Water Treatment

Featured review by Sir Inch-a-lot

OMG! Seriously? If you haven't already drooled all over one of these like a lifeless zombie online or in your local shop for hours by now than you've probably already bought one. Here's why you should too. It's perfect in almost every way. Period.

I could just list everything above in the Pros column but I have to get something in here too.  The Platypus GravityWorks Filter is a God send. It filters out everything I'm worried about accidentally ingesting plus... No more endless trips to hand pump out of the stream! No more iodine and chlorine tablets or boiling or any other negative thing any experienced backpacker can come up with when it comes to getting their potable water. It's a drag. Well, no more. Because these guys invented something called "Gravity".

Read more: Platypus GravityWorks Filter System 4L reviews (20)

Featured review by Sheila Bergin Goss

I have been testing the Grayl GeoPress Purifier, a new, large capacity water filtration bottle, while canoeing, canoe camping, and day hiking this summer and fall. For the past three years, I have used a Grayl Ultralight Water Filter bottle, to provide clean and safe water for me and my dogs while canoeing and camping. I reviewed that bottle here on Trailspace on 10/14/18, and since then have continued to carry that bottle in my canoe bag, and occasionally, in my backpack side pockets. The new GeoPress utilizes the same fill and press filtration system as my Ultralight, but has improvements that address some of the deficiencies I found with the prior bottle. I can recommend the GeoPress for its simple operation, effective filtration performance, and increased volume. The bottle can be used by a solo paddler or hiker, but can also be used to replenish water supplies for canine or human companions.

DESCRIPTION: In the Grayl product line, the  GeoPress Purifier replaces the Grayl Quest, a similar water filtration bottle, but one which was a bit heavier, and did not have the improved features of this current GeoPress model. I am using the GeoPress as an upgrade over my Grayl Ultralight filtration bottle. The Grayl GeoPress uses a simple fill, press, and drink system to purify freshwater, but is not suitable for salt water or extremely brackish water. The filter bottle has a capacity of 24 ounces (710 ml), more than the 16-ounce capacity of the Grayl Ultralight filter bottle I have used for a few years.

Read more: Grayl GeoPress reviews (4)

Featured review by David Drake

With more thought than I ever imagined, I cast my Katadyn Pocket's intake hose into the most vile, disgusting, putrescent, foulness I could possibly imagine…

Water: a transparent, tasteless, odorless liquid!? Hmmm, think again. I, once, with little choice, filtered water from an abandoned cow trough full of the most nauseating putrescence I've ever encountered, the only possible water source available! With more thought than I ever imagined, I cast my Katadyn Pocket intake hose into the most vile, disgusting, putrescent, foulness I could possibly imagine. A horrid faction of life defying blight (in retrospect, it may not have been that bad, but at that time…).

Read more: Katadyn Pocket reviews (16)

Featured review by TJ1984

The MSR Guardian is a top of the line water purification system that delivers on its impressive claims. Very fast, very efficient, and largely hassle-free (requires no backflushing). Excellent for the solo hiker, but perfect for larger groups.

Disclaimer: This review is purely on design, usability, durability, and my overall opinion of the product. Without access to a water testing laboratory, I cannot make any claims regarding the actual efficacy for removing harmful impurities (biological and non-biological). While I can say that I have never gotten sick drinking water filtered by the MSR Guardian, that in-itself is no validation of the claims. Without proper controls, it is merely circumstantial. Introduction: The MSR Guardian is the latest and greatest in backcountry water purification (actual wording according to MSR is "The world's most advanced backcountry purifier").  According to MSR: "Nothing is safer or easier to use for purifying the most demanding backcountry water...

Read more: MSR Guardian Purifier reviews (5)

Featured review by Danny Wang

I've used the Platypus GravityWorks for about a year now. Extremely easy to use and the best part... It requires NO pumping. It's also lighter compared to some of the other water filter systems out there (especially when you ditch some of the hydration connection components that may be unnecessary based upon each individual's hydration carrying method).

While writing this review, I am resigned to note that whatever I write, I'll probably not get anywhere close to Bill S's review, in terms of attention to detail, quality of the review, etc. etc. Actually, his review was part of the reason why I chose the GravityWorks system in the first place. But here are some of my personal experiences with the GravityWorks 2L: Effectiveness: So far, I've had nothing but good experiences with the GravityWorks. I've never gotten sick from the water I've consumed from water treated with the GravityWorks, but I've also only used the product domestically in the United States.

Read more: Platypus GravityWorks Filter System 2L reviews (6)

Featured review by Gator

“I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.”

Aquamira drops have been my go-to for water treatment for a few years now. I've used a Katadyn Basecamp gravity filter, which worked well until it just stopped one day. Pretty big and heavy in retrospect anyway. I've also used a gravity filter that I rigged up with a Platypus Big-Zip and a Sawyer Mini that worked brilliantly until it just stopped working one day no matter how hard I back-flushed the filter.  I've never used a pump filter, I can get the same results with a gravity filter with no work other than waiting for a few minutes, and presumably the filter in that would just give up one day.

Read more: Aquamira Water Treatment Drops reviews (9)

Featured review by Angie O'Plasty

I have used these tablets on a few trips so far, as my only method of water treatment (other than filtering through a bandana if there's obvious crud). In order to keep my pack weight down, I wanted to avoid carrying a filter. However, I didn't like the idea of using iodine tablets, decided chlorine dioxide sounded better, but didn't want to use a liquid product like Aquamira drops (too much chance of spillage). So, when I found out the chlorine dioxide was available in tablet form it sounded ideal.

Read more: Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets reviews (6)

Reviewed by Scott Edwards

The Sawyer Micro Squeeze is a very lightweight, compact, and versatile water filtration system with a long lifespan that will help keep you safely hydrated on the trail. You can drink directly from the water source with the included straw or filter water from the included bladder using the squeeze method or from disposable water or soda bottles using the gravity method. Once filtered it's ready to drink or store in the vessel of your choice, and you can even direct line to hydration packs.

Sawyer filters are highly regarded in the thru-hiking community, so I was anxious to put the Micro Squeeze to the test during my backpacking trip in Utah, and my upcoming bicycle tour of the USA.  Packaging: I immediately read and noted the capabilities of the Sawyer Micro Squeeze printed on the package. There is a warning on the package which states that "Boil Alerts" when issued need to be adhered to in order to eliminate harmful pathogens. The Micro Squeeze WILL NOT filter out viruses.  The Micro Squeeze Filter element is .1 micron and filters out 99.9999% of bacteria (salmonella, cholera and E.

Read more: Sawyer Micro Squeeze review (1)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier is an all-in-one water treatment system that is ideal for groups, or people needing potable water in larger volumes. Not only removing bacteria, protozoa, sediment and particulate, MSR’s new flagship purifier also removes the tiniest viruses, while also using activated charcoal to improve flavor and reduce chemicals. The Guardian’s new purge valve quickly and easily cleans the filter to maximize flow rate, removing debris.

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is no stranger to water treatment, and even taking a quick look at the Guardian Gravity Purifier, it shows. MSR has been responsibly manufacturing a host of products for over fifty years. You can read more about MSR here. At the core, MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier is its hollow fiber technology. Unlike all of the other hollow fiber core water treatment products currently available, the pore size filters much smaller particles, effectively removing viruses. This technology came about via the pharmaceutical industry, where specific molecular sizes were required to be filtered for scientific testing.

Read more: MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier review (1)

Reviewed by Mike Mineart

Without a doubt Platypus has a very clear understanding of what its customers are looking for in a water filter, resulting in the Platypus Quickdraw Microfilter. From my perspective, it is the number one hollow-fiber membrane water filter design available today for solo through hikers or anyone looking to buy their very first water filter. The well designed Quickdraw Microfilter is a hollow-fiber membrane water filter that takes a few evolutionary steps from an integration and maintenance perspective over other water filters currently available that use similar technology. Every aspect of its design is well thought out, resulting in a filter that performs well, provides multiple interfaces for dirty water containers, and can be maintained in the field without additional special tools.

The Quickdraw Microfilter is a hollow-fiber membrane filter recently introduced by Platypus that from my perspective is the first filter design that really takes into account how these types of filters are actually used and maintained out in the field. While the hollow-fiber membrane used in this filter is not new, each and every feature of this filter is well thought out and delivers a design that reflects how people want to use and maintain a water filter.   The Quickdraw Microfilter is designed to filter out bacteria, protozoa, and particulates larger than 0.2 microns, but is not intended for use to filter out chemicals, toxins, or viruses.

Read more: Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System review (1)