Pro Tips: Water Filters
Whether you are on a weeks long Grand Canyon trip, a quick over night on river close to home, or a trip to a foreign land, you are going to need some amount of drinking water. There are many ways to turn questionable water into drinking water, some more elaborate than others.
Personally, I like to keep things as simple and fool proof as possible. If it doesn't have batteries, too many moving parts, or require a long list of steps I will go in that direction. A water filter fits those requirements well. Here are a few of my favorite filters that get the job done.
HydraPak Filter Cap
This is maybe my favorite of the three filters. It is small, light weight, and very versatile. HydraPak has soft bottles that range from 150 ml - 4L, that fit this 42mm filter.
This filter removes bacteria, cysts, and sediment to the EPA Guide Standards and NSF P231 and 42 standards.
HydraPak Filter Cap is smallest and most versatile
I really like this filter for traveling or just having on a smaller water bottle inside my kayak. If you are looking for something small, light weight, and easy to use this is perfect.
Grayl GeoPress
The French Press of drinking water. At least that is how I think of the Grayl GeoPress. Another this filters doesn't require batters or many any intricate moving parts. Fill it up, press with the filter, and enjoy.
Grayl GeoPress is a durable all in one option
Certainly not idea for a group of people or light weight missions this is still a solid filter option. Similar to the filter cap it removes bacteria, cysts, and sediment. It meets/exceeds the EPA Guide Standards and NSF 42 and 53.
Platypus GravityWorks
A great filter options for small to medium size groups. You can get it in a Platypus GravityWorks 4L or 6L version. It's light weight, packs down pretty small, and is really easy to use. Like all filters it can be fragile so make sure to follow instructions and take care of it.
Fill up the "dirty" bladder, attached the filter and you are set. You can fill water bottles, pots, or the "clean" water bladder. It's great to not have to spend time pumping water with a hand pump filter.
Platypus GravityWorks is perfect for larger amounts of water
This filters meets the similar standards to the above filters. Again, this filters system is great for groups and is pretty versatile. It is also the most expletive of the three. Not only initial cost but the cost of replacement filters.
Other Options
- Aqua Mira - not a filter but a great option for getting clean water
- Life Straw - small and light weight
- Pump options - pumps have more moving parts to break
- Steripen - not a filter but another option for getting clean water
Conclusion
There are many filters out there to buy. Finding one that matches your needs is what important. Check out this write up to help you decide what option is best for you.
