Filters for Cleaner Water
By Jeff Porcaro

On multi-day backpacking trips water represents the single most important resource. But finding water is only half the problem; getting water clean is just as important. Its no fun when you drink bad water and have problems that can last far beyond the backpacking trip.

In this review we tried many different filters and purifiers. The main difference between a purifier and a filter is the purifier will have some sort of chemical (usually iodine) to destroy the viruses. This purification will sometimes cause a slight bitter taste that can be removed by using a carbon post filter. The purifier and filter will have a ceramic filter that will strain out the giardia and many other larger contaminates.

Many filters and purifiers have other accessories that range from pre-filters to bottle adapters. In this review we used the following filters:

Sweetwater Guardian
Sweetwater Walkabout
PUR Voyager
PUR Scout
PUR Explorer
Katadyn Combi
Katadyn Pocket
Katadyn Mini

Sweetwater Guardian

Pumps up to 200 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 11 oz.

The Sweetwater guardian is a powerful simple system to use. The key to the system is to keep the filter clean, or have a pre filter. When the Guardian's filter is constricted with debris it will spray water out of the top seal. This is caused by the pressure relief system to prevent forcing bacteria through the filter. This can also get you wet. Consistent slow pumps will provide you with the needed water. When the filter is not pumping well you can backwash the optional Silt Stopper and continue pumping. If this doesn't help then you can take the glass fiber filter out of the unit and brush it with the included brush. I would rate this a good filter as it has a simple lever pump and it is small.

Bacause the filter is made of glass fiber, rather than ceramic, it will not crack when dropped or frozen. Placing your filter in the freezer will prevent bacteria growth during storage, which increases filter life. The Guardian includes a universal water bottle adapter with separate rings to fit varying water bottle sizes. It is the only filter we reviewed that had a Lever-action pump, which makes for easy pumping.

For it's size and weight, the Sweetwater Guardian offers high output. This filter can also have the added protection for viruses with the optional viral guard for an additional $24.95, or you can purchase the Guardian Plus Purifier, which includes virus protection, for $69.95

Suggested Retail Price: $50

For more information:
800/557-9338

Sweetwater Walkabout

Pumps up to 125 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 9 oz.

The Sweetwater Walkabout is a lightweight (9 oz.) unit great for backpacking. It pumps water at a .9 liter rate with a new cartridge. The cartridge will output 125 gallons before replacement is necessary. The mushroom top makes a good handle and pumping is easy. There is a pressure release valve good for when pumping becomes difficult which helps prevent bacteria push-thru or cartridge rupture. The unit is freezable to prevent grown of bacteria in between uses. The Walkabout is field maintainable.

Suggested Retail Price: $35

For more information:

800/557-9338

PUR Explorer

Pumps up to 500 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 20 oz.

The PUR Explorer is a great back country filter for larger groups. This unit can pump large amounts of water up to 500 gallons on a single cartridge. The PUR Explorer is a self cleaning purifier. There is no need to take apart the unit to clean it, just a quarter-twist of the pump handle switches to cleaning mode. The built-in brush quickly and easily cleans the purifier as you pump.

This is one of the true purifiers. This purifier has a large input tube for quick filtering.

The explorer has a double action pump, pumps on in and out strokes. This filter has a high water flow, comparable to Combi and Guardian. This filter has a pressure release valve system that helps prevent bacteria push-thru or cartridge rupture.

The PUR Explorer has a hook shaped water output, if you want a bottle adapter it is sold separately. ($6)

Suggested Retail Price: $130

For more information:
800/787-5463

PUR Scout

Pumps up to 100 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 12 oz.

The PUR Scout is a great back country filter. This unit includes long input/output hoses for easy water filtration. Includes simple pre-filter that we found needs to be supplemented with a pre-filter. We used coffee filter and a rubber band. This kept us from having to make frequent stops to dismantle the filter to clean. This filter is robust and pumps about a quart a minute. We fond this to be a good value for the price.

Suggested Retail Price: $90

The PUR Scout has a hook shaped water output, if you want a bottle adapter it is sold separately.($6)

For more information:
800/787-5463

PUR Voyager

Pumps up to 100 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 11 oz

PUR's new Voyager builds on the foundation of PUR's award winning Hiker

The Voyager purifier has the same gripable external body as the Hiker, and Voyageur cartridges fit the Hiker, allowing owners to upgrade their filters to purifiers (adding the iodinated core to treat for viruses.) A StopTop carbon filter at the end of the output hose reduces unpleasant tastes and odors in your water. Voyager's iodinated resin core eliminates the threat of viruses.

In our editors' view, the Voyageur's easy of use, anti-clogging design, increased purification (removing viruses), light weight (only 11 ozs), and low cost qualify it as GearReview.com's Best of Show product.

Suggested Retail Price: $70

For more information:
800/787-5463

Katadyn Combi

Pumps up to 13,000 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 19 oz.

The Katadyn Combi is a solidly constructed filter supporting two different filtration systems: Ceramic and carbon or ceramic only. At 19 oz., the Combi is not designed for backpacking. It is more suitable for groups, survival or field work. The ceramic filter is field-maintainable and has a total pumping capacity of 13,000 gallons. The activated carbon filter is a refillable cartridge and will last for 60 gallons before the carbon granules need replacing. Replacement of the carbon granules can be a tedious process since the tiny granules are poured into the narrow cartridge from a foil pouch. This can be especially difficult in outdoor windy conditions. The Combi is easy to pump and has a output of 1.2 quarts per minute. The output nozzle of the Combi is located on the bottom of the unit and has a universal adapter which supports various water bottles.

Suggested Retail Price: $185

For more information:
800/950-0808

Katadyn Mini

Pumps up to 1000 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 8 oz

The Katadyn Mini is a lightweight (8 oz.) and compact filter which is ideal for backpackers. It is s the most lightweight filter in our review. It contains a field-maintainable, ceramic filter which can be cleaned up to 100 times before replacement. The filter yields up to1000 total gallons of water which is a long life when comparing to other filters the same size. The Katadyn Mini claims to output ‡ quart of water per minute.Our experience was that the Katadyn Mini output water at a rate of ‡ quart per 2-3 minutes. The pump action is very hard and requires much strength in order to pump water. For most cases where you rely on water to be provided by filtering this filter falls short because of the work involved in pumping. If you need an emergency source of water this may be the filter for you.

Suggested Retail Price: $100

For more information:
800/950-0808

Katadyn Pocket

Pumps up to 15000 gallons on a filter.
Weight: 23 oz.

The Katadyn Pocket is a solidly constructed filter that will resist some shock. It has a pumping capacity of 1 quart per minute and will pump 15000 gallons of water before filter replacement is necessary. The unit has an output valve located near the top and does not come with an attachable hose. This requires the user to aim in addition to pump. The weight of the Katadyn Pocket (23 oz.) can be attributed to its solid construction, but would make it difficult to use backpacking since there are other, lighter units available.

Suggested Retail Price: $250

For more information:
800/950-0808