Most backpackers begin looking at water filters because of the weight savings in water. Sadly, even the most pristine lakes, rivers and streams are full of protozoan parasites that will make you very sick. Water filter systems make the water drinkable and delicious. They’re a few differences to consider: Type, Weight, Size, and Pump rate per minute. Micro-filters remove Giardia, Cryptosporidium and all bacteria. (Anything larger than 0.2 microns.) 

The most common types of micro-filters are Ceramic and Fiber.     Ceramic filters are easiest to field service, Fiber filters pump faster and are usually lighter weight.

  We hear concerns about viral contamination of water. Micro-filters remove most but not all viruses. Recently the EPA recalled all Purifiers (micro-filters with viral protection). There have always been chemical alternatives to a water pump purifiers (iodine tablets and the new SweetWater drops.) If you’re a hiker in North America viral contamination is extremely rare, use your Micro-filter. If you are heading to a third world country, where water supplies and sewers are one and the same. We suggest that you use a micro-filter and chemical purifiers. One further note: the iodine tablets by themselves are extremely effective, but are mainly used as a back up for filters.