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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.