Purchased a  water filter for use during hiking or possible while hunting.  I am pretty new to this market, I purchases the Katadyn Hiker Filter.  Does anyone have any experience good/bad with these filters on hunt trips??

I have a MSR miniworks EX. Absolutely love it. You should find reviews for yours on the web.

Sawyer mini squeeze.  Light, cheap, effective

anyone have any experience with the life straw?

I have a first need (20 years ), they are all pretty darn good these days. Always pick a reputable name for filters in the future.

Fleatrap1,  I have had the Katadyn Hiker for a few years and been pretty satisfied with it.

Wife and I have hiked and used the Katadyn in a lot of backwoods locations.  Always been very happy with it.

I have used the Katadyn on weeklong backpacking and canoeing trips, and never had any problems.  Make sure, you follow the instructions for cleaning and storage and it'll last for years.

Although, I am contemplating buying a gravity filter simply because I'm lazy and would like to avoid pumping.

I've had the hiker for years, works great, reliable. Cons- slow, takes up space, 12oz. I also used portable auqa tabs, light, reliable, 1oz. Cons-long wait, particles in water. Frontier water filter straw I carried as a backup, lot of effort to get water, low capacity. I recently bought a 3oz Sawyer squeeze filter to try out this year.

I have a Katadyn from 1987. Still going strong.  I think they're the best made withing their limitations.  If I had to jump into a third world poop-hole (again), I would want it with me.

Used the same hiker model for 20 years just changing filters. great filter.
I just ordered the sawyer mini squeeze to try. I like the small size. .01 microns, and filters a ton of water before filter goes bad.

I had used a Katadyn pump filter since 2000 in Colorado and the BWCA, switched to the Sawyer 2 liter gravity system last summer and will never go back to pumping.

I have no luck with filters. I have a Katadyn and MSR and neither pump anything. I've spent about 200 bucks and got nothing

TFG,  Filters need a regular cleaning. I had (note had) the MSR and on any give weeklong trip it needed cleaning with the scotchbrite pad a couple times.  And pumping gets old fast on a trip.

Right now I am using an ultraviolet sterilizer pen and I don't think I will ever pump again.  Love it.  No pumping and more compact then most pumps.

I have the steripen classic  http://www.steripen.com/

QuoteOriginally posted by TURKEYFOOTGIRL:
I have no luck with filters. I have a Katadyn and MSR and neither pump anything. I've spent about 200 bucks and got nothing

I can't imagine what would cause you to get "nothing", but something isn't right.

Sawyer's !

I have also used the Hiker for years and it is OK.  I have gone the ultralight route now and just use the iodine tabs and neutralizer.  But the microfilter definitely helps with muddy water flavor.  If you are using clear, flowing cold streams or mountain lakes, the tabs are great.  If you are using muddy streams or lakes, the microfilter is better.

I have an MSR Miniworks and Katadyn hiker.  Both work fine, but I prefer the MSR.  Got stuck using tablets for 2 days of heavy hiking.  Tore up my stomach but cured sinus problems!

interesting stuff here - quite a selection out there these days too...  nice to get feedback from you all who have used these products.

I did water treatment for a living and it made me a little more paranoid.  I use a filter and then add unscented Clorox (8 drops/gal or 2 drops/qt) and let sit for 30 minutes.  This is basically what 90% of the municipalities do in Colorado.  I personally would not trust a steripen.  Filter then a steripen would be good, the UV light works on very clear water.