High Sierra Topix

I'm looking for a new water filter. I haven't bought one in years and was wondering if anyone had a favorite that was currently on the market? There are two I have my eye on so if you have any experience with them I’d be happy to hear about it.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Product ... REI_SEARCH

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Product ... REI_SEARCH

Thanks
Dillon

I have the older-skool MSR one I got 5 years ago (was originally a SweetWater, before MSR bought them out) and I like it. The new one you link to is, I think, better in that it has one less tube and is lighter. Alot of people like the Katadyn, it is smaller and lighter, but I prefer the ceramic element in the MSR style as it is easer to clean/repair in the field.

I haven't checked out water filters for quite a few years since I have two perfectly good ones, a 20 year old First Need weighs about a pound though and a newer than that PUR Hiker which I haven't used for 3 years or so. The First Need has great tasting water which the PUR can't touch. As you may know, Katadyn owns the former PUR filters now. I'm trying Aqua Mira on my upcoming trip into the JM Wilderness, but there are places that I would bring a filter. My First Need pumps a liter in about 52 strokes I think, but it may be harder to pump than others. Back to your choices, looks like some improvements have been made. Have fun deciding.

Hi Dross

Why carry a filter? If youre really worried about the water try
Klearwater.
It is an active chlorine dioxide that kills everything in 30 mins or
less. Get a little screw on prefilter to filter out larger dirt, add
Klearwater and 30 mins later you have water to drink.
Personally I dont filter but thats me.

I tried getting some Klearwater a couple weeks ago and the sole distributor in the US was out. Not good, here it is prime time for bping. No business from me this year.

I have the old PUR Hiker, but don't carry it anymore. Been doing it this way for over a year now
http://community.webshots.com/photo/551 ... 6560kqzmNs

I use the MSR Sweetwater with a pre filter, just to catch some of the larger stuff and prolong the main filter. Also ditched the bottle adaptor, just go with the hose now. Pretty light weight for a filter and is freeze-able.

Works great, pumps 1+ L pre minute...no problems over the three years I have used it.

http://www.msrgear.com/filters/sweet_microfilter.asp

I have the exact same Sweet water filter, love it. The lever action makes it alot easier to pump than the conventional style.

I tried the Katadyne Base camp, thinking what a great idea, gravity fed filtering. Well I either have a defective product,(which I am returning) or it takes about 3 days to filter 2 liters of water...all I received was a drip, drip drip.... and beleive me I tryed every which way to make it work correctly. :retard:


http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/ ... fm/KAT1500

I second (third?) the SweetWater. Great filter. I can't use any of the iodine-based pills or liquids because of a thyroid thing, but I've been perfectly happy with a filter. Besides, I filter and I can drink immediately, without waiting 30 minutes for a chemical additive to kill the nasties.

Sorry, gotta vote against the Sweetwater. Ours failed on our recent trip along the JMT. Wound up having to boil our water.