The damage is only cosmetic, though, so we donвЂ™t find it a major concern. As for its shortcomings, the filterвЂ™s 750-liter lifespan is below average, and weвЂ™ve noticed some small scratches on the pump after propping it on rocky surfaces. ItвЂ™s a thoughtful addition that lowers the risk of cross-contamination. This reasonably priced model also scored points because it comes with a plastic pouch with an easy-to-use sliding lock for storing the output hose and removable bottle adapter. That speed comes with another advantage, too: We were less likely to fatigue when refilling our practically empty hydration reservoir. In our speed comparison, it was only bested by the Grayl GeoPress, but unlike that bottle, it doesnвЂ™t limit the amount of water you can treat in one sitting. The pleated glass-fiber filtering element has a greater surface area than ceramic cartridges to allow for increased water flow. KatadynвЂ™s Hiker looks unassuming, but this filter pump is a workhorse. In most cases, youвЂ™ll know itвЂ™s time to replace your filtration element when your system gets harder to use and backwashing doesnвЂ™t improve speed much. Your kit will come with specific instructions, but remember to never use soap on the element as this will damage it. We always pack a chemical treatment as a backup, but when in doubt, boiling water will rid it of harmful microorganisms.Д«ack at home, disinfect your whole hydration setup before storing it. In cold conditions, put your system in a Ziploc bag and place that at the foot of your sleeping bag to keep it from freezing. Ceramic elements should be removed from their housing, wiped down, and rinsed with clean water. For hollow-fiber systems, use a syringe, drinking tube, or outlet hose to force clean water through the filter in the opposite direction as water is normally dispensed.

You should also regularly backwash your systemвЂ™s filter to clear build-up. Minimize cross-contamination by storing dirty and clean parts separately and washing or sanitizing your hands after touching untreated water. Look for the cleanest water source available, and donвЂ™t throw or drop the filter, which can damage the element. Pumps and gravity systems are best for treating a large volume of water, whereas bottles, in-line filters, and straws are better for personal hydration.Д«e smart about using your filter or purifier when youвЂ™re in the field. Types of Treatment SystemsДЇilters and purifiers have mechanical differences, too. Freezing temperatures donвЂ™t impair the effectiveness of UV light or chemical treatment unlike the damage it causes to hollow fiber and ceramic elements. Because of their time-consuming nature, these methods are far less common, except in cold-weather environments. Neither of these methods remove particulate matter though, so first, youвЂ™ll want to filter water (either with a system or with a piece of fabric) or let it rest so you can separate out the clear stuff. Water can also be purified by UV light or chemicals, which kill microorganisms or block their ability to reproduce, making the treated liquid safe to drink. However, like other adsorptive elements, carbon has a shorter lifespan and is especially taxed by sediment-rich water. Sometimes companies pair hollow-fiber or ceramic filters with activated carbon, which neutralizes tastes and odors by trapping contaminants to its surface. Compared to their ceramic counterparts, these elements are cheaper to produce (saving you money) but have shorter lifespans, requiring replacement sooner. (For comparison, a human hair measures 25 microns or more.) Many filters and purifiers, including the majority on this list, have hollow-fiber elements. These pores typically measure 0.2 micron for filters and 0.01 micron for purifiers. They push water through a hollow fiber or ceramic element with very small pores so the liquid can escape but bacteria, protozoa, and other harmful contaminants canвЂ™t. The Year's Best Camping and Backpacking TentsДespite the difference in their capabilities, the way filters and purifiers work is similar.

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