Phil Huck <thekayaker_at_yahoo.com> wrote: >A word on Filters, I really shopped around and found >the Sweetwater filter to be the best FOR ME. [snip] >I do like the MSR ones, they are fast pumping... [snip] >What is your favorite? >Can you argue that yours is better? I> paid $49.99 for mine ----------------- I recently used the MSR filter (I forget the specific model, but it was their "better" one) and was trying to fill a 3 gallon water bag using it, while someone else was doing the same thing, but using the PUR Explorer filter. If anything, I was pumping faster, yet the PUR finished in *half* the time. I know speed isn't everything, but assuming adequate purification with either pump, speed's pretty much at the top of the list for me (since it is indirectly also a measure of how easy and convenient the pump is to use). My understanding is that the PUR is equipped with an iodine impregnated (is that the right word??) cartridge that adds another level of protection. I believe the PUR costs more than the Sweetwater or MSR, but that's the one I intend to get next time. Evan Dallas Woodinville, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Using a single test has some risks. How clean were the respective filters? Running a clean filter against a partially clogged filter will give significantly different results than comparing two clean or two clogged filters. I use the Sweetwater because of its simplicity. A number of years ago I borrowed an MSR filter from Campus Recreation. I had used the filter before and found it worked well. In the rush I failed to test it before departing on a week long trip into BWCAW. First time I went to use it no water. As I sat in the canoe I took apart the check valve to see if that was where the problem was, another canoe in the group came over to see what I was doing, bumped my boat and the little check ball goes bloop overboard. When we finally got back from the trip I found that an internal check valve had been omitted when the filter had been reassembled. The Sweetwater breaks down into two large pieces. It is almost idiot proof. Whatever filter you use try the Sweetwater prefilter. It goes in the suction line and grabs the big stuff. It really extends the time between filter cleaning. When it starts to plug up reverse hoses and backwash. When it finally plugs replace it. Really cuts the hassle factor. >I recently used the MSR filter (I forget the specific model, but it was >their "better" one) and was trying to fill a 3 gallon water bag using it, >while someone else was doing the same thing, but using the PUR Explorer >filter. If anything, I was pumping faster, yet the PUR finished in *half* >the time. >Evan Dallas >Woodinville, WA > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>I do like the MSR ones, they are fast pumping... [snip] >What is your favorite? >Can you argue that yours is better? I> paid $49.99 for mine ----------------- |I recently used the MSR filter (I forget the specific model, but it was |their "better" one) and was trying to fill a 3 gallon water bag using it, |while someone else was doing the same thing, but using the PUR Explorer |filter. If anything, I was pumping faster, yet the PUR finished in *half* |the time. I know speed isn't everything, but assuming adequate |purification with either pump, speed's pretty much at the top of the list |for me (since it is indirectly also a measure of how easy and convenient |the pump is to use). My understanding is that the PUR is equipped with an |iodine impregnated (is that the right word??) cartridge that adds another |level of protection. I believe the PUR costs more than the Sweetwater or |MSR, but that's the one I intend to get next time. I have a Pur Scout, I think it is a Scout. It is purifier and filter. REI has lots of good comparision tables for the products that they sell. www.rei.com might have these lists. The stores have the lists near each product area so hopefully the web site has the same information. Hope this helps... Dan McCarty *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have used the PUR camper, MSR and even an old Katahdin (1985 vintage). The latter two have ceramic filters. The PUR pumps quickly but is very prone to clogging and cannot be cleaned if it is blocked. This happened when we pumped what turned out to alkaline water from a stream on a river trip in Colorado last spring. The MSR clogged also but can be cleaned in the field- which is a big plus. The old Swiss Katahdin has a very thick ceramic filter and is extremely hard to pump- even when the filter has just been scoured, in comparison to the newer pumps. The trade-off is that it has a very long useable life. I keep it at home for possible emergency use. The MSR is my choice for trips. It also seems better set up from an ergonometric standpoint than the PUR. No experience with the Sweetwater. I'm suspicious of the drinking straw type though. Walt Chudleigh Park City, UT *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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