How long do camelbak filters last

From waterborne pathogens, to heavy metals, glyphosate and even trace pharmaceuticals, all are eliminated with our multi-patented filter media. Be confident that the only thing reaching your body is the purest water available. Our filter technology has been tested in 16 different countries, and they promise to remove some of the most contaminated tap water on Earth. Enjoy up to 75 gallons of pure clean water per filter.

On average, we recommend replacing it once every few months if being used regularly. Our American-made and American-tested filters outperform well known filtration brands any day of the week. You'll notice some of our biggest competitors do not even publish test results -- that's because their filters only remove bad taste and some chlorine like that Brita pitcher you've become so skeptical of lately. The Outdoor Adventure Filter is sold separately. The Epic Outdoor filter removes What Does This Filter Remove?

Everyday Filter Test Results. Epic Performance When we say Epic, we mean Epic. Our proprietary, multi-patented blend of filter media eliminates up to Why settle for anything less? Epic Value Enjoy up to 75 gallons litres of pure clean water per filter that will taste all the sweeter knowing you'll never pay for bottled water again. It can be recycled with hard to recycle plastics or 7 plastics, or check out our Recycling Program for more info!

These rigorous processes are just another way we go well beyond what's required to deliver the cleanest, purest water possible. Freshly Filtered Water. Relay filters water at the speed of your faucet Click here to see full comparison test results. See it again. See it in action. Show us how you hatetowait If you're still using that old drip filter then chances are that you've got a few minutes to kill.

Double Filter Technology Filter as you fill and again as you pour for great tasting water. Fast Filling The Relay Fresh Filter is pleated, which increases the amount of water that comes into contact with the filter at a time. Effective Filtering The Relay Fresh Filter is packed with plant-based activated carbon that is embedded into a non-woven material. Space-Saving Design CamelBak Relay stores up to ten cups of fresh water without sacrificing valuable fridge space.

Relay's long lasting filter. Coli and Salmonella, for example. Water purifiers also remove protozoa and bacteria, but they eliminate viruses as well like Hepatitis A and the Norovirus. Viruses are rarely found in natural sources, which is why most backcountry goers find filters to be fully sufficient. Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters.

By contrast, most purifiers use chemicals or ultraviolet light to treat water straight from the source i. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. MSR makes their Thru-Link for this very application, and models like the Sawyer Squeeze quickly convert into an inline filter with included adapters. Using simple mechanics and some elbow grease , a pump siphons water from the source, through a hose and filter, and out another hose into a clean receptacle.

But while they have long been a popular option for backcountry filtration, pump filters recently have been outpaced by other styles. Bottle Filters Bottle filters—also known as squeeze filters—attach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink. Their lightweight and easy-to-use design makes them a great option for weight-conscious trips and solo backpackers, day hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and more.

We love these filters for their versatility—in addition to drinking from the bottle or pouch, you can also squeeze water into a separate receptacle for storage. Further, many bottle filters like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Flex also can perform as inline or gravity filters with the help of adaptors , or used as straws to suction water directly from the source. Keep in mind that bottle filters are often slower at filtering than a high-performing pump design and require quite a bit more effort than a gravity model.

And with particularly cold water, your hands can get pretty chilly, too. Straw Filters Used by day hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who prefer not to carry water as they move, a straw filter allows you to drink directly from the source, as though sipping through a straw some setups also include a bottle, like the LifeStraw Universal.

Straw filters have their place for simple applications and day trips, but are not a very versatile setup as they offer no way to produce or store clean water for cooking or drinking later. Further, many bottle and inline filters also can be used as a straw such as the Sawyer Squeeze Mini , and are by far the more well-rounded choice. UV purifiers like the SteriPen use ultraviolet rays to achieve the same effect.

But keep in mind that both chemical and UV purifiers forgo filtering, making them good options only when you have access to clear water sources like glacial streams. That said, these purifiers offer a nice alternative to bulkier filters, and we especially like chemical options like Aquamira and Potable Aqua for large groups, weight-conscious outings, or as a backup to a filter.

Water filters and purifiers range in weight and bulk, from super lightweight tablets that are just a fraction of an ounce, to the 1-pound 1-ounce MSR Guardian. Pumps and gravity systems are the heaviest and bulkiest, and include multiple components like storage bags and hoses.

Pore size refers to the size of the tiny openings in the filter, and is measured in terms of microns. The smaller the pore, the more particles the filter can block. Viruses, on the other hand, can be as small as 0.

Most backpacking filters on this list have a pore size of 0. Because they are so small, the best way to combat viruses is through chemical or ultraviolet purification. Alternatively, the MSR Guardian pump purifier uses 0. The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute.

In general, gravity filters have the fastest flow rates: the Platypus GravityWorks filters 1. Leading pump filters are listed at about 1 liter per minute, although that seems fairly optimistic to us the exception is the pricey MSR Guardian, which is speedy at 2.

Finally, squeeze and straw filters can only move as fast as you can drink, and some will require more suction than others the Sawyer Squeeze Mini takes a ridiculous amount of effort. Keep in mind that the flow rates listed by the manufacturers are going to be realized in optimal circumstances and are likely to be slower in the field, and most filters come with recommendations for backflushing or light maintenance to keep things moving properly more on this below.

However, they do have a wait time that must lapse before water is safe to drink, usually between 15 and 30 minutes and sometimes a full 4 hours for Cryptosporidium for chemical purifiers, and 90 seconds per liter for a SteriPen.

The good news about chemical purifiers is that you can sit back and let them do their work, rather than pumping or squeezing as in the case of some filters. All told, flow rate will be an important consideration for groups and time-conscious endeavors, but less of an issue for more casual hikers and backpackers.

A key product specification that we reference in this article is filter life, or how quickly your filter will need to be replaced. As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. Finally, keep in mind that the liters referenced above for the Katadyn is actually a lot for most casual backpackers that get out a few times a year. Given that their task is to remove contaminants from water, it should come as no surprise that many water filters need to be cleaned of this buildup.

Most gravity and straw filters are maintained by backflushing clean water or air through the filter. With a product like the LifeStraw Universal, this is as easy as blowing out after each drink. Others require a separate piece of equipment, including the syringe that comes with the Sawyer Squeeze. Cleaning pump filters is a slightly more intensive process, as you'll need to unscrew the apparatus and either remove the filter or extend a brush down the interior.

Instructional videos are available online for almost every product on our list, and you should expect basic maintenance to be part of owning and using a water filter.

Another option is to scoop the dirty water into a Ziploc bag, let the sediment settle, and transfer the clear water from the top into a bottle for treatment. Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both. This often takes the form of a simple hose or cap that fits onto commonly sized water bottle openings. Sawyer has played into the fast-and-light community of hikers who use disposable plastic water bottles on the trail, making their Squeeze and Mini versions able to screw into the mouth of a standard plastic water bottle great for weight savings, less great for the environment.

All in all, be mindful of the compatibility for a water filter or purifier to make sure it works with your drinking vessels. Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. Used in the popular Brita kitchen filters, carbon removes chlorine, organic compounds, and other bad odor and taste-inducing materials.

Additionally, some models offer carbon filters as add-ons: the Platypus GravityWorks, for example, sells a carbon element separately that can be added to the existing filter, and the LifeStraw Steel edition uses carbon instead of a hollow-fiber membrane. Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. In this scenario, you can boil your drinking water provided you have a backpacking stove and extra fuel, but this a time and labor-intensive method.

Getting sick in the backcountry can be a serious medical concern, so we think having a backup is a smart way to go. From ultralight chemical purifiers to gravity filters for large groups, we break down the top outdoor water treatment options.

Photo Credit. See the Katadyn Hiker Microfilter 8. See the Aquamira Water Treatment 9. See the LifeStraw Flex See the Sawyer Mini Filter Unavailable , gallons 16 oz. A water filter is a fine choice for most backpacking trips in North America Second, by definition, a filter routes water through an actual sieve, which physically removes debris such as dirt, algae, leaves, and tiny critters. The Katadyn Hiker Pro is a classic pump filter option Bottle Filters Bottle filters—also known as squeeze filters—attach to the spout of a soft-sided bottle or pouch and filter water as you drink.

Using the Sawyer Squeeze to fill another container Straw Filters Used by day hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who prefer not to carry water as they move, a straw filter allows you to drink directly from the source, as though sipping through a straw some setups also include a bottle, like the LifeStraw Universal.

Chemical purifiers are lightweight and inexpensive Weight and Bulk Water filters and purifiers range in weight and bulk, from super lightweight tablets that are just a fraction of an ounce, to the 1-pound 1-ounce MSR Guardian. Flow Rate The flow rate indicates the speed at which a filter treats water, and is most often measured in terms of liters per minute.

Filter Life A key product specification that we reference in this article is filter life, or how quickly your filter will need to be replaced. The Sawyer Squeeze has a lifetime warranty As with any manufacturer-provided spec, the listed filter life is optimistic and probably should be thought of as a maximum. Silty water can quickly clog a filter Compatibility with Bottles and Reservoirs Almost all water treatment systems have some way of connecting to either a water bottle or hydration reservoir, if not both.

Drinking straight from the source with the MSR TrailShot Another way to combat foul-tasting water is to use a carbon filter. Taking in the view while drinking from the Katadyn BeFree bottle Emergency Backups Last but not least, we should mention that just about every water filter and purifier can malfunction, which may leave you without clean water in the backcountry. Powered by Drupal. Learn More About Outdoor Gear.

From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose?

Water treatment is a sometimes annoying and always time-consuming process, but remains an absolutely essential part of any backcountry trip.