Been looking at Water Filtration systems. There is a lot to process. Been looking at the Sawyer Mini Water Filtration. Any other suggestions to consider? And I see that the filtration systems will not take out most viruses, is that a concern on mountain streams?
Heard some good things about the Life Straw, haven't ever used it though.
http://www.thelifestraw.com/ (http://www.thelifestraw.com/)
I don't know if you use a hydration bladder. But this is what I use.
http://www.rei.com/product/866422/platypus-gravityworks-water-filter-system-4-liter (http://www.rei.com/product/866422/platypus-gravityworks-water-filter-system-4-liter)
haven't died yet, been using it for 5 years
Those viruses are the least common nasty found in mountain streams. But there are always exceptions; human viruses can be in your water if there is human poop. Also, I think viruses are short lived in water and do not reproduce. Don't take my word on that.
I'd worry more about bacteria and protozoans.
You could start chewing, but you need to swallow the juice. Nicotine kills many nastiest of the nasty.
I use the Katadyn squeeze bottle one. Haven't died yet.
http://www.katadyn.com/usen/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-water-filters-ultralight-series-products/katadyn-mybottle-microfilter-red-splash/ (http://www.katadyn.com/usen/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-water-filters-ultralight-series-products/katadyn-mybottle-microfilter-red-splash/)
I've used it to fill up water bladders too.
http://www.lifesaverusa.com/lifesaver-products/lifesaver-bottle-4000uf#.VP2x8k10wiR (http://www.lifesaverusa.com/lifesaver-products/lifesaver-bottle-4000uf#.VP2x8k10wiR)
This is cool, but I ain't dropping $160 on a water filter that kicks the bucket in 3-5 years.
Water filtration systems are like everything else, many different types and sizes. If you desire to do large volumes of water for backpacking trips, then I highly recommend the 2 liter model from Sawyer. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Complete-Filtration-System/dp/B0078ZMHGK (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Complete-Filtration-System/dp/B0078ZMHGK) It works like the one from Platypus, gravity feed. I use it for the Scout troop backpacking trips as I can fill many bottles and water bladders pretty quick and it doesn't take up too much space. If you really want to be safe, get a UV light purifier too and treat the water with that after it has been filtered. I do not like those pump filters. They take forever to filter even a bottle full once the filer starts getting clogged. You will be pumping for 15 minutes. The Sawyer filter can be back flushed to clean it out. I can't help you on small volume models as I have never used one of those. Here is a decent article to read that may help you make a decision. http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews/Buying-Advice (http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews/Buying-Advice)
You know I like my Sawyer. Only beef is one bag has developed small leak.
http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP129-Filtration-Squeezable/dp/B00B1OSU4W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425944043&sr=8-5&keywords=sawyer+mini+water+filter (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP129-Filtration-Squeezable/dp/B00B1OSU4W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425944043&sr=8-5&keywords=sawyer+mini+water+filter)
Been happy with the Sawyer squeeze I bought a couple years back.
Works with regular plastic drink bottles (easier to fill) as well as the squeeze bags.
Squeeze bags are a pain to fill in flat water as they collapse when submerged...