Base Camp water filter

We've used this filter on numerous canoe trips in Maine, the Adirondack, Algonquin, Temagami and Killarney for at least 10 years. We usually have a group of 7-9 people for 8 + days. My results are varied. I'm not sure that anything else works better, but I never rely on just one. We carry two 6L bags along with at least 1 new replacement filter for each plus a cleaned used filter. I'm the main filter guy, so it always makes me a bit nervous to be responsible for all the group water.

It's just impossible to predict how the filter will perform. If the water is clean, flow rate is excellent, and one filter will last the whole trip. If the water has a lot of pollen and algae, then you better start worrying. The biggest problem I had was in Temagami in late August/early September. The water looks perfect and clear, but the filter clogs after about a day or two. I think it's due to the microscopic algae since the filter has a slight green tinge. Some of the lakes are very active biologically especially in later summer. I can clean the clogged filter with a toothbrush and hot water and some backwashing, but it's time consuming. Of course, we always try and collect the water from non-turbid areas, sometimes going out in the boat or wading out to deeper water. Finding a stream would be the best. The Adirondacks can also be a problem with all the tannins in the water.

The gasket at the bottom does get brittle after some years and the bag leaks a bit, but other than that, the bag is very durable. We've never punctured it. Sometimes the hose breaks at the connection mostly from people scrunching it up in their pack, but it's easy to cut off the leaking part and reconnect it. It's never been a major problem, and we are mindful now to pack the components carefully when portaging or moving.

I'm open to other solutions for a large group in remote areas for extended times, but I've never found other viable solutions. The devil that you know is better than the devil that you don't know. Just remember - redundancy is your friend with water filters.

I have used the Katadyn Base Camp water filter for years in the BWCAW and Quetico. It has proved to be durable and reliable for a base camp system especially if I am staying at one site over a period of days. One issue that is important to remember is that as the filter is used, especially in water that has significant amounts of residue, the rate of flow through the filter slows. Only once have I had to replace a filter on a trip because it has been completely plugged by residue. Knowing that, I always bring along an extra filter if I am going to be depending on this system as my primary filtering system. It is worth the cost of an extra filter and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the system has always delivered on its promise of clean drinking water.

I took the Base Camp to the BWCA and it did not filter but 2 quarts before it stopped flowing. It was un-fixable although I tried. Had to boil water which made us have to ration fuel. Do not spend money on this product it will not work at least in the BWCAW

Recently our group of 12 people used a variety of water filtration devices on a 14-day Yukon Territory canoe trip. The Katadyn Base Camp proved to be the standout favorite. It was so simple to use and required no pumping. We just filled the 2.5 gallon bag, hung it up and watched it fill the water jugs. Nobody got sick, so I guess it did what is was supposed to do as far as removing the nasties from the water. Our water sources, the Teslin and Yukon Rivers, were fairly clear, so I don't know how well it would filter silty water. Would suggest reading the reviews on Trailspace.com before you buy.