, holy crap, am I in the wrong section again. Damn that rum.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Apparently, Tim doesn’t go camping…. botulism?
When I was shopping around for one, it seemed that, for the most part, you get what you pay for, both in quality and weight. It’s been awhile, so that’s the best I can offer.
February 20th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
msr hyperflow The HyperFlow utilizes the latest Hollow Fiber Technology in a package so small and so easy to use it will change the way you travel in the backcountry. Its ergonomic design, diminutive size and tool-free maintainability make it just as appropriate on day trips as it is on multi-day excursions. Also included is a Quick Connect Bottle Adapter™ — allowing direct connection to all MSR hydration products and a variety of other “wide mouth” containers — and an advanced prefilter to prolong the life of your filter.
High Flow Rate: Pumps more than 3 liters per minute or one liter every 20 strokes.
Ultralight: Just 7.4 oz. (209 g).
Ultra Small: Just 7×3.5 in. ( 17.8 x 8.3 cm) makes it easy to take along even when space is at a premium.
Field-Maintainable: Can be cleaned repeatedly for flow recovery without tools.
Super Convenient: Quick-Connect bottle adapter lets you filter water directly into a variety of containers, including all MSR® hydration products and Nalgene® bottles.