Filtering Water whilst Touring

[Aushiker]

There is an interesting discussion going at the moment at Backpacking Light re a lightweight approach to filtering water using a Sawyer's filter. I have one of their filters (not the light one but) which works well. My problem was with their original bladders which apparently have been updated. Anyway what is being discussed is an interesting approach to getting a very light but effective filter system in place.



If you have other filtering approaches do also share them here.

[RonK]

I've had my eye on a 2 litre Platypus Gravity Works system for a while. Just can't understand why a couple of plastic bladders, a hose and a filter is so expensive - particularly at local prices.

It would be cheaper to buy a pump, but it would be heavier and take up more room.

[Aushiker]

The Playtpus system has a 1500 litre cartridge life ... the Sawyer is something like a million gallons I believe. Just not in the same league.

[RonK]

Meh - 1500 litres will see out my touring life.

[Aushiker]

Meh - 1500 litres will see out my touring life.

Maybe so but it is I suspect it is the functionality that makes the difference in life; the Sawyer can be "restored" with back flushing. Sawyer even provide in their kit a syringe for this purpose.

Can the Platypus be back flushed or will its functionality deteriorate fairly quickly, i.e., the flow rate drops off.

[BenGr]

Can the Platypus be back flushed or will its functionality deteriorate fairly quickly, i.e., the flow rate drops off.

They say you can back flush it at every use.

I've grabbed the platypus system, not used yet.

[RonK]

Meh - 1500 litres will see out my touring life.

Maybe so but it is I suspect it is the functionality that makes the difference in life; the Sawyer can be "restored" with back flushing. Sawyer even provide in their kit a syringe for this purpose.

Can the Platypus be back flushed or will its functionality deteriorate fairly quickly, i.e., the flow rate drops off.

Accordingto the website it backflushes in 4 seconds.

Platypus GravityWorks 2.0L

[rifraf]

I've got a MSR Miniworks and am getting the funds together to buy a Steripen, likely the usb chargeable Ultra.
Yeah i acknowledge the Miniworks is a heavier choice, but its a direct fit for my widemouth Nalgene water bottles and the filter is field serviceable with a green scouring pad. As it simply works, I'll hold out till something "much" superior comes along.

Yes the packability of those above units looks great.
Look forward to reading of your purchase decision and the logic behind it Andrew.

The Sawyer/Platapus units look much more bike packer friendly than the Miniworks.

[RonK]

Is this the Sawyer filtration system mentioned in the OP?

I was not aware of this system before I it saw it too late on an already closed Massdrop.

Looks to be better value than the Platypus. There are reasonably priced offers on Amazon including shipping to Oz.

Sawyer 2 Liter Water Filtration System

[Aushiker]

Is this the Sawyer filtration system mentioned in the OP?

The concept is the same, but it was not a purchased package from Sawyer, i.e., not the one you have shown. The one in the OP uses the filter which is now only available in the Sawyer drinking bottle. It was for awhile sold separately and is popular because it is lighter than the other filters (e.g., the Mini) available from Sawyer.

[avolve]

I've got a MSR Miniworks and am getting the funds together to buy a Steripen, likely the usb chargeable Ultra.
Yeah i acknowledge the Miniworks is a heavier choice, but its a direct fit for my widemouth Nalgene water bottles and the filter is field serviceable with a green scouring pad. As it simply works, I'll hold out till something "much" superior comes along.

Yes the packability of those above units looks great.
Look forward to reading of your purchase decision and the logic behind it Andrew.

The Sawyer/Platapus units look much more bike packer friendly than the Miniworks.

I have had a miniworks for many years now. Integration and it just works (granted it is not really small or light).

[RonK]

I have had a miniworks for many years now. Integration and it just works (granted it is not really small or light).

Not small or light? And you have to pump it by hand?

In the context of this discussion, that is a fail.

[Trevtassie]

Just got me one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... em_1p_1_ti

Didn't pay US$119 though. About US$79.... All ready for our West Coast Canada/US trip next month.

[RonK]

Is this the Sawyer filtration system mentioned in the OP?

I was not aware of this system before I it saw it too late on an already closed Massdrop.

Looks to be better value than the Platypus. There are reasonably priced offers on Amazon including shipping to Oz.

Sawyer 2 Liter Water Filtration System

I'll be doing much more camping my backroads tour of NZ this year than on previous tours, so I've now ordered one of these.

[Trevtassie]

Just wanted to report back on the MSR system. Been using it in action in Canada and the USA. Excellent product. I like how the hose is quick disconnect. Carry the bag down to the stream. Fill with a cup. Can hold about 5L and still able to roll up the top. Carry back up to your camp-site and hang and attach hose. Can use any water bottle. Comes with an adapter hoojamaflip that fits into most things except for the 100 yen bladders we got in Japan.Has a screw on cover to stop criss contamination. Hasn't needed much flushing. Every now and again I've simply used a bidon and given it a squeeze.

[Aushiker]

Massdrop have a drop on the Sawyer 2L water filtration system. Heading towards a price of US$76.99 + postage. Might be worth considering if the price is good.

[RonK]

Massdrop have a drop on the Sawyer 2L water filtration system. Heading towards a price of US$76.99 + postage. Might be worth considering if the price is good.

It is quite reasonable. If it reaches the lower price it'll be around $US20 cheaper than the best offer available when I ordered. And a looooong way cheaper than the Platypus Gravityworks.

[Trevtassie]

I don't reckon 2l is big enough, unless you are willing to carry an extra bladder for more dirty water, or don't mind doing multiple trips to the water source. You need clean water for more than just drinking, eg food prep, washing up as well, because you don't want cross contamination from your dishes.
Between 2 people we'd use around 7L, inclining filling water bottles for the next days ride.

[RonK]

I don't reckon 2l is big enough, unless you are willing to carry an extra bladder for more dirty water, or don't mind doing multiple trips to the water source.

The 2 litre Sawyer system has two bladders and allows you to carry 4 litres of water - two litres filtered, two litres unfiltered. This is the same capacity as your MSR system. But with its open top I don't think you could carry any water in the MSR bag.

However the Massdrop offer includes option of the 4 litre system, which will allow you to carry 8 litres of water.

[Trevtassie]

The roll top on the MSR works great, I reckon you'd burst it before it leaked. It takes about 5L with the top rolled up securely. If you are just carrying it up from a water source it'll hold about 6L or maybe a touch more if you don't mind it dribbling a bit. I just used 1.5L plastic bottles for storage. The filter and bag was either hanging from a tree or whatever was handy or was packed away in a pannier.

[Aushiker]

One for the Steripen devotees. Massdrop have a SteriPen Pure+ Water Purifier as as drop. It seems popularly so maybe the pricing is good for the old boys in the US. Anyway downunder it is looking at $91 which seems pretty scary to me.

[Cycleops70]

One for the Steripen devotees. Massdrop have a SteriPen Pure+ Water Purifier as as drop. It seems popularly so maybe the pricing is good for the old boys in the US. Anyway downunder it is looking at $91 which seems pretty scary to me.

I thought I'd take a chance. It works out at $68 (with a significant chunk of that being postage).

[Aushiker]

I thought I'd take a chance. It works out at $68 (with a significant chunk of that being postage).

That is US $ but.

[RonK]

I thought I'd take a chance. It works out at $68 (with a significant chunk of that being postage).

That is US $ but.

And you still need a filter anyway.

[Cycleops70]

I thought I'd take a chance. It works out at $68 (with a significant chunk of that being postage).

That is US $ but.

And you still need a filter anyway.

That was AUD

I have a filter. Just thought I'd give it a go.