I'm new to the Backpacking, and I'm looking for water treatement solution. There seem to be many types, brands and models.

Want something that will kill anything before it kills me, (or makes me sick). And something that improves the water taste and looks...

If you were starting from stratch (I dont even have bottles), with a large-ish bugdget, what would you get?

Edited by bachamp on 02/09/2010 20:09:00 MST.

easy: Katadyn hiker- get out bugs and carbon for taste

light: aquamira (bugs)
propel (taste)
cozy (looks)

Should add I would like to keep it Light Weight...

My suggestion is Aquamira drops repackaged into mini dropper bottles. My repackaged set weighs about an ounce.

Ben:

To help narrow down some -- which of the 5 below do you require? Some? All?

1. protect from viruses (tiniest of baddies)
2. protect from bacteria (medium size baddies)
3. protect from protozoa (large size baddies)
4. improve water clarity
5. improve water taste

All might seem good to have at first glance, but if you hike in areas where viruses aren't a problem or where water sources are usually clear without foul taste -- then eliminating those requirements can result in lighter/simpler/cheaper options.

Secondly, do you have particular likes or dislikes, such as:

1. hate waiting (or don't mind waiting)
2. hate pumping (or not)
3. hate weight
4. hate fuss

So, tell us your needs and prioritize your preferences a bit. What say you?

Edited by ben2world on 02/09/2010 20:11:14 MST.

Heehee! There are many who are not new to backpacking that frequently visit this same issue....myself included. I ended up making my own filter setup for 5 ounces.

You're gonna meet proponents for each type of system, and you'll most likely go through a couple yourself in order to find what you really like/need. If you answer Ben's questions, and we'll have a lot more to go on!

Edited by T.L. on 02/09/2010 20:17:03 MST.

Oh, hi Ben. We meet again...

You may want to ask the other Aussies on the site what they use as they will know more of what is to be expected down there.

Or, as you have a "largish budget" you can just fly me out there to hike with you. I will bring the bomb water filter and it won't cost you a gram on your back...

;-)

"1. protect from viruses (tiniest of baddies)"

Not Always, most of the time the water will be good, but you never know by looks anyway. Some places I go, I will want to kill this as well.

"2. protect from bacteria (medium size baddies)"

Same as above, but would be good.

"3. protect from protozoa (large size baddies)"

I assume that if I remove no 2 than I remove no 3.


"1. hate waiting (or don't mind waiting)"
Usually I will be prepaired and be doing this during the night. But if I'm on the trail, I would prefer not to have to wait that long.

"2. hate pumping (or not)"
Happy to Pump.

"3. hate weight"
Dont we all? Not as much as some people, also will be split between 2 so that helps.

"4. hate fuss"
Not really.

"Or, as you have a "largish budget" you can just fly me out there to hike with you. I will bring the bomb water filter and it won't cost you a gram on your back"

Sorry, I cannot fly...

Edited by bachamp on 02/09/2010 20:48:50 MST.

Given what you wrote, relatively good water, don't mind fuss and pumping, but do mind waiting -- methinks either UV or filter pumps are suited for you. In contrast, chemicals (while very light) do require a wait period.


Option 1 - Takes care of #1-3 (but not #4,5):

Steripen. Zaps ALL the baddies in just 1-2 minutes of stirring. Obviously won't clarify water or improve taste -- but you mentioned your water sources are good down there.


Option 2 - Quality filters that can do #2-5 above:

MSR Sweetwater Filter
Katadyn Hiker (or Hiker Pro)


Option 3 - A pump purifier that can do everything (#1-5):

First Need Purifier