Question for you hikers out there ... on water pumps/filters. - poll

[ViviTheMage]

I am looking to go up north for 5 days with 4 of us. We want to get one water filter/pump.(we have some pills for 'oh shit' situations) North MN has relatively clean water, so I am hoping to get 50-100 gallons out of it before we have to swap filters.

So which of these three would you choose, and why? I am stuck on these three!

First Need XL @ $112

Katadyn Hiker Pro @ $79

MSR MiniWorks EX @ $59

 

[KB]

If money isn't a major concern why wouldn't you go with the First Need XL? It has the best filtration down to .1 micron, highest reviewed ratings and just looks the sturdiest. When your life is on the line I would never choose to go for a cheaper product.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Although it's been a while since I've done backpacking and things may have changed since. But the Katadyne was always the top dog in filtering, even though it took the longest to use. (least water/pump) The water coming out of them always tasted the cleanest.

The ones we used were more like this one though:
http://www.rei.com/product/653573

 

[ViviTheMage]

I am leaning towards the Katadyn Hiker Pro, the First Need looks awesome, but a little bulky?

 

[Slapstick]

I'd go with the First Need XL, better filtration, 150 gal before filter change and high flow rate. With 4 people using the same filter system it's seems the better choice.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I am a fan of the double tube system, so that I can drop the tube into my nalgene, or camelback with the Katadyn, hrmm.

 

[Kyteland]

I've never used the First Need XL, but I own the MSR and have used my cousin's Katadyn on numerous trips. I personally prefer the MSR because of the ceramic filter. It's much easier to field clean so clogging isn't an issue. That probably isn't a problem in MN but if you are filtering water with a lot of sediment it is a godsend. I've seen the Katadyn clog after one day of use under those conditions. I bought the MSR 5 years ago and still haven't needed a new core for it.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I've never used the First Need XL, but I own the MSR and have used my cousin's Katadyn on numerous trips. I personally prefer the MSR because of the ceramic filter. It's much easier to field clean so clogging isn't an issue. That probably isn't a problem in MN but if you are filtering water with a lot of sediment it is a godsend. I've seen the Katadyn clog after one day of use under those conditions. I bought the MSR 5 years ago and still haven't needed a new core for it.

They must've changed a lot or just different models, because when I was doing it regularly, the Katadyne WAS the one with the ceramic filter while the others didn't.

 

[Kyteland]

They must've changed a lot or just different models, because when I was doing it regularly, the Katadyne WAS the one with the ceramic filter while the others didn't.

http://www.rei.com/product/653573

That's the Katadyn with the ceramic filter, but it's a little out of the price range he was looking in. A friend of mine has that one and it's a great filter as well, just expensive.

 

[PricklyPete]

To be honest, I've always just boiled the water, filled up the water bottles, and then set them in a running creek to cool them off. Whole process takes no more than 20 minutes to fill a few liters.

Are there any good resources that would tell me what types of bacteria/diseases I'm setting myself up for with going that route over a water filter/iodine pill route? By doing the boiling routine...it just requires less packing...well unless i wasn't planning on packing a stove...but I always do.

 

[lxskllr]

Boiling's fine, but it takes longer and isn't as convenient imo.

 

[duragezic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9aZscMZ9sY

He recommends the Katadyn Hiker. If you watch his videos, he has been backpacking forever and seems to really know what he's doing, so I'd say with the Katadyn you are at least getting an excellent filter.

Also he mentions using calmer water to extend the life of the filter.

 

[Dirigible]

I've used the katadyn for ten years or so (well it was called something else when I bought it, but it's the same thing, and I use the katadyn replacement filter). No problems at all. Great little product. How much it can filter depends greatly on the muckiness of the water.