what is your favorite water filter or purifier

[lawnmowwer]

 I have used several over the years. I presently have a MSR MIOX. I have only used it once but I like it pretty well.

Pros: It is lite and small
         Kills everything
         Resonably simple

cons: batteries
         does not filter out dirt
         correct use requires test strips

What is your favorite. Tell use what you like or don't.

[Rob]

Katadin Hiker Pro is what currently use. It is relatively quick to refill my Camel Back, effecient at filtering water of dirt, sediment etc. Not extremly bulky or heavy for a filter system. Only con is that the filter element can be a little pricey to replace, however, It will last a very long time between replacements if properly maintained, I remove the filter from the caseing at the end of the trip and clean it and allow it to dry completely before re-inserting it into the caseing. I would recommend it to others. I have tried the MSR filter system but found it to be a bit slow, probably because it has a rather short stroke to pump water with. Apparently MSR has done some re-designing on the mini works to improve it's output up to one liter per minute, now twice the output of the Katadyn, but it weighs about 5 ounces more than the Katadyn and the filter cartridge is only rated for up to 100 gallons, the Katadyn is rated for up to 200 gallons, of course we all know these numbers are very subjective.  Happy Trails !!   

[Lostsheep]

I bought the PUR Hiker many many years ago after using the Aqua Mira for a few weeks in the backcountry. The taste led me to find other filtering sources.

Now, it's known as the Katadyn Hiker or Katadyn Hiker Pro. I really like it. Easy for field maintenance, easy for transportation, ease of use, and pretty darn reliable. I typically wash and rinse the cartridge w/ bleach after my uses and it holds up just fine. Haven't had any issues out of it and it's kept me from getting terribly sick too.

I have used the MIOX and thought it was fantastic. My only concern would be the batteries. Other than that, I'd be all for it! i've also used the MSR Miniworks, and thought it was great. I simply stuck with what I had used and knew has worked.

[lawnmowwer]

 I looked a all the above mentioned filters and liked them all. I just decided on the MIOX for weigh and size. It seemed the best for Me most of the packing I do is one or two nights. That being the cast the best for Me.

My last was a Pur Hiker and I was happy with it but scouts can brake anything, and as the story went. That was the reason for a new one.

I don't think I would depend on the MIOX for a trip over a week. Just because of the batteries. You can't get them just anywhere.

Lests hear more. I would like your opinions.

[Magic City Matt]

Doesn't the MIOX just create chlorine dioxide from salt?
It seems very cool. Will it run on ordinary table salt?

Has anyone tried a steripen? I like the idea of those because they are fast. Apparently they are very fragile though.

I use a first need purifier. It is basic and has the gravity assist setup that comes with it. Suits my needs well.

Matthew

[lawnmowwer]

Doesn't the MIOX just create chlorine dioxide from salt?

The instructions call the solution a chloroxygen compound. I think it is sodium chloride.

Will it run on ordinary table salt?

You can use any food grade salt, but rock salt is best.

Treatment times are 15 min for viruses and bacteria
                            30 min for giardia
                            4 hr for cryptosporidium

[Nalgene Ninja]

So far have only used Potable Aqua tablets. The new ones include a neutralizer tablet that works pretty good. If the taste bothers you, you can just put some Crystal Light in it.

[lawnmowwer]

 The tablets work good. They are light wieght and reliable. I used them for years. We still carry them as a backup on Scout trips.

[SteveO]

Ive always used Aqua Mira. Never had any isues. Its two small droppers. Very lite and very small = very easy to pack.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Scored a Steripen yday for $45. So it looks like the tablets will be my backup now. 

[lawnmowwer]

 Awsome. I hope that I works good. How did you find that deal ? Were stealing Steripens from babys again? Hay Hay Hay.  Can't wait to here a review.

[Nalgene Ninja]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackGearSwap/

[Magic City Matt]

Really starting to look into one of the MSR hyperflow filters. I really like my first need deluxe purifier but this thing is much lighter.

http://www.msrgear.com/wa...ertreatment/hyperflow.asp

I doubt it would save me a whole lot of time on pumping but. I am just not the type to notice the difference between 1 minute 30 seconds and just one minute. mainly I just want it to take some weight off my back. It seems to be on par as far as weight goes with the steripen and the miox.

[sam4msu]

My thoughts only...For what it is worth...The MIOX is a great idea, I just don't like the idea of the test strips.  If you don't use the strips(which I am very likely to be guilty of) you are cheating the system and are not sure of full protection.  Needless to say the battery thing worries me.  Does not filter out the crud.  Steripen, again great idea.  Only filters 1 liter at a time so you must purify in a Nalgene or something like it then transfer to bladder.  Batteries.  Does not filter the crud.  I had a Hiker pro and thought it was to slow and a little heavy.  I just ordered a Hyperflow but it is on backorder.  As soon as I get it and have a chance to test it I will give you all a review and let you know if it is worth 99 of your hard earned $$$.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Just found this, looks really cool, light, and it's CHEAP!

http://www.backpackinglig..._frontier_pro_filter.html

[Woody]

I switch up but mostly use only the potable aqua tabs. I do use a cheap Sterns pump filter for base camping though, and I use a Bota Bottle (filter inside water bottle) at times. I like them all but if I am covering miles I can not find a better alternative than the tabs.