High Sierra Topix

I've been using/borrowing an older model pump style filter for too long and I'm ready to buy my own but not sure which direction to go in. I would love to hear from those of you who love their filter or can recommend one that would work well for me and my needs. I'm sure this question has been asked 100 times but I searched the threads and couldn't find exactly what I needed so thanks for working with me.
Here's my situation: 2 people, week long trips, we use hydration bladders and occasionally have Nalgenes with us. The bladders are awkward to fill but we've got two people so that helps. If there are any solutions for that, I'm all ears.
I'm looking for something relatively quick and easy to use, light weight, and isn't the most expensive model.

I've used a Katadyn BeFree for several years now. Easy to fill, pretty easy to squeeze, although on my recent trip it took a couple days until it started flowing decent. It really has not filtered that much water, but maybe being dried out over and over affects it. I also have a Sawyer Micro Squeeze that I have never used, probably take it with me to Wyoming and try it out. The BeFree is nice because you can literally put it in your pocket. I use it when fishing so I don't need to carry water.

John

I've used a Sawyer Squeeze for the past 11-12 years with decent success. They usually start out great, but will slow to a trickle after filtering two or three uses on a trip. Backwashing frequently helps. A few years back I saw a PCT through-hiker with a Cnoc (brand) bag that he used to gravity filter with his Sawyer Squeeze. I got one and that works pretty well, too. The Cnoc bags screw onto the Sawyer perfectly. I soak my filter in warm water for an hour or two before a trip because the filters seem to dry out after long-term storage and the output is greatly reduced unless I soak it in warm water. In general, I find filtering water to be challenging, so I'll be interested in other responses that may lead me in a better direction.

I have used a gravity filter for more than a decade, so I have learned the tricks. For the filter element itself, I use a Sawyer Mini, although the various brands work about the same. The problem is when a big air bubble forms inside or near the filter element. You can pre-soak a filter element, but that means that you will be carrying excess water weight. I use two Platypus 2L bags. One is marked "RAW", and the other one is unmarked. At the stream, first I have to scoop up some water. I have an old 2L bag with a leak, so I cut off the leaky end and used the rest of it as a water scoop. Then I pour that into the RAW bag. I string it up to a tree branch, and gravity causes it to drain through the filter element into the clean bag. After capping that, I fill up the RAW bag again, then carry everything back to camp. The clean water is then poured into two 1L Gatorade bottles. Everything works well together and allows me to collect water quickly and stay on the trail longer. The scoop serves as storage for all of the water parts.

Hydration bladders are fine, right up until they get the first leak. Since the leak is generally at its bottom, you need to invert the bladder to carry it in your pack. On some hikes where time plays and important role, fooling around with leaky bladders is not tolerated.

I am also in the gravity camp, using a Cnoc bag and Squeeze . I have the 3 liter bag and i fill that once, hang it up at my campsite, and fill bottles as needed to take me thru the evening and morning. Filter again during my longer breaks during the day. I find the bag pretty easy to fill but you do need a deep enough creek, otherwise you need some sort of scoop, but I have yet to find that necessary on my trips. If above timberline i find a rock to drape the bag on or to hang it from.

I always wonder if these posts are done by marketing people, doing research.

I have a Platypus gravity filter I'll use on day hikes with a bigger group, or camping. I have a Katadyn BeFree that I use when I'm out solo or with non-filterers. They're both good, the Platypus gravity system is 7 years old now and still works great. It does take some backflushing, but if you do ~50 mL at the end of each filter you're usually good. Both you'll wanna soak the filter in water the night before a trip to re-hydrate things.

I've used the squeeze systems of other people. They're okay I guess, just seems like a little more effort.

I'm surprised no one's popped in here and told you Sierra water never needs to be filtered

c9h13no3 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 03, 2024 5:44 pm I'm surprised no one's popped in here and told you Sierra water never needs to be filtered

I generally do not filter water on High Sierra backpack trips, except in areas that may have livestock grazing (basically, stuff north of Yosemite). This has worked well for me for 54 years with no illness attributable to High Sierra water. Your mileage may vary. I do have and use a Sawyer Squeeze in lower elevation areas, such as the Coast Ranges.

-Phil

I reccomend... ..DON"T. I have never used water filter in the Sierra, in 60+ years. Water quality surveys indicate a few specific locations where the water may be suspect. These areas have LOTS of human and/or livestock activity. I plan my trips so a water source is at every stop that has no trails crossing it up stream. I do carry one of the 2-part chem treatment product that I use on occasions, when traveling along major water ways (e.g. Kern) or end up stopping where a quality water source cannot be assumed. That is rare, however.

Ed

If I must filter, Katadyn Hiker and BeFree work well. I'm with Gogd on using obviously pristine streams or 2 part Aquamira for lakes/unknown sources. The 2 part is a serious game changer.