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Advice for a large group gravity water filter
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Jul 3, 2013 at 10:56 am #1304924
I am looking to purchase a gravity filter for some large group backpacking trips that I lead every year. I usually have 10-15 guys go out on a trip once or twice a year. Our pump filters and chemicals just take a lot a time and don't have a lot of convenience for this type of backpacking/camping. What would you recommend and why for primarily base camp use?
I have a local REI and they have the Katadyn, Platypus, and Sawyer. Any thoughts as to which might be best or are they about the same just different prices?
Thanks for any help.
Jul 3, 2013 at 12:02 pm #2002131I use one of these:
http://survivalstore.com/r5s15lab2.html
with a sawyer gravity filter. A hydration hose that fits the sawyer will sit snugly in the spout of that container. It worked very well for us.
Jul 3, 2013 at 1:11 pm #2002154We have used the Platypus to good effect. The way they have the system setup it is nice and extremely convenient to use. Probably the most enjoyable filter setup I have used.
I have rigged up a Sawyer Squeeze that I picked up at a Garage Sale in the same sort of setup for my own use but have not had the opportunity to test it.
I heard that the Katadyn ones are less reliable and more prone to clogging than the new style of filter used by Platy and Sawyer because as they get more used they require more pressure, whereas the Platypus and Sawyer models are easy to backflush maintaining the flow output.
Jul 3, 2013 at 3:54 pm #2002226I used the platypus for many years and it is a great system. keep in mind it is a zip type system so it can leak. the great thing about it is that you can carry 8 liters of water with it (4 dirty, 4 clean).
Jul 3, 2013 at 4:38 pm #2002251About thirty years ago, there were not very many water filters in the backpacking market. So, we did what we could.
There was a collapsible five-gallon plastic cube for water. We threw a rope over a tree limb and hoisted the filled water cube up about 15 feet. Attached to the spigot of the water cube there was a vinyl hose that delivered the water down through a squeeze clamp to a filter element. That was a new gasoline filter from a VW Bug. So, basically we had a 15-foot head of pressure over the filter.
When one member of our group wanted water, he would squeeze the clamp which allowed the water to flow into the filter, and then filtered water came out of the bottom. VOILA!
No expensive parts. Not the very lightest in the world. Effective for a group. Everybody has to take turns carrying water up from the stream and hoisting the water cube up into the tree.
–B.G.–
Jul 3, 2013 at 4:55 pm #2002261The Platypus handles groups of 10 easier than other pumps I've used solo.
I usually go to the high sierra where I don't use one, but other areas with groups I love it.Jul 3, 2013 at 5:26 pm #2002275I love my platypus gravity works. When I'm traveling solo I carry the "dirty" bag and hook it up directly to my hydration bladder with the Camelback Quick Link Conversion Kit and never have to take my bladder out of my pack. With large groups I use the setup as is and is a breeze.
Jul 3, 2013 at 8:27 pm #2002320> "So, basically we had a 15-foot head of pressure over the filter."
Or 6.5 psi. (15/2.31)
231 is such a useful number, I write it down three times for junior engineers:
231
231
231And then I add the units:
231 cubic inches in a gallon
2.31 feet water head in a psi
231 mph – highest recorded wind speed at ground level, Mount Washington, 1934Showing, once again, the superiority of traditional units.
Jul 4, 2013 at 9:43 am #2002402I have used a Katadyn Base Camp gravity filter and liked it, except that the bag failed after a couple of years of light use. I was happy with the filter cartridge performance, and before that had used a Hiker (same cartridge) with very good results until the case cracked. So I like that cartridge, was able to clean it easily on the very few occasions it seemed to slow down, and the big bag on the Base Camp is great for a group- I think it holds a couple gallons – but don't expect the bag to last long.
I now have a Sawyer squeeze and am planning to rig it up for gravity use, but for a large group you'd have to confabulate your own arrangement of container and tubing and so on – and plan on very regular backflushing and a good prefilter to keep it running well.Whichever way you go I would think in terms of several units – like one per 3-5 people – so that you have some backup and more convenience, and so that the first folks to reach camp can start filtering right away and not have to wait if the one person carrying the filter happens to be bringing up the rear.
Jul 5, 2013 at 6:07 am #2002641We use the 4 liter Sawyer gravity filter for groups. I have only used it for a group up to 6 but it could easily handle more. Just fill the dirty bag hang it in a tree and let gravity do the work, plus the clean bag has an easy to use water spigot to fill multiple water bottles.
Jul 13, 2013 at 9:18 am #2005514Thanks for all the advice! I decided to go with the 4 liter Platypys and ordered thru Moosejaw. I'll let you know how it worked out in a few weeks.
Jul 13, 2013 at 12:38 pm #2005556We've used the platy for three years with no problems for my scout troop. Great piece of equipment.
Jul 13, 2013 at 1:21 pm #2005562I've used the 4 liter Platy for years, has worked pretty good
Once the zip top opened in my pack, but it was just a test
After a few years it starts getting stiff and delaminating at the corners, but I used it a lot and it was gradual so I had plenty of time to replace
I like the handle – I've carried it for miles
It's kind of heavy – 2.5 ounces.
I'de rather take 3 one liter water bottles, 1.9 ounces, I can put them in my pack without worry of leakage
Aug 29, 2013 at 1:08 pm #2019867I just wanted to let you know that I have tried the 4 liter Platypus Gravity Filter on a couple of trips–and it is great! The first trip was with a group of 16 guys. It was really easy to fill. In some shallow creek areas we just filled a smaller container and poured it in to top the 'dirty' water bag off. And then it just went to work quickly, quietly, and conveniently. I especially liked the fact that no one seemed to mind going and getting water because it was so easy! When we used to have to pump filter our water it was often difficult to get recruits. So, I would say this a great product.
However, I am looking forward to the Mini Sawyer coming out soon. That should be great for my personal trips and maybe even the group trips.
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