I've used my ceramic filter in pretty silty water with good success. I just had to clean it several times before the canteens were full. I chose a filter that was easy to take apart & scrub.

In the case of almost muddy water, I might have tried using a bandanna or shirt to pre-filter the water... several layers if possible, before catching the water in a pot or something. Then I'd have filtered it.

A few years ago I was on a beach hike, and the only fresh water available for miles was from a pitiful, brackish stream that wound its way through the woods. It was the color of apple juice, and no amount of filtering made it look any better. We filtered, boiled, and finally used chlorine tablets before giving in and drinking it. Later on during the same hike, the only water available was from an estuary. We hiked way up the stream to where we were sure it was fresh, but after filtering it we found that it was still a tad salty & slimy. Oh well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Water issues add to the hiking stories I tell when I get home.