katadyn base camp water filter

[Gondor]

I tend to agree with Woods on this one. I simply don't like these configurations. Not that they don't work well, and considering Katadyn I'm sure they work perfectly. It's just that I prefer more compact ones like Pocket, Mini, Vario or Hiker filter.

[Refrigerator]

Originally Posted by Gondor

I tend to agree with Woods on this one. I simply don't like these configurations. Not that they don't work well, and considering Katadyn I'm sure they work perfectly. It's just that I prefer more compact ones like Pocket, Mini, Vario or Hiker filter.

I use the gravity filters with large groups. Most of my outings are 5 or less and I usually carry small pump filter. I do agree with Gondor I like the smaller filters for compact. The gravity filter works well with larger groups as we share gear keeping down redundancy thus weight.

[Johnny]

It usually depends where we go. Are there any bodies of water in that area. I don't like going somewhere where I must lug 5 gallons of water so I usually pick places that at least have small ponds. I don't see the problem with gravity filters as long as there is a lot of people, as Refrigerator said.

[ppine]

I have used the First Need type filters for years, but have grown tired of the pump. I bought a K Basecamp but haven't used it yet. Carrying tablets works for day trips.

[LinuxRacr]

I have a First Need XL myself, with a MSR silt stopper pre-filter in-line. I found that the pre filter works great in taking out the larger particles, so the main filter doesn't have to work as hard. My only gripe with the First Need is that the filter canister let me down once. On a trip to Colorado this past summer, before embarking on a backcountry trip, I tested the filter, and it failed...and I had only used it once. I had to drive all over the Boulder area to find a replacement in stock. Always test them before you leave.

Here is a picture of me using the setup in Rocky Mountain National Park July, 2011: