Yet another filter question.

Okay, I've just spent an hour filtering :P through hundred of posts on what water filter to get and I'm TOTALLY confused now. I'd narrowed it down to an MSR product; either a HyperFlow or a Sweetwater. Now I've read about the First Need filters and they seem pretty nice as well.

I've never filtered pond or stream water so I really am at a loss for the best filter. Basically, growing up on a farm I'm used to some VERY good water. Chlorine or any other contaminate really stands out to me, hence my lean towards a carbon type filter. I'm planning on a trip this spring (first with the family) and would like to be able to filter/obtain good tasting clean water from whatever source is available. I'd also like to have a filter on hand if ever an emergency situation arose at home some some longevity is a slight factor. I'm definitely not a minimalist so having the absolute smallest, lightest out there is not a concern either. I'm looking for the best product I can use to throw a tube in a source and get great water in a bottle...from real world users.

Thanks everybody!

I use the Hiker filter from Katadyn. For me, it has the right mix of ease of use, water flow rate, weight, cost, and quality of taste. I've also used a First Need (didn't like the way you had to hold it to pump), an old timberline (no longer in business and the filter had a tendency to fall off the hose), and a pur hiker (no longer made- the Hiker is sort of the replacement). If you have a big REI near you, you can try them out in store to see how hard they are to pump and how long you have to pump to fill you water container(s).

+1 for the Hiker - I have a Hiker Pro and a gravity filter from ULA that use the Katadyn filter element. Some trips I take the pump, others I use the gravity filter. I find that the gravity filter is just cool - I filter once in the evening, and while the bladders are filling I set up my hammock, unpack the bear can to arrange dinner, set up the stove, collect fire wood, whatever needs doing. While I'm doing all that the filter provides enough water for dinner, breakfast and the next day on the trail. When I want a shower, I remove the cartridge and attach the shower nozzle, hoist the filter bag higher, and use the valve to control flow. Granted I don't hike in the desert and water sources are everywhere in the Sierra. Late in the season, when sources slow to a trickle and I'd have to bail with a teaspoon, the pump goes with me instead.

The decision for me was one of practicality and minimizing the chance of error on my part. MSR filters and Katadyn filters rate about the same in filtration capability. You have to keep both from freezing. The difference for me was the "duh" factor - I don't want to have to dismantle and scrub and reassemble an MSR on the trail. The Katadyn has a screen around the filter cartridge to keep it from gumming up prematurely. Most of my sources are clear enough that I haven't even had to clean that. The Hiker Pro is simple to use, the gravity filter is simpler, both have fewer parts than an MSR, and the filter cartridge has a carbon core. The tradeoff is replacing a 35-40 dollar filter cartridge every so often.

Thanks everybody for the replies.

I've decided on a First Need XL filter/purifier.

Should I end up having some major issues and/or problems with the filter I'll submit my experiences here. Second place was the MSR Hyperflow followed by the Sweetwater. I'll reply with my thoughts/results so that future searchers may hopefully benefit from my success or failures. LOL