Joe,are you filtering contaminated water out of the camelbak? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
And if so do you have a backup reservoir or just clean it when you get home?

I have a steripen. They are great. It also uses the same cr123a battery as my fenix pd20 and pd30 so it cuts down on the spares I need to carry.

Also one of these Aquamira-Frontier-Emergency-Filters in my survival kit. Cheap, light and fast for limited use.
http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Frontier-...04&sr=1-109

Yeah I've just purchased a steripen as well. Cannot wait for it to get here already! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Just watch out for the contaminated water on the outside of your container.
And let us know how you like it.

Ok, a question. IF Bleach is so effective in "purifying" water, how come everyone recommends all the other pills/tabs/pens etc. Is it just because the other items are easier to carry becasue they are not a liquid? Or is there some other reason (besides taste/smell).

Hard to beat the price and simplicity of The Lifestraw. It was designed for 3rd world water supplies so should take care of anything over in the US.

Remember there is a big difference between a water FILTER and a water PURIFIER.

We don't have a water purifier in our emergency preparations, but our "bug out bag" water filters are:

* Aquamira Frontier Filter (very small and lightweight unit that can be carried virtually anywhere. The Frontier is rated for roughly 20 gallons. The Frontier Pro is rated for more. The Pro can be used a "suck through" or "gravity" filter while the base model is an idiot proof suck through unit. We have these stored in a small on-body survival kit).

* Katadyn Hiker (Lightweight pump filter. My wife has this unit in her BOB. We selected it based upon my experience with Katadyn products, and its light weight. It is not, however, built overly durable. Roughly handling could result in a broken handle).

* Katadyn Pocket (Heavy duty pump filter rated for 13,000 gallons with a ceramic element. This is my BOB filter. I bought this unit before the Y2K scare, and if memory serves it was over $200 back then. I think they're around $230-250 now. This is the "Rolls Royce" of pump filters).

The small "straw" type filters are great for PERSONAL SURVIVAL KITS, but I'd supplement those with a higher capacity pump filter for my 72 HOUR KIT.

Lotus Blade, I just re-read your OP and saw that you want this for backpacking. The same information applies above, and I would still recommend a $15 Aquamira Frontier for your "on body survival kit" (we all walk away from our rucks while backpacking ... at some point to dig a cat hole or whatever) and the Hiker or Hiker Pro for your ruck. As long as you select clear running water sources you shouldn't clog the filter, and it is replaceable when it wears out.

Arch, I THINK it was you what quite a ways back did a lengthy post about a "Personal kit". I printed it out and still refer to it from time to time. You have pretty good information along with Klink. I have refered to your guys posts more than once. They Yard, willing to share information and expertise. Thanks to you all.

Check out the Steripen that doesn't need batteries.
I like that it comes with it's own bottle & particulate filter/pre filter.
90 seconds cranking for one liter.
Oh Santa.....
http://www.steripen.com/sidewinder

Cool MTK! I have to check that out.

Yeah, that was me. I had planned on add more posts about different kits, but lost interest (and haven't had the time).