The Frightening FILTH in Our Drinking Water Sources

[@tomsan91]

As a water treatment engineer your maim concerns on the trail are bacteria, oocysts of cryptosporidium and giardia. There are no current viruses associated with waterborne gastrointestinal illness that are regularly screened by water companies and there are no set standards of disinfection to remove them. Point source pollution of non organic substances like heavy metals and pesticides are less of a problem while you are on the move, as your source of water will be cycled enough to avoid prolonged exposure. Your best option is a barrier filtration water filter focuses in removing turbidity and organisms from your water. UV without pre filtration and chlorine tabs will have a tough time dealing with heavily turbid waters as they eat up the oxidation effects of chlorine and mask organisms from the UV light source.

[@Indigenous-English-Man]

Thanks i found that really interesting

[@shantishanti1949]

Thanks for detail. So what would you be using as a filter or additive when wild water drinking? I use Lifestraw products but are they doing what needed to be done?? Should I add chlorine or iodide?

[@tomsan91]

@@shantishanti1949 out in the hills I would use a filter based product, the life straw soft flasks are a great membrane based product. For fell racing I usually take a Katadyn BeFree like the one Paul featured in the video. As it's really difficult to estimate the chlorine demand a water would need to reach something we call a reaction breakpoint I would not choose a chemical oxidiser as my means of portable water treatment, cryptosporidium is also resistant to being killed by chlorine and iodine at typical drinking water concentrations. For lowland waters like you would find in a river like the Thames or Mersey I would not filter that water unless I had no other choice, there are too many industrial outflows and sewage discharges that portable filtration is incapable of removing from these waters, a water works would used advanced chemical processes to breakdown and remove this contamination

[@davidalderson7761]

@@shantishanti1949I just tested the PURECLEAR filter v Befree and several 0.2 hollow fibre filters and the PUREclear was excellent. I am getting a lifestraw from Them to see if I can bodge it into an inline system for a 3ltr bag, I hate the squeeze bottle they filter too little in one go. I tested the PUREclear against tea, peat and stream water and it was very good indeed. The replacement cap they offer does not fit an 42mm water carrier but the add says it does. So I would buy the bag as well. Lifestraw ? Are you putting it in your mouth to them get the same germs back a week or month later after they have grown without cleaning it properly?????!! I always decant the water into another bottle. No of the filters will match tap water from a house and some channels are saying there is a danger. But that’s rubbish. The filters work in a set specification and people simply don’t bother reading what that is. The filters will filter some things and not others As this channel Points out heavy metals, salts, minerals and viruses can get through as they are 0.01micron and hollow fibre is 0.2 micron or maybe 0.1micron on the £300 filters to DoD PF 248 standard. The companies will say 99.9% of bacteria and a few like PUREclear and Grayl and MSR have filters to 99.9% of viruses But that’s not 100% so chlorine ( yuck ) and UV will help to kill the rest. You can’t kill heavy metals like lead or pesticides or petroleum in the water.

[@davidalderson7761]

@@tomsan91100% right

[@davehumpleby3440]

Since buying a Grayl Geopress when they first hit UK shores, all my other filters have sat collecting dust. It has been utterly dependable, and I have never had any ill effects after using it to treat water in numerous countries.

[@davidsayer3325]

Thanks for the video, it's a sad state of affairs how bad the British rivers have been treated by the water companies

[@ProcyonAlpha]

C'mon man think of the share holders ffs and the boss bonuses , don't be so selfish

[@andycomley]

Maybe try actually voting in the election, for the changes to happen.

[@KOL630]

These tossers should be fined hundred of millions and forced to invest their profits back into the system to improve the infrastructure. It’s a national disgrace. Truly unfathomable.

[@jayarnottcoaching]

Looks like new govt are making at least one positive step to creating laws that hold the water companies to account.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Many decades ago I spent a glorious three days solo camping on the rogue river in Southern Oregon. The blue skies, the lush forest and the amazingly cool and clear water were all magnificent. Water purifiers were not all that common in those days and most hikers either boiled the water or skipped all the hassle altogether,. After 20 years going without I had just purchased a basic water "filter" and was excited to try it on this pristine mountain water. When it was time to pack up I was surveying the area for trash or dropped gear and spotted saw something unusual. A few yards upstream. I spotted something wet and furry sticking out of the water. Bushwhacking for a bit I could see it was a larger dead animal of some sort. It was a goat that appeared to have been in situ for at least a few weeks. I never looked back as I left the area. I am a big fan of the newer better purifiers that are available today. Thanks for the video Paul.

[@neilwhite8131]

I use the Grayl geopress and the Pure clear active bottle, both work the same way & are about as good as you can get without going silly on money or adding extra chemicals. Plus they are easy to use and work really well when travelling. Only thing to remember with both is that for turbid water a prefilter through a millbank bag is a good idea.

[@dfisher7880]

Great video Paul, good break from the usual trend on KZbin and delivered with your usual calm and clear manner 👍

[@andreasspak]

You should do a trip here in the Norwegian mountains. Clean water everywhere, never filtered water here.

[@Dandroid5000]

With all due respect, you should always filter your water.........there could be a dead sheep upstream releasing all kinds of nasty pathogens, for all you know.

[@TonyHobbs]

Yeah I'm with you all this bs on scaring everyone about our water. If people search mountain water Scotland the government give info on hill mountain water being safe to drink. Yes high up obviously not the lower water Paul shows first up. But once where Paul is showing all those filters I'd drink that water I'd be very confident it's fine. If Scotland water ok then all hill water above human habitation is . See a livestream I did with Chris Townsend on my channel recently on water and other things. Obviously Paul right it's fine to filter if you wish. But it's not necessary.

[@macinthewild8116]

I’m sure you get wild animals in Norway , they can die anywhere - especially in difficult water crossings. Filter your water.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

It's worthwhile taking an immunology course. We have a discrete immune system within our GI where we individually adapt our whole body's immune system. That means if you live in one area you become adapted to local pathogens including local water. If you visited an area, and if your body were to drink water from a less-clean water system you could end up the most-ill person around you as everyone else had adapted. T helper cells and Peyer's patch, etc. Very complex topic just I got the message that people from "good water" places are more vulnerable.

[@TonyHobbs]

@GeekfromYorkshire I'd suggest if the water is upstream of human habitation in most places it's filtered my mother earth and safe to drink. You're more likely getting sick from poor hygiene or sharing food drink around.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

The tricky bit with all water filter systems is what I call ‘Water Discipline’ …. It only takes a few drops of bad water to cross contaminate the lovely filtered water you just processed …. So when you are filtering water from any source make sure you are very careful. I agree always filter your water at whatever elevation you are at…. Even on the tops of mountains or from so called ‘natural springs’ … great info Paul .. thanks 🙏

[@shanelyon414]

Been using a Katadyn Hicker for over 20 years, like the MSR you showed. Bulky and heavier than the options you showed but reliable and makes lots of water easily. Thanks for showing all the great options.

[@lionelrichardlake6372]

Perfect timing on this video Paul, as currently suffering from a UTI that I suspect was caused by my LifeStraw Peak filter not being fully disinfected after its repeated use throughout the Lakes & Dales. MY own fault as I didn't read the manufacturer's care and maintenance guide for what to do AFTER use.

[@ronniec8038]

Good one, Paul. Water filters are one of the things people should have around. Especially campers, trekkers and preppers.

[@AlexAdam65]

Glasgow's water comes from Loch Katrine, is treated, has no flouride and you can drink it straight from the tap. 1000% better than tap water in Nottingham and Bedfordshire, where I have been.

[@CristiNeagu]

Meanwhile in the West Midlands they still add fluoride to the water like it's the 1960s... But yeah, I've had tap water up in Scotland. It's really good. Not sure where Edinburgh gets theirs, but it's on a whole other level compared to England.

[@BrianFrost-ww1te]

Yeah but fluoride is good for your teeth so they tell us and mercury is toxic but its ok for filling holes in teeth. Your pineal gland may have something different to say on the subject.

[@CristiNeagu]

​@@BrianFrost-ww1teIt may be good for your teeth, so brush your teeth with it. Why are you putting it in drinking water?

[@donnagreen8820]

A few years ago I was happy to drink water from high up in the Scottish mountains, as long as it was above human habitation. In the last few years my attitude changed and I bought a Be Free filter, but that stopped working after a few trips out. Then I bought a Quick Draw and was happy with that, but having watched your video, I’m going to get a Grayl filter (the plastic one)! Thank you 😊. BTW I also bought the Durston X-Mid 1 after watching your review. I’ve only used it once so far, but I’m really pleased with it 😁. Thanks for all the great videos. 👍🏻

[@nikymorris]

I use the Sawyer Squeeze, so far so good. Great knowledgable video as always. Thanks Paul.

[@rogerhudson9732]

Great video. Ever at home I have a filtered tap for drinking , washing food and cooking. GREAT BRITAIN needs: clean air, clean water and clean soil.

[@robg3545]

Very interesting vlog there Paul. The orange staining in the stream bed sediment is mostly iron liberated by acidic water and is a good indicator of run off from old coal mines. I wouldnt be too bothered about the heavy metals present in stream water unless youre drinking a lot of it, but youre right about bits of sediment and muck hiding harmful organic stuff from chemical purification. If in doubt, boil it.

[@odysseusreturns9133]

Probably the most useful video so far and there have been plenty of those! A real education. Thanks Paul, that Grayle filter looks very tempting.

[@doransshield9176]

sawyer squeeze with 2x smart water bottles is my go to, been doing it for years. Water treatment is important! great video

[@garethturner]

The Pure Clear you can freeze. Also the pure clear gets the peat colour out too

[@BSmith244]

That’s good to know. I’ve only recently bought mine but not used it yet.

[@ur2insecure]

I carry a Browns Bushcraft filter bag with purification tablets. The bag takes up very little space, is machine washable and will last you a lifetime.

[@andrewmoseley-packer5132]

Good video, very useful, thanks for producing. I'm based in the Cotswolds which is generally a pretty good area for half decent water although there is a lot of agricultural land so you do need to be mindful of excess run off from these areas. I always try and take my water direct from the source of the many springs that we have in the Cotswolds but I always filter even from there just to be extra safe. I've used various water filters such as the MSR trailshot and Katadyn Be Free but the best one without question is the Grayl (Ultrapress) and I now use this exclusively. If it's not possible to collect from the source of a spring (in the summer for example when many of them tend to dry up) then I have complete faith in the Grayl to produce clean water from less than ideal sources such as streams that may have passed through small villages, farms or sheep fields. I have never been sick or ill from using it with any water source I have used in the Cotswolds. The Grayl filters down to 0.01 microns (10 nanometres) - an order of magnitude smaller than hollow fibre filters - so basically nothing (including viruses) is going to get through it. It also contains a carbon element to counteract heavy metals, pesticides and the like. You could could literally take water from a cess pit and filter it safely using this thing (not that I would unless totally desperate........). One practical downside to the Grayl is that if your water source is only a trickle or very shallow then filling the inflexible cylinder fully is nigh-on impossible. To get round this I simply carry on old instant porridge pot or small collapsible mug to collect water from such sources to then transfer to the Grayl container. The other downside is that the Grayl is more expensive to buy and operate than most hollow fibre filters but I'd rather have piece of mind than be wondering "what if.......". In any case if you take most of your water from reasonably clean sources - like your stream in the video - you will get more than 150 litres of potable water from a single filter cartridge. Grayl recommend using the 10 second rule - if you can filter the half litre container of water in 10 seconds or so then the filter is basically still good to use.

[@bobbyboykenyon4444]

Great video Paul you continue to go video wise from strength to strength. One of your best videos and thats saying something as all your videos are amazing and appreciated by the wild camping community! ❤

[@Tony-us5jg]

I've been using the OG grayl for over 3 years now, I've even drank water out of the canals with it, it's the only water purifier system I trust

[@matthewwakeham2206]

The brown/orange colour is probably iron if it's otherwise clear. One way you can tell is to add a chlorine tablet to it. If it gets a lot worse it's iron. Chlorine brings the iron out of solution. For the ultimate sterilisation you probably can't beat UV for clear or filtered water. Boiling would be next followed by chlorine. Chlorine doesn't kill parasites very well but is good for viruses and bacteria. I've always used chlorine tablets but usually the 30 minute ones which don't taste as bad.

[@SmithandWesson22A]

Military rations include the beverage base powder so you can hide the chlorine taste of purification tablets, as well as supplying sugar and salts.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

Chlorine Dioxide tastes less-bad than Chlorine and both the taste goes if you can store it a while.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

great video Paul, like you Ive used tons of diffrent types, pocket, grayl, befree, msr, however my goto has been the UV purifier for many years, the main reason I dont use them that much and with filters they recommend drying them if stored. I do also use a millbank to get rid of the big stuff.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

Gearskeptic's water purification video is a real tutorial of what when why how in detail. Viruses are so small they can't be filtered, but viruses are species specific hence it's output from humans upstream of you which can get around a filter. You don't need to boil water just needs to get to 70c for a couple of minutes, but what boiling does is take the guesswork out, but at the expense of wasting fuel. I have the same Befree you have, some Chlorine Dioxide and always have some method to boil water, but I took Gearskeptic's advice and got those temperature sensors which measure 70c so if I were ever boiling water I use less fuel - they've never been needed so far - touch wood.

[@pedroferreira4134]

You said everything that is important. Good!

[@CaptainBrash]

A grayl is on my list to get, I got a sawyer squeeze but haven't used it yet as one of the big problems in Wales is heavy metals which the normal filtering systems can't protect against.

[@chriswalters3193]

Very useful information, thanks Paul 😊

[@alanmacmillan6957]

Water off the springs on Pen Y Fan in Brecon Beacons, the spring on Ben Lomond has been all good for me. I only drink from the spring source on a hill untreated and I've been fine.

[@mattp302]

I recently picked up the Pureclear filter for £30 on Amazon. For that price, I think you can't beat it, they rate it for a lot of usage too!

[@PeterMorley-ks1xg]

I like to use clorine tablets, and a hollow fibre filter like sawyer, millbank bag, boil, whatever it takes to make water safe. Years ago iodine was my go to

[@Hiking.and.mountains]

Thanks Paul, really helpful video. I am just beginning to think about getting a filter. I usually just carry my water, but i'm trying to lower my pack weight.

[@tequeena]

Great video! Thanks for raising awareness of this issue. That expensive one seems worth it. 👍🙌

[@BackcountryExposure]

The worst water I’ve filtered was water down stream of a cow decaying right in the stream. Pretty gnarly stuff.

[@GTFBITK]

That's extra flavor.

[@ohdearism]

@@GTFBITK Aqua Protein - Mature Beef Flavour.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

I drank water downstream of a dead sheep. Bad experience. Learned from it.

[@charlesperry1051]

I use one of the MSR pump filters. It is a little bulky and heavy but I have never gotten sick using it.

[@WalkingDevon]

You covered everything really well Paul. I started out with purification tablets and then about 13 years ago I bought a Katadyn Vario, rather like the pump one you have. It was heavy but it was before the days of Sawyer and I did like to use it as it filtered really easily and quickly., I now use the Squeeze with a VectoX 2L Cnoc bag. It's a great light system but I use it just to be on the safe side on Dartmoor.

[@trooperwolfie]

I'm currently using the sawyer micro squeeze while hiking/camping, I also have the mini. The flow rates might not be as quick as the be free filters but they filter more nasties out. At home I run my tap water through a "zero water" filter which filters out 99.9999 percent of dissolved solids and comes with a t.d.s. tester. The state of our tap water isn't great either! Despite filtering and boiling our water...I came down with dysentery earlier this year after an overnighter in Dulyn bothy, I was ill for 3 weeks and spent most of that 3 weeks sat on the toilet 💩🤢

[@InimitaPaul]

Millbank>MSR Guardian>Grayl I know exactly what they do to our rivers so if I’m out for more than a night that’s my max set up, if it’s for a night I’ll take my own water.

[@andyWalks22]

absolutely brilliant, it's hard to research this stuff when you don't know much so this is really handy, also, yes our water companies have screwed out waterways and it needs calling out. Great job pal

[@UncleOutdoors]

I never used water filters. Then I bought one because then I could feel safer drinking from more water sources. And now since I have the water filter, I always use it. No reason not to. I bought the sawyer squeeze.

[@moab_in]

A problem beyond direct infection when using chemical tabs to purify water is that the residue can have side-effects on your gut biota, reducing good bacteria which are important for general health

[@Mat-kr1nf]

I use a Survivor Filter Pro, it’s a 3 stage pump system, it has a 0.1 micron pre filter, then a carbon filter to remove heavy metals and pesticides, then the final stage is a 0.01 micron filter. They’re about £80, made in America. A very good bit of kit, not too bulky either, I have no worries whatever water source I use.😁

[@miccamecca]

Really like the look of that Grayl, and the pot to boil in is class, writing my santy list tonight , great video lad !

[@macinthewild8116]

I have had the Grayl Ultrapress for 2 years and it’s a fab piece of kit - I pop a new filter on in the spring at that’s it. My only issue is that the small top ( that you drink from as a water bottle) is unsecured and a few times I’ve dropped it and had to scramble about looking for it.

[@James-C24]

The pure clear is uk made which is nice. Uses the same tech as the grayl geo press.

[@BSmith244]

I’ve recently bought the pure clear and the only disappointment is that the filter needs to be changed every 2 months once you’ve used it.

[@neilwhite8131]

@@BSmith244 on the active bottle filter you can dry the filter and store it , same as the grayl filter.

[@Beamish32]

I work with the safe way of drinking and carry cans of Punk IPA in my backpack. No need for filters 🤣

[@sloanbooks]

This is the best thing you've done! Thank you. BTW I use both a Lifestraw Go and a Sawyer Mini.

[@johnbellis1179]

That was really interesting Paul. I use the Katadyn, only used it a couple of times but so far it seems to be doing the job.

[@chrishamilton2527]

I use a Grayl - the standard plastic version - it processes around 200 litres and mind holds 730 ml. They also do a 500ml version. Remember, just a simple boil is not enough. Some viruses can take several minutes to be rendered safe - in the military we were taught to boil for 10 minutes. Yes, to the Grayl. It weighs more but it’s the safest filter I know of

[@davidyendoll5903]

Thanks for showing us all how dangerous our 'natural' water is being polluted and why we really aught to treat our water before drinking it , or washing up , washing our bodies and teeth ..... hell ...any washing really ! A most important topic and not obvious to those of us who have sterile tapped water . One point I would make though ..... rain water , gathered anyway imaginable , needs purifying too ! I wish I could remember whose youtube channel I was watching recently , maybe a search could find my source , but believe me that a video is out there showing freshly gathered rain water , from a flysheet into a glass jar in this case , inspected under a microscope . What looked like nice clean water actually had organisms , translucent ones , moving about in it . Maybe a filter would sort that out , but boiling certainly would and at least rain water is usually clean . Some industrial areas have air too dirty to dry washing outside mind ! There is a downside to being over careful about water sterility as well . If we drink deionised water , water that has been collected by cooling steam , then there are no minerals , electrolytes , in the water . Not a problem in the short term , a weekend hike say , but drinking 100 % water will wash or dilute minerals that we need which are stored in our bodies over longer periods ( I am not sure how long sorry ) . Adding something to such water . maybe swallowing some vitamin tablets , easily fixes that .

[@kevhaynes6628]

Brilliant. Bang on point for me because my next outdoor purchase is a water filter. Thanks Paul.

[@Fishy1764]

Great video Paul. The one i use more often or not is the Katadyn Pocket i know its a bit on the weighty side but i know it works every time ive got a befree but not actually used it yet ive been keeping it more as a backup.

[@Synchrodipity]

I remember wild camping in the Lakes many years ago, and realising I had nothing to filter water - in the end I bottled some tarn water, used a sock to filter out any bits and just boiled the hell out of it. I'm still here, so I guess it worked. :D As I've got older, I've got more paranoid and now use a Sawyer Squeeze.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

1983 I drunk straight from a stream approaching Scafell from the south. A mile later I noticed a dead sheep in that stream. One of my worst lifetime experiences the next 2 nights. Still, good to learn it when young. I filter, if in doubt then add tablet, if in further doubt boil, been fine the 40 years since.

[@Steve72Outdoors]

Really enjoyed that Paul. Very informative. Started with the Sawyer mini myself , now on the Katadyn we did purchase the msr guardian as you know, but yet to use .

[@chrishamilton2527]

I use a Grayl - the standard plastic version - it processes around 200 litres and mind holds 730 ml. They also do a 500ml version. Remember, just a simple boil is not enough. Some viruses can take several minutes to be rendered safe - in the military we were taught to boil for 10 minutes.

[@Phil.Oakley]

I was interested in the titanium grayl when it came out but can't justify the cost. I use the quickdraw and a little tip, if your filter runs slow but it hasn't been used much just put a tiny spot of washing up liquid on the bottom and run a few litres thru it. It's back to running normal again. a very tiny amount tho!

[@cwoollard1]

I have the plastic version of the Grayl Ultrapress. It works a treat. No complaints. My other go to is the MSR miniworks ex. That is the MSR Guardians smaller cousin. It doesn’t do viruses, but it does everything else. It is a great filter, and works pretty fast. It is just a little bulky, but is very flexible.

[@colinmarsh5955]

I use a Solomon filter bottle which I find quite effective. The actual filter lasts for longer than most so needs less changing. Last filter I bought was just over £30. Expensive but worth it.

[@Outdoorshuntingshooting]

i have a msr mini works still working after 25 years, field maintainable and all elements replaceable, (a bit like trigger's broom) look after yer water filter.

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the UK made Lifesaver filters yet. The Lifersaver Liberty is the one I'm looking to get myself. The Lifesaver Liberty is military spec and good for up to 2,000 litres.

[@Ash12530]

I have a platypus quick draw, but this year for whatever reason I now carry all my own tap water - for all my overnight wild camps! I’ll only use the filter if I’m planning on doing a multi-night adventure, which isn’t very often these days…

[@colinwilkinson3648]

earlier version of msr guardian filter for me.even pumped water out of a deep puddle in the winter on the moors and used on a 5 day canoe trip in canada.

[@johnokane5017]

Thanks Paul. Great video and appreciate your education focus.

[@rogermee8283]

Used the Grayl for quite a while but the weight put me off at first so took the Sawyer, but I go for the security of the Grayl to get rid of those nasties. Nice video Paul ATB

[@stuartbennion]

Absolutely brilliant content and information. Really great video , thank you for sharing this

[@BurtReynoldstash]

I totally avoid water from the rivers in England. Run off from farming isn’t something I want to consume really. High up in the hills, through a water filter. If I’m canoe 🛶 camping I take a 5 ltr water container with me. Great video Paul as per

[@quillo2747]

Its not runoff from farming that killed Windermere, its efluent from the waste water treatment works, not just the waste overflow but the treated efluent isnt good enough. It can be seen in the amount of life upstream of the water treatment works which has some farming runoff and full of fish and freshwater shrimp and downstream of the water treatment works which is devoid of life

[@graemer3657]

Really useful video - thanks!

[@GTFBITK]

We have some great water here in Central ME. I trust my Katadyn Befree filter as long as it doesn't freeze.

[@robmerryfield8616]

Great video Paul, very informative. To be honest I wouldn't chance drinking water out of streams anymore. Far too much pollution. We have a long way to go before we get the waterway's in any sort of good condition. I suppose filtering and boiling is the cheapest option for most people, probably would kill most nasties if boiled for a few minutes.

[@ruairidhalexander7631]

Simon Willis of Always Another Adventure youtube channel recently did a good video on test devices which can be used to confirm if your filter is working and removing the nasties.

[@davidalderson7761]

Problem - the tester he used is the same one I used. You have to understand TDS, TOC and COD. The tester is looking for organic material. So a cup of black tea will give you a POOR score as does peaty water and shows NON SPECIFIC organic matter. So it could be anything and it’s not guaranteed to be nasty. I tested this with a cup of tea as well as other water from many streams in the last few days. The tea I made was one dip of a tea bag into a cup of water and the result was a POOR quality score. if TDS is 500 it’s OK if it’s 1000 it’s not and 2000 is unsafe the tester gave me a POOR score for 78 to 375 well below 500 ppm permitted as safe. Everyone has to understand what the tester does and it actually only tests against the rigorous tap water standards used in the developed world, ZERO indication of nasties at all, it’s just organic material present and tea or peat is organic material.

[@suewheeler5795]

I have a water2go bottle and a squeeze but rarely use the latter. I've had my eye on a Grayl for a while and indeed it's sat in my Cotswold basket 🙈🤣

[@malcoppock4255]

Great content Paul.

[@tonydarby9096]

Might be worth mentioning the weight. I did use the Grayl mini for a couple of years, mine weighs 316gm empty. Recently got the one you showed but with plastic case, mine weighs 480gm empty. This may differ from manufacturer ymmv, just used my kitchen scales. That seems heavy for a backpack especially full of water.

[@Martycycleman]

Nice one Paul, I think it's something people don't look into enough. I use 'Water to Go' it does all the things you highlighted. It's British and cheaper than the Grayl. 😊

[@Bob-67]

Katadyn Pocket water filter. Expensive, but I bought it 40 years ago. The cartridge will filter up to 50,000 litres.

[@Bluemerlehikes]

When I'm on a long distance walk I always have my filter but it's always a last resort I try to buy water from shops when I go past them and also use filtered water to boil for meals at night just to be safe

[@MarkoCoomo]

Great video. Been using a Grayl original gen 1 since they came out, brilliant filter. You used to be able to buy different levels of replacement filter too, if you want cheaper protection. I just use full orange ones though.

[@bikecommuter24]

I saw on one the those survival shows a few years ago, the guy dug a hole near the stream-river-pond and let the water fill up in the hole, he said the soil and sand will filter out a lot of the bad stuff, he also boiled the water after that. Personally I'll stick to a water filter system and/or tablet.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

depending on the situation may need all 3. Tablets cant last long enough to get to the inside of a thick material, microfilters clog if given too dirty water. So physical filtering through a fabric or soil (naturally) to get particle size small, then a microfilter to get to even smaller, and finally if concerned with viruses then chlorine allowing time for it to work is the overall process. Boiling is useful but has a fuel cost/weight.

[@JethroLampitt]

Well, you convinced me. Got myself a plastic one. 10% discoint of you get the newsletter. They should have given you a referal code lol..

[@beancampingpodcast7926]

Great vid, well done.

[@willadams6217]

The water to go active is a better choice than pure clear or katydyn befree

[@ChrisSmith-di7un]

I think you will find that the Pure Clear does remove Viruses and heavy metals. I’m not sure you gave it a very fair description.

[@PaulMessner]

I did mention at around 830 that the pure clear removes more and to check their website for those details.

[@gandalfthegreet]

Yeah the purclear is on the same level as that grayl and at a fraction of the cost and weight, the pure-clear will also get clear water just like the grayl

[@ChrisSmith-di7un]

@@PaulMessner ok sorry Paul, I love you videos.

[@80skidgrownup00]

I've got a Lifestraw Go that supposedly removes 99% bacteria, but haven't used it yet as I'm going to the Highlands in October so don't know how good it is yet

[@4xpawoverlanders]

Great video and perfect timing! I'm in the process of buying a water filter and looking at the pros and cons of each. Do you know anything about the Drink Safe systems? Thank you!

[@paulkennedy5021]

I wonder how well the titanium grayl works if the outer cup gets a dent in it and it doesn't seal with the inner? At least the plastic one won't dent. I bought a pure clear and was disappointed to see the filter lasted 200L or 2 months WHICHEVER CAME FIRST!

[@denisgrehan242]

Good informative video Paul

[@Dore60]

Great content Paul 👌

[@katiebooth2031]

Great video x

[@vanmore5124]

Like I always tell people if it tastes like /iss it probably is /iss. The taste test has always worked for me and is free if you boil it or just keep walking.

[@BSmith244]

Knowing when to change a filter always concerns me. They are all rated for different levels of usage but who keeps a record of how many litres they’ve filtered? I have some I’ve filled once to try but then they’ve sat unused for ages. I prefer to filter and then use a Steripen as a double measure. I do like the look of the Grayl though, especially after seeing it get rid of the brown peaty colouring from the water.

[@antistaticandi]

The Pure Clear is not a hollow fibre filter. It filters out everything the Grayl does, but in the form factor of a Katadyn. Is there some reason you didn't research that filter at all?

[@markleechapman6347]

Always boil your water and pop puri. Tabs in a hot brew is safer than the average water source.

[@willadams6217]

The Pure Clear has a terrible pull cap. Half the time you just pull the bite valve off rather than pull the cap up.

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

I distil the tap water at home! Of course im going to filter water i want to drink in nature.

[@anthonybowyer1874]

Brilliant video Paul: of interest to everyone. We should be totally ashamed of the state of our rivers and streams. In 2024 to have sewage polluting our waterways....are we becoming a third world nation? What about our wildlife? We live in a country where its money first and stuff the planet and the countryside.

[@quillo2747]

10 million people added to the population over the last 30 years via immigration. They all need to live somewhere so we concrete over the countryside and they all poop

[@Dandy5597]

I love the thumbnail pic 😂😂😂 best one yet

[@davidalderson7761]

Tap water in UK is probably perfect regardless of what some here have said. River water I would not touch at all with a barge pole, road drains where the average muppet pours there paint, petrol, and loads of other stuff down them and it goes into the river directly. Tap water in EU, UK, USA etc is probably close to perfect and standards for it are extremely high. US DoD p248 is probably the highest level of cleanliness for taking water from rivers, streams and populated areas often in filthy slums around the world, BUT IT WILL NOT CLEAR INDUSTRIAL WASTE or HEAVY METALS from your filtered drinking water. Me - if near a river I will go buy water From A shop, up on the hills and moors I will use a filter and UV light and maybe chlorine tabs or drops 3:15 if I am not sure. I just tried a PURE CLEAR filter and it managed to get good results close to tap water for clearing organic substances. Peat, dead moss, bacteria and viruses too. But never industrial chemicals nor heavy metals. READ the label of all filters for their use case.

[@quillo2747]

Tap water in the UK is safe to drink but its overchlorinated to make it that way. Id rather not drink that much chlorine. Water treatment works also dont filter out microplastics and estrogen. None of the above is found in a mountain stream (or very little microplastics compared to lowland rivers and tapwater)

[@mattthompson8657]

A "best water filter" video would be good. With a sample of water from each filter tested. Start with water from the swamp you found and from the stream on higher ground.