Backcountry hunts what about water?

[Sticks2117]

Just wondering what you all do for water. I have a Katadyn pro and plan on using that a lot.

[Bernie B.]

I used a MSR Sweetwater Microfilter last year in the Colorado mountains and liked it a lot.    

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[Scott Teaschner]

Sticks I feel you have one of the best water purifiers its what I use.

[Biathlonman]

Kathadyn base camp for this guy.  If I were buying new I'd also take a look at the sawyer squeeze jobs.

[meathead]

I used a MSR autoflow in the Quetico a few weeks back.  It provided water for 6 of us with no problems at all.

[BrianfromTulsa]

My katadyn has not failed me.

[John Scifres]

I have the PUR/Katadyn Hiker microfilter and have used it a lot.  However, my past few hunts, I simply use the sweetwater purification tabs.  Mostly to save weight in my pack.  If you get the kind that can be neutralized, the water tastes just fine.

[Sticks2117]

Thanks everyone I have used my katadyn several times and like iot a lot.

[JR Williams]

I have used the Katadyn tablets, much lighter to carry. Ounces=Pounds!

[Greg Clark]

I have been using a Sweetwater for about 12 years (use it about every other year on an elk hunt) with no complaints.  Works well and reasonably priced.

[jhg]

Since you have a great filter already...

But I use a Steripen. Way smaller, lighter and never clogs. I stopped carrying a filter altogether and now all my buddys use one too after they watched me sterilize my water faster with a smaller unit.

Always top up when you can- your path may not include that "next" water source- even if you "think" it will.

Joshua

[LongbowArchitect]

I've been using the MSR Sweetwater filter for many years with no problems.  This year I switched to a Platypus GravityWorks water filter.  Much less effort to use and so far it's been problem free.

[two4hooking]

I use a Sawyer 3-way inline gravity filter with a cheap collapsible jug from Wally world.

[awbowman]

We used the Katadyn Pro.  Worked great

Had tablets as backup

[rraming]

Originally posted by Numunuu:
I have used the Katadyn tablets, much lighter to carry. Ounces=Pounds!

Tablets, for the most part, are to be used as a last source alternative (not all that safe for ones body) and filtration should be your main source for water. Tablets in an emergency is what a survival class will tell you.

Any outdoor store carries several filters, big name brands being better to get filters years down the road. I have a First Need I have had for 20 years and can still get the filters for it.

[Daz]

Tablets, for the most part, are to be used as a last source alternative (not all that safe for ones body) and filtration should be your main source for water. Tablets in an emergency is what a survival class will tell you.

I would like to see the data showing that tablets/drops are not safe, and that filtration should be the main source. Most municipalities chlorinate water supplies.

In fact, our province still recommends the "four drops/litre" bleach method for water purification when water advisories are given.

[rraming]

http://www.glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com/katadyn-micropur-purification-tablets.html
There are thousands of threads on the tablets, I have never seen anyone suggest using them as your main source for water, here is a thread mentioning water PH and temperature and tablet use
 http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml
Do what you want, it's just my opinion and what I was taught. Clorine in municiple water supplies is monitored and tested, there is no testing after you drop a tablet into a container and wait 4 hours to drink it. Filtered water can be consumed immediately. Just trying to help out here.

[sledge]

[sledge]

op did not indicate if he would be out multiple days.

if so, my msr for sure.  

but for day hunting, i prefer to just lug my 96oz. bladder, with nasty but safe iodine tabs for backup.

i think my msr is called the "stinkwater", but i am often wrong.

joe

[ShadeMt]

I have the Katadyn hiker and it works well.  A word of caution:  Be careful when removing the hose from the plastic outlet barb.   I broke mine off on the first day of a 3 day backpacking trip but fortunately had iodine for an emergency back up.  They have excellent customer service and replaced the damaged body of the unit very quickly free of charge.