Packable Purifiers
 First Need Deluxe
by General Ecology
Chemical-free portable purifier
The best available... period.
 First Need Trav-L-Pure
by General Ecology
Premium compact purifier.
Designed for travellers.
 Travel Well Pocket
by Pre Mac
Mini disposable purifier.
Perfect for emergency kits.
 Exstream Bottle
by Katadyn
Water bottle
with integrated purifier
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Packable Micro Filters
 Microlite Microfilter
by General Ecology
Excellent protection
at a great price
 Combi
by Katadyn
Converts from hiker
to countertop
 Frontier Straw
by McNett
One of the smallest
Great for hikers.
 Mini
by Katadyn
Compact size
excellent capacity
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Treatment Chemicals
 MicroPUR
by Katadyn
Convenient tablets
for potable water
 Water Treatment Tablets
by Coghlans
Simple, effective,
& inexpensive
Pristine Treatment Solution
by Advance
Great for camps
and travellers
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Purifiers remove everything but the water...
We would like to make the distinction between purifiers & filters very clear. A 'water filter' or even a 'micro filter' is not technically a purifier. In fact it is not legal for a filter to be marketed as a 'purifier'. The difference is that a 'purifier' is certified at a higher level, removing bacteria & viruses to extremely strict US EPA, health Canada, and other regulations. When you want the safest water, a water purifier is how to get it.
Effective & versatile Micro Filters
Micro filter products like the Katadyn line, are very effective against common contaminants like crypotsporidia & giardia. They also effectively remove some metals, sediment, chemicals & bad tastes & odors. However they are not effective against viruses & bacteria. For most outback travel, micro filters will do the job. When you are in an area where the water may be suspect, you may want to move up to a fully certified purifier.
For storing water, or extra insurance
Chlorine-based, & Iodine-based chemicals make the water toxic to bacteria & viruses much like municipal water treatment. These chemicals are recommend as a sterilization stage of purification in areas where water is very suspect, or when you expect to store the water for months.
Strengths...
Common, inexpensive, ensures sterilization
Weaknesses...
Leaves dead critters in the water to be consumed (along with what's left of the chemical)
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