How to Choose a Front Water Filter for Backpacking Trips
There are many different kinds of water filters, from plastic pitcher and built-in refrigerator filters to faucet and under the sink models. But what type you choose depends on what functions you want the filter to perform.
For example, you might use a microfilter plus chemical tablets when camping in backcountry zones where water is exposed to more human fecal matter. You can also search NSF’s database to learn what contaminants a particular model is certified to reduce.
1. Easy to install
When you’re out backpacking, you need to take precautions against bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Until recently, UV light, chemical treatments, or boiling your water was required to remove these pathogens. But with new advancements in physical purification, you can now physically remove these contaminants and more from your drinking water all-in-one.
The first step of filtration is a sediment filter that removes larger particles such as sand, dirt, and gravel. This helps reduce the chance of clogging or damage to other filters.
Your drinking water then passes through a carbon block filter that removes bad taste, odor, and chlorine from your water. This filter also adsorbs hundreds of chemicals like pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), industrial chemicals, lead, and mercury.
After the second filter, your water will then pass through a reverse osmosis membrane that eliminates up to 99% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, while also reducing cysts and parasites in your water. It also removes 99 percent of other dissolved inorganics such as fluoride, lead, and copper, and 97 percent of undissolved organics including disinfection byproducts (trihalomethanes).
To install the new water filter, remove the freezer drawer slightly to access the filter casing. Support the bottom of the filter with your hand while you insert it into place. It’s Front water filter important that the filter is inserted correctly to ensure it locks into place and resets the electronic filter replacement indicator.
2. Easy to clean
The best backpacking water filters are easy to maintain. Clogged or inoperative filters can cause your water to taste bad and may be contaminated with bacteria, protozoa, or viruses. Some require UV treatment, chemical treatments, or boiling to deactivate these contaminants. This can make them less convenient for backpacking trips in remote spaces. Some models also need to be completely replaced, which is not ideal when you’re on the road. The easiest systems to clean in the field are those that can be backflushed, such as the MSR AutoFlow XL.
Whether you have a top-loading washing machine or a front-loader, the filter is typically located in one of two places. In most cases, it’s located underneath the center agitator or in the bottom of the washer’s housing system. Depending on the model, you may need to remove a panel or unscrew the filter to access it.
If you’re not sure where your filter is, check your owner’s manual or consult a professional. To clean your filter, start by removing any debris that has built up on the outside. Then, use a brush to scrape away any lint or residue from the inside of your filter. Next, soak your filter in warm water to loosen any clogs or trapped residue. Finally, scrub the filter using a brush and warm water until it’s clean.
3. Easy to maintain
One of the best water filters that cost less than $150 is this Crystal Quest nitrate filter. tap water filter The unit features a sediment filter, a pre-carbon filter and a reverse osmosis membrane to remove contaminants from your water. It also includes a pH+ Mineral Boost filter that adds healthy minerals to the water.
It can handle up to 20 gallons per minute, which is more than enough for most homes. It’s also very durable and easy to maintain, requiring little more than regular filter changes.
The standout feature of this water filter is the SpringWell Water Smart App, which connects to your phone via Bluetooth and gives you complete control over your system. It allows you to track usage, manage backwash and regeneration cycles, and spot issues with your plumbing before they become serious. It also lets you customize the frequency of these cycles based on your specific water usage.
This is the easiest water filter to clean, with most parts being removable and dishwasher-safe. Start by removing the cartridges and cleaning the filter housing sump with warm soapy water, then filling the tank with water and adding a sanitizing solution. Open the sump drain valve and allow the system to sanitize for 30 minutes. Then, rinse and reattach the housing caps and fill with clean water before connecting the sump back to the filter head.
4. Affordable
A Front water filter is the most affordable way to get clean and safe drinking water. It’s less expensive per gallon than chemical options like iodine or chlorine and doesn’t require electricity or water pressure to work. Plus, it doesn’t produce any toxins or waste. It just filters microbes, heavy metals, and VOCs to make your drinking water safer to drink.
There are tons of choices for backpacking water filters, and the best one depends on your specific needs. For example, if you need something to deal with sulfur in your well water, there are plenty of filters out there that do just that. Alternatively, if you want to eliminate fluoride, there are plenty of options available that do that too. Just be sure to check your local water quality report before you buy.
The Steripen Ultralight is a popular backpacking filter that removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. It also has a carbon filter that reduces chemicals and adds healthy minerals to your drinking water. The only drawback is that it’s not very durable, so you need to be careful with how you treat it. However, it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It’s definitely worth considering if you want an affordable option for backpacking trips. The MSR Guardian is another great option for backpacking and backcountry hiking. It works great in turbid conditions and uses an auto-backflush system that makes it last longer than other models.
