last minute water filter question

That filter will be all you need, but be sure to pump a couple of liters through it before drinking any of it. When those filters are new they put out a lot of charcoal in the first few liters of water. Once the loose charcoal is rinsed out you're good to go.

And have fun on your first trip.

Indeed, the filter is all you need. That said, you should be gentle when pumping because the pump handle is made of plastic. I had some friends who broke their handle off because they lacked the delicate touch, so to speak. This is one of the most popular filters on the market, I have one too, and it has always served me well. Just be careful not to let your intake and output hoses touch each other or you will defeat the whole purpose of cleaning your water. Hope this helps!

There are three classes of baddies out there: viruses, bacteria and protozoa (e.g. giardia, crypto, etc.). Your filter wil block only the last two classes. If viruses are present in the water, your filter will NOT protect you.

Having said the above, the understanding is that viruses are usually absent out in the wilds — except at water sources where humans or animals frequent.

Most hikers don't worry about viruses. But if that's an issue for you or the boy, then bring chemicals like chlorine dioxide (e.g. AquaMira or Micropur brand tablets) — and use in conjunction with your filter.

Hi Rob,

The Hiker is a tried and true design and as noted, *should* be all you need. But it would be helpful to know more about where you're going and what your source water is for a more definitive answer.

Cheers,

Rick

Oh! I meant to tell you in my earlier post that a lot of hikers carry Aquamira as backup treatment in case the filter fails or if the water is extra nasty. It doesn't weigh much and it offers that little bit of security some people find comforting.

That filter is HEAVY. You'll be fine with Aqua-Mira or Klear-Water or Iodine tabs.

Where are you going?

I think that backpackers are ignoring the fact that a lot of water in mountain areas in the US is actually extremely clean. Aqua Mira is a well tested and proven way to minimize water-born illness. There are very few places that would actaully "require" the extra weight of a filter.

Just another view… 'heavy' is relative — and amongst filters, the Hiker is actually fairly compact and light.

Ideally (to me anyway), water treatment should cover:

1. clarifying water
2. improving water taste
3. block (or kill) protozoa
4. block (or kill) bacteria
5. neutralize viruses

If OP is hiking to places where water is clear and good tasting (e.g. mountain streams high up) — then chemicals are all that's really needed.

If OP is concerned with brown/green water — then a filter is necessary.

If OP's water source is a popular water hole — then viruses may be an issue.

Don't forget about speed. 4 hours is a bit long. And I know it's just me but introducing chemicals to my water in the backcountry when I filter these out at home makes no sense to me! ;)

I'll be hiking the Florida Trail in the Eglin AFB reservation. If ya'll are familiar, its the Titi section just below Crestview.

I have no idea if you would call that water clean or not. It ain't mountain streams stemming from the melting ice. It will be dirty due to this area. We have had some recent heavy rain and the creek there will probably be flooded to some extent.

I see a difference between "dirty" and "dangerous". This water should be dirty in that the creek will probably be a muddy bottom and its in the middle of a pine forest. But I don't know how polluted it would be considered.

I did buy some potable AquaWater Purification Tablets. But they take 30 minutes before drinking. Which should actually be fine. Should I use them as well? Will they add a bad taste or cause an upset stomach?

Also, how bad are the virus. Getting horribly sick for a period or a lasting, even fatal, infection?

I would definitely bring the filter. So long as the creek is in the middle of a forest and it's not a popular forest where campsites are located… then I think the filter is all that you need.

Potable Aqua is made with iodine — which stains everything yellow and tastes nasty! That's why they are also sold in pairs (2 bottles): one iodine and the other acts as "taste and stain remover". Using the two combined, the water is drinkable. For a weekend, no worries at all about health issues. But not good for extended use (weeks) and esp. not good for children. NOTE: Iodine / chlorine are not effective against the bigger stuff (protozoa).

Virus? There are many, many different kinds. Can make you very, very sick and some can be fatal — although usually not.

Addendum:

If you don't mind carrying another couple of ounces in weight and if you still have time to shop — go to your nearest REI, etc. and get the First Need purifier. This self-contained unit is fast, versatile, and completely effective — meaning it will do all 5 things I listed up above. Takes the guesswork out of whether viruses might be present or absent (if that's a concern to you).

Finally, considering that our municipalities spend millions on water treatment — don't expect miracles from any hand-held filter or purifier unit! Take care to always choose the best water source you can and filter from there. This will minimize your filter unit getting clogged up as well.

Just my personal view, but I'd say if you're in/near forest associated with an Air Force base, well, they're not known for the most pristine environmental conditions, especially with all that overflight/jet fuel. I'd take a filter; should help reduce some of the pollutants you'd otherwise ingest with chemical treatment. I mean, even though you'll be in the forest, you're basically in the forest next to an industrial area… Run with the Hiker; you'll love it.

Hi Rob,

Based on you added info, I think the Hiker is a good choice because it has carbon in addition to being a filter, which can remove certain chemical contaminants.

If the water has a lot of debris, it might be good to let it first settle in a large container (cookpot, folding bucket, etc.) before pumping. Just use your best judgement and try to find the clearest water you can.

And have a great trip!

Cheers,

Rick

I would like to add a Dad perspective to this answer.

I have the Hiker Pro and love it. And the Hiker before it. I carry KlearWater when I am doing fast-packs. But when I am with my kids I bring a Katadyn Vario Microfilter for a couple reasons.

One, I want them to enjoy their trips right now as these are the ones that will be impressed on their minds. I fell in love with camping and later hiking immediately, but back in 1968 there was not much to compete for my affections as we did not even have a TV let alone computers , cable, and game consoles. So I make these early years fun and tell them (and show pictures of) my bigger trips that have the opportunity to be even more fun for them.

My son, the picky eater (that my mom says God gave me to pay her back) would never go for drinking drop-treated water. He lives in Minnesota and knows what lives in the water. 200 species of mosquitoes and pollywogs…

Two, they love filtering it themselves. It takes me about 4 times as long to get water when they are there. But that is cool. They are learning while thinking they are just having fun. (I guess that is the best way to learn, right?) The Vario is very easy to pump. Plus it is way fast. The charcoal takes the swamp-water flavor out of the gnarliest water sources too.

Further reading of the post made me see you may have chemical concerns too. If that is the case The 1st Need is the way to go. I keep one in MN just for the possibility of treating flood water. They have all those old missile silos across the border in ND you know? Oops, I hope I did not leak a secret…

we used the filter this weekend. Didn't take any chemicals though. We got a late start and was up early so we ended up not really drinking much of the water. I took a couple bottles with me just in case. But we did try the water and drank a bottle between us.

Creek was clearer than I expeted. Actually, It wasn't a suprise to be clear. But from my local experience it can go either way. Looked like you could drink staight from the creek.

Ray, you are right about hte dad perspective. It was the highlight of the trip for the 7 year old. He couldn't wait to go get the ater and try it out.