Water Purification

[PNW EOD]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a water purification system for some backcountry hunting. My plans are to be out anywhere from 2-8 days, and trying to stay as light as possible. The areas I hunt have plenty of water sources, so I expect I will only have to refill on water 1X per day. Does anyone have a favorite purifier for these types of situations? Trying to keep it small so I still have plenty of pack room for other goodies.

 

[ssssnake529]

Sawyer Squeeze filter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHPVQW/?tag=lrhmag19-20

coupled with Chlorine Dioxide tablets

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IBY64W/?tag=lrhmag19-20

Use the tablets for most applications. Use the filter for really murky water.

 

[PNW EOD]

Sawyer Squeeze filter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHPVQW/?tag=lrhmag19-20

coupled with Chlorine Dioxide tablets

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IBY64W/?tag=lrhmag19-20

Use the tablets for most applications. Use the filter for really murky water.

That looks really interesting. I like the bag Idea for size/weight savings, and the price isn't bad at all compared to some of the MSR offerings. I think I'll give these a try this off season. Thanks for the response!

 

[ssssnake529]

That looks really interesting. I like the bag Idea for size/weight savings, and the price isn't bad at all compared to some of the MSR offerings. I think I'll give these a try this off season. Thanks for the response!

One thing to think about. It's not easy to fill the water bag directly from a stream. You will need something (a cup) to scoop water and pour it into the bag.

I use a spare bag, cut in two, and rolled up with the water bag and filter as my "water scooper."

 

[velvetant]

I've been using the MSR Sweetwater since it came out many many years ago for all my back packing/camping needs.
Must work as I have yet to get sick from water.

 

[rickiesrevenge]

I've used an MSR filter for a long time. My buddy uses a Katadyne and his is MUCH faster at filling up a bottle.

Aaron

 

[jimbires]

have you thought about a steripen ? we used them for about 20 days last fall on a pack in hunt . seemed to work , nobody got sick .

 

[ridgewalker]

have you thought about a steripen ? we used them for about 20 days last fall on a pack in hunt . seemed to work , nobody got sick .

I started out 50+ years ago filtering water through multiple layers of bandana, then drops of iodine, drops of bleach, Halazone tabs, FirstAlert filter, and now the Sawyer products. Never tried a Steripen, but they seem interesting. Everything seemed to work. Just depends on how much you want to carry.

Nothing will be perfect for every situation.

 

[Len Backus]

Steripen with pills as backup.

 

[jimbires]

with the steripen we always used running water , and we filled our bottles up stream from the mules .

 

[letrbuck]

Are you looking for a microfilter or purifier? For purifiers you're looking at a steripen, iodine, chlorine dioxide, and high price tag pumps like the MSR Gaurdian ($350), or a combination of a pump and tabs.

Most places a microfilter is more than enough. There are some great gravity fed ones that are getting nice and compact
https://www.msrgear.com/catalog/product/view/id/16277/s/autoflow-gravity-filter/category/7/
https://www.rei.com/product/866422/platypus-gravityworks-water-filter-system-4-liter

Just about all the pumps by MSR and Katadyn seem to be great.

Your lightest option and what I still use more often than not is:
https://www.rei.com/product/407071/potable-aqua-iodine-tablets

I use one tablet per quart if I get it from a clear flowing source, 2 if it's dirtier water or from a non-flowing source

 

[Mike 338]

They make a pre-filter for the Steripen to filter out the particulates before you purify the water with the device.

 

[Ed AO]

MSR trailshot. Used it two weeks ago in the eagle caps. It's great, And easy maintenance.

 

[Wedgy]

Remember to dry your filter out if it is going to get below freezing, when the water turns to ice and expands it will ruin the filter.