FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Nov 6, 2017 6:44:11 GMT -8
Saturday I dropped my 12 year old katadyn hiker pro on a rock while pumping water and the "IN" female fitting came out. It didn't break, but it appears it was supposed to be glued in. I pressed it back in, but it wouldn't stay very well, leaked a lot of water, and caused a vacuum loss when pumping. I suppose its time for a new filter system. Its been a great filter, so I hesitate to switch to another method, like the gravity bag type, or even another brand.
Is there a good review of multiple backpacking filters out there? Thanks.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 6, 2017 6:54:04 GMT -8
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Nov 6, 2017 7:04:41 GMT -8
Thanks Reuben.
so are a lot of people converting to the bag systems, rather than the old pumps?
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 6, 2017 7:24:54 GMT -8
so are a lot of people converting to the bag systems, rather than the old pumps? Can't speak for everyone, but I use a Sawyer Mini, which is a bag/gravity system. Like you, I noticed that virtually all of the top 5 reviews are bag/gravity. But they tested 17 systems, including other types. Look for the "Next" link at the upper right of the review table. Your Hiker Pro is rated at #12, but if you like it, HYOH. Three other pump systems (2 MSR, 1 Katadyn) rated higher (again, FWIW).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2017 7:30:05 GMT -8
I own 2 Sawyer Point One and 1 Sawyer Mini. I do not like the slower flow rate of the mini. My wife carries the mini for reduced weight but we, typically, just use the the Point One. We tend to think of the mini as a back up water filter. The point Ones are coming onto being 8 years old and still going strong.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 6, 2017 7:35:33 GMT -8
I own 2 Sawyer Point One and 1 Sawyer Mini. I do not like the slower flow rate of the mini. Interesting, since they both use 0.1 micron filters.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Nov 6, 2017 7:37:18 GMT -8
I switched from pumps to first the Sawyer Mini and now the Katadyn BeFree, primarily because of the reduced weight. I went to the BeFree because of the amazingly high flowrate. But if I were headed somewhere I knew had cruddy water, I'd still take my one-pound MSR Miniworks. Nothing I've seen is as field maintainable as that ceramic filter. I've had it clogged so tight I couldn't get a single pump stroke, but 20 seconds with the little brillo pad and it was like new.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2017 7:41:43 GMT -8
I own 2 Sawyer Point One and 1 Sawyer Mini. I do not like the slower flow rate of the mini. Interesting, since they both use 0.1 micron filters. From what I have read, the Point One has a greater surface area to allow for a greater flow rate. ETA: We use the quick connects to our water bladder. I put a quick connect onto the back-flush plunger. The solid leak proof connection makes for better back-flushing.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Nov 6, 2017 7:50:02 GMT -8
so are a lot of people converting to the bag systems, rather than the old pumps? Yes. But I still think the most fool-proof and reliable filter is the Hiker Pro (I bought a new one recently to replace one from 1995). The squeeze filters eliminate futzing with the hoses, so it's easier to stop, filter a small amount of water, and keep hiking. The most popular filter on the PCT this year was the Sawyer Squeeze (not mini) screwed onto the top of a large Smartwater bottle. The big Sawyer has better flow than the mini and the tiny bags that come with the mini are impractical. I have friends who like the mini but all use it in a very modified form with customized bottles and hoses. I tried a BeFree filter this year and the flow was super impressive at first, but now it's about like a Sawyer mini so I'll probably never use it again. I may buy a new one to give it another chance because they're cheap.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2017 8:04:20 GMT -8
I use the 64 ounce Sawyer Squeeze bags. I carry 2 64 ounce squeeze bags.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 6, 2017 9:13:39 GMT -8
I got some separate bags (Evernew?) that are larger than come (came?) with the Mini. Works for me. Sounds like Sawyer has their own bigger bags now, which they didn't when I bought my Mini a few years ago.
I try to NOT be in a hurry when out backpacking, so the flow rate of the Mini is fine for me. In fact, it helps me slow down and enjoy the trip.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2017 9:15:45 GMT -8
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 6, 2017 10:42:46 GMT -8
Someone named Amy told me I should buy a Diercon filter.
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crawford
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Post by crawford on Nov 7, 2017 6:53:26 GMT -8
I still haven't gone with the bags. In my area it isn't uncommon to have to get water from the barest trickle in a stream or spring. Scooping water into a bag isn't really going to work in those situations, so I still have and use my hiker pro.
I've thought about going with a Hydroblue or something like that for weight savings or if I know I'm going to be in an area of running water or lakes.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Nov 7, 2017 7:09:11 GMT -8
......... In my area it isn't uncommon to have to get water from the barest trickle in a stream or spring. Scooping water into a bag isn't really going to work in those situations, so I still have and use my hiker pro. That's certainly one of my concerns as well with the bags.
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