Camping Water Filters
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What is a good camping water filter?
Hikers are generally advised to carry a water filter with them as a way to purify any water they come across. On short hikes, you can usually carry enough water that you won't use a filter except in case of emergencies. Experienced hikers, however, often rely on them to supplement their water supplies so that they can travel much greater distances. If you get a water filter and think you might ever use it, you should generally get a good one. There are a lot of cheap, junkier brands that will filter out the most common forms of microorganisms such as giardia, but they won't get bacteria and other dangers. It isn't a good idea to risk your health - if you can't afford a decent camping water filter, I would only get it for true emergencies or be certain that you are never hiking past the limits of the water you can carry. Also be aware that you might want to get water purification tablets of some kind and use them in addition to the filter - this is because of the risk of viruses, which are often too small to filter out.
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Katadyn Pocket Water Filter - This is one of the more popular brands of camping water purifiers. The reason is that it filters objects down to .2 microns, which is enough to get bacteria as well as protozoa (which are much larger). It only weighs about 1.2 pounds, and it can supply water for up to four people. The filter is made of ceramic and has been treated with silver to stop bacteria from growing in the pores (a problem that some filters have - basically you will be actually putting bacteria INTO the water in that case). It's about $180 and available online here. |
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Katadyn Hiker Water Filters - This is a cheaper camping water filter made by the same company, but it only filters down to .3 microns. That will get most bacteria, but some of them are smaller than that. It can filter up to 200 gallons. This is only $60, so it's good if you just want it for emergencies or if you're hiking in an area where you can be selective about what water you use to avoid obviously risky water sources. It's still a good product, but personally I'd go with the better filter if I was going to be using it frequently and if you're inexperienced. You can get it online here. |
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MSR Waterworks EX Filter - This is another higher-end filter, but from a different company. It's also got a .2 micron filter, which they boast eliminates 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria. It's very efficient, and it is also designed to remove bad tastes, which make it a good filter to get if you want to use iodine tablets (because they taste horrible if unfiltered). It pumps quickly, and it is also easy to take apart, which means you can pack back up a lot quicker. It's about $125 and available online here. |
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Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter - This one is for if you've got a group of people and some time to spare. It basically filters larger volumes of water at your camp, but it does it slowly and without you pumping it. It's a 2.5 gallon bag, and you just hang it up and let the water drip through the filter. It's got a .3 micron filter, which is good but not the best - again, be selective with what water you use. It only weighs 13 ounces - a good way to get water for several people at once. It costs $60 and is available online here. |
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