Hiking Water Filters
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Boiling, while effective at killing micro organisms and viruses, takes time and leaves behind larger debris. Chemical tablets, while quick and effective, often leave an unpleasant aftertaste to your water. Water filters, on the other hand, remove large and small debris quickly and will often leave water completely tasteless.
Nothing is so important when hiking, camping or backpacking as a reliable water source. On short trips a single canteen may be enough, but for longer hiking treks, a hiking water filter can be a lifesaver. These devices allow you to take advantage of natural water sources without having to worry about heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. Keep in mind that the average person will need 3 quarts of water per day of hiking.
There are several different levels of water filters for hiking. The most basic is the microfilter, which will filter out microbiological agents such as bacteria but may leave viruses and other hazardous materials behind. A level one filter, on the other hand, will eliminate protozoa, bacteria, and viruses and often use a combination of physical filters and iodine in order to eliminate all of the impurities. Most hiking water filters will be gravity filters, since they require no electricity to operate.
Portable water filters, which are largely used for outdoor sports come in a variety of different sizes and types. Larger water purifiers process as much as 10 gallons at a time, while others are the size of a normal water bottle. The filter you choose all depends on your hiking needs and how light you want to travel. Even when empty, a 10 gallon filter is going to be a burden to carry. For those hikers who are looking to limit the weight of their gear, water bottles with filters are probably your best option purifiers. They are small, lightweight, and can still filter out 99.99% of impurities in your water. Replacement filters are available when you have used up the first.
There are several leading brand names in hiking water filters. Aqua Mira is a company well known for their effective and tasteless water filtration systems. British Berkefeld also makes best water filters that last for hundreds of uses before they need replacement filters. Their Model SB sports water bottle, for example, has a long lived filter system and exceeds the EPA standards for clean, drinkable water.
On the larger side of filters, the First Need water filter can treat a liter of water in less than a minute and is more suited to group travel. The First Need takes care of protozoa, such as giardia, and many viruses, but it cannot remove the Hepatitis virus and should not be used in areas where this virus is prevalent in the water supply.
Water filtration is one of the most important factors of a hiking, camping or backpacking trip. A single disease from untreated water can ruin an entire hiking trip and may even have serious medical consequences. Considering the alternative, it is definitely worth a little extra weight in the pack in order to ensure clean, drinkable water.
Many hikers are tempted to simply select the cheapest micro filter on the market, but an ineffective water filtration or purification system will completely defeat the purpose of carrying one in the first place. One of the best portable water filters on the market is luckily one of the most affordable as well.
The “Hiker”, which is made by Katadyn, contains an anti-clog filter that utilizes carbon. The company states that there is no cleaning required, and they guarantee the product not to clog. A carrying case is included and a low weight of 11 oz is very appealing. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $59.95, which places it slightly higher than some of its competitors. However, when it comes to offering the best protection for the price, the “Hiker” simply cannot be beat!