Water filter for wild camping

[LeeDonny]

I'm looking for a water filter for when we go camping next year and I was wondering if you had any suggestions?

I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds on this filter, though at the same time I appreciate that you only get what you pay for these days, so any recommendations for a water filter appreciated, especially if you know of any bargains we can snap up.

Thanks

 

[Camping Queen]

Try the Katadyn Mini ceramic filter. It's on offer for around £60-80 at various places and it's lightweight and easy to take apart and clean:

Do you need a filter though - have you thought about using water purifier tablets instead?

 

[Podali]

If you intend to collect reasonably clear stream water then a device like that is just going to take up excess space in your kit bag, when a simple pack of purifier tablets will do just as good a job (if not better).

Just take two 1 litre plastic bottles and when the first is empty, fill it with locally sourced water, pop in a tablet and by the time you've used the water in the second bottle the first one will be ready for use. Repeat as needed.

Regards
Pod

 

[Grayson]

Have a look at the slightly smaller Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter too.

 

[classic33]

If you intend to collect reasonably clear stream water then a device like that is just going to take up excess space in your kit bag, when a simple pack of purifier tablets will do just as good a job (if not better).

Just take two 1 litre plastic bottles and when the first is empty, fill it with locally sourced water, pop in a tablet and by the time you've used the water in the second bottle the first one will be ready for use. Repeat as needed.

Regards
Pod

You check upstream first?
It's not just cloudy water that's the problem, clear water is no indication it's safe to drink.

I've an MSR filter, seldom used though. If you're considering a water filter factor in the availability (and cost) of the filters into the price. Also how much you can use it before you start pushing through what the filter collected.

 

[classic33]

The newer version of the one I have MSR WaterWorks EX Filter

 

[ripio]

Sawyer Mini Filter, small, cheap and works well.
https://sawyer.com/products/mini-filter/

 

[Podali]

It's not just cloudy water that's the problem, clear water is no indication it's safe to drink.

Hence the suggestion for purification tablets. If there are bits and pieces and detritus in the water, pouring it through tights or a sock (unworn, or course) will remove those, without the need for an expensive gadget.

 

[classic33]

Hence the suggestion for purification tablets. If there are bits and pieces and detritus in the water, pouring it through tights or a sock (unworn, or course) will remove those, without the need for an expensive gadget.

No complete guarantee there either,

https://www.msrgear.com/ie//faq?category=7

They're one of the more open manufacturers I've found.

We've become accustomed to "just drinking water" that many don't think about what else may be in the water. Unless it's being put there in tap water.

Two that were once thought not to be in the UK
Cryptosporidium {/URL]
Giardiasis

And if you want to use a sock, you'll need to fill it with something like sand first to filter out the detritus

 

[tonyg52]

In 1992 I cycled down the national horse trail in Australia (Cook Town to Melbourne) the Katadyn was invaluable, tablets upset my stomach. No upset tummies or problems with parasites and we drunk some really dodgy water.

 

[Daddy Pig]

In the UK I'd just boil your water if it' from a reasonable source. Short rerm you can use water treatment pills and another pill to remove the taste.
Ive had a watwr filter device in the past... it's slow to use and not great if you want to move quickly. Saying that it worked well on some pretty awful groundwater on Dartmoor many years ago.

 

[AbiS]

I have an msr trailshot- great bit of kit, lightweight, quick and very easy to use. Will set you back about £35

 

[Treewisemonkey]

Got to be the Sawyer mini filter.

 

[jamesph]

I often go hiking and camping, I carry my LifeStraw personal water filter, it works great. The water didn't have any strange tastes and I didn't feel sick to my stomach or feel unwell after drinking it.

 

[RoMeR]

+1 for the Sawyer