RE: Touring water system filters

Hi Mark,

I too must carry and sometimes use a really good water purifier (not a
filter) due to being a liver transplant recipient.  For most people, a
regular filter is adequate.  For people for are immunosuppressed or need
and/or desire the "best", I use General Ecology's First Need XL water
purifier.

http://generalecology.com/category/portable/product/first_need_xl_portable_w
ater_purifier-new 

This filter is one of two (I think) that are independently certified to the
EPA guidelines for protocol against bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
Basically, short of a home reverse-osmosis filter, this is the best purifier
out there for "portable" use.  You can use it on almost any water source you
would consider using an iodine tablet and probably get better water than
most rural water districts.  I have used it in mountain streams, ponds,
stock tanks, rivers, rural water supply, well water, etc. with success.

The water comes out extremely clean.  There is no taste.  It is simple to
operate.  Filters last about 100 gallons depending on source quality
(debris, color, etc.).  It flows pretty good at about 1 quart a minute,
which for me is plenty fast and I don't try to push the speed.  

However, this purifying ability comes with some definite cons to consider.
It is VERY bulky, i.e. 5"w x 9"h x 3"d and the spare filter is 3"x3:x5.5" so
it takes up a LOT of space.  I also always carry a spare cartridge, which
cost about $50.  Combined weight is about a tad over 1.5 pounds.  For my
safety, I trash the used filter after I have finished the trip.  You
wouldn't need to do this probably.  You must annual reapply petroleum jelly
to the o-rings but that only takes a couple of minutes.

I did look at the MSR products but it would be my luck that I would get a
Virus from the water.  Since I would end up in the hospital or worse if I
got bad water while you may just have a bad case of the runs, I went with
the First Need.  For others, the MSR would probably be quite adequate.

If you can deal with the bulkiness, you might consider this filter.

John



On Behalf Of MH
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:02 AM
To: Touring
Subject: Touring water system filters

Whats a good bicycle camping water cleaning system folks use?

How do folks remove viruses from filtered water?

Listed below is the MSR MiniWorks and MSR HyperFlow.
The little bit I know I'm leaning toward the MSR MiniWorks.
I will be using it in streams above rural towns.
Thank you for your thoughts, suggestions and help.
-Mark Hoagy

http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR

MSR MiniWorks EX - $89.95
Better-tasting Water: Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors
caused by organic compounds, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
Effective against protozoa	Yes
Effective against bacteria	Yes
Effective against viruses	No
Effective against particulate	Yes
Effective against chemicals/toxins	Yes
Weight	1 lb / 456 g
Width	2.75 in / 7 cm
Length	7.5 in / 19 cm
Filter media	Ceramic Plus Carbon
Filter pore size	0.2 microns
Flow (L/min)	1 liters per min
Flow (strokes per liter)	85
Cartridge life	~2000 liters
Field cleanable	Yes
Field maintainable	Yes
Country of Origin	Made in Seattle, USA
Mechanical advantage	Yes
Water Bottle Adapter	Yes
Cartridge replacement indicator	Yes


HyperFlow Microfilter - $99.95
Ultralight: Just 7.4 oz. (209 g).
Ultra-small: Just 7x3.5 in. ( 17.8 x 8.3 cm)
Effective against protozoa	Yes
Effective against bacteria	Yes
Effective against viruses	No
Effective against particulate	Yes
Effective against chemicals/toxins	No
Weight	7.8 oz / 221 g
Width	3.5 in / 8.3 cm
Length	7 in / 17.8 cm
Filter media	Hollow Fiber
Filter pore size	0.2 microns
Flow (L/min)	3 liters per min
Flow (strokes per liter)	20
Cartridge life	~1000 liters
Field cleanable	Yes
Field maintainable	Yes
Country of Origin	Made in Seattle, USA
Mechanical advantage	No
Water Bottle Adapter	Yes
Cartridge replacement indicator	No




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