Water Filters
Water filtration is a must when backpacking. While some purists will drink water directly from the source, there is nothing like Giardia or Cryptosporidium to ruin a weekend and cut a trip short. Additionally, with recent advances in water treatment technology, it has never been cheaper or easier to filter water.
Recommended Filters
Sawyer Mini ($24.95; 1.4 oz) + Glaceau SmartWater Bottle (~$2; 1.3oz)
Summary:
Introduced in 2013, the Sawyer Mini has taken the backpacking world by storm. While traditional mainstays are bulky or leave a chemical aftertaste, the Sawyer Mini weighs 1.4 ounces, leaves no aftertaste, and fits in your pocket
To get full utility out of the Sawyer Mini, we recommend using it with Glaceau SmartWater bottles. The Sawyer Mini has threading that fits the water bottle and you can use the two in combination to both store and filter your water. By using the Sawyer Mini in this manner, you now no longer have to "pre filter" you water. The water bottle can be used to store dirty water and with the Sawyer Mini attached simply squeeze water directly from the bottle into your mouth whenever you are thirsty! This combination is a favorite among long distance hikers and this "hiker hack" is sure to be an ice breaker when talking with others on the trail.
Additional Commentary:
Introduced in 2013, the Sawyer Mini has taken the backpacking world by storm. While traditional mainstays are bulky or leave a chemical aftertaste, the Sawyer Mini weighs 1.4 ounces, leaves no aftertaste, and fits in your pocket
To get full utility out of the Sawyer Mini, we recommend using it with Glaceau SmartWater bottles. The Sawyer Mini has threading that fits the water bottle and you can use the two in combination to both store and filter your water. By using the Sawyer Mini in this manner, you now no longer have to "pre filter" you water. The water bottle can be used to store dirty water and with the Sawyer Mini attached simply squeeze water directly from the bottle into your mouth whenever you are thirsty! This combination is a favorite among long distance hikers and this "hiker hack" is sure to be an ice breaker when talking with others on the trail.
Additional Commentary:
- While some prefer the slightly larger and heavier Sawyer Squeeze, the two products are essentially the same. The Sawyer Squeeze is one ounce heavier for a slightly higher flow rate. When using the Sawyer Mini in combination with the Glaceau SmartWater bottle, the added benefit of the higher flow rate is not noticeable. Go with the smaller (and cheaper) Sawyer Mini and save an ounce.
- Backwash frequently. The Sawyer Mini performs optimally if you backwash every 10L. For an "ultra hiker hack", leave the included syringe at home and instead bring a Glaceau sport cap water bottle. Store clean water in this bottle and simply squeeze water through the sport cap into the filter
- People who first start using this system often question the durability of the water bottles. Do not be worried. Plastic is nature's enemy precisely because it is so durable.
- For groups of 3 or more, we recommend getting the larger Katadyn Hiker Pro. While considerably heavier at 10 ounces, the higher flow rate allows for much faster pumping.
Aquamira Water Treatment Drops ($14.95; 3 oz)
Ohhh, the age old debate between Aquamira droplets and the Sawyer Mini. While Aquamira does leave a slight chemical aftertaste, there is something to be said about the convenience of not having to spend time filtering your water. You really cannot go wrong with either option and in our opinion the choice comes down to how particular you are about your water tasting "pure" vs a bit "chemically".