“It would seem that, for light weight backpackers (at least the best and brightest, who frequent this site) the filter is a thing of the past”

I don’t know why not; it is faster and lighter than chemicals <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />.

OK, here’s one situation (and it’s very adaptable): The chemical user will usually keep 16oz of water on hand to drink while the next quart of water is disinfecting. This may be 3 lbs of water on average a chemical person will carry. A filter guy will just tank up (drink healthily) at the cold water/mud holes on the spot, and keep 16oz handy and thus be only carrying a 1lb filter +1 lb water on average.

When it’s hot and humid out, it’s nice to plop down at the water hole, filter, and drink ON THE SPOT. And if it’s coming from a cold source, I want that coolness now. That’s paradise. I don’t want the 30 minute wait that warms it up.

-Barry