What do filters, filter?
Camp/Hiking filters primarily filter out sediment and pathogens (bacteria, protozoans, and viruses). What most filters do not filter out are chemicals, medications, pesticides, and heavy metals. There are carbon filters that can removed some of these other contaminates.Safety - All filtering of water is making an educated guess. You are responsible for any decision you make for yourself and family regarding filter of water.
I personally carry a 100 oz Camelbak bladder and *(2) Nalgene water bottles. Yes this is a lot of water. Yes its heavy if you count ounces. Yes you must have water to LIVE.
I also personally employ a two part system. I first filter all my water with a Sawyer Mini (0.1micron filter). If I feel the water is sketchy I add Aqua Mira solution. Additionally I do what I can to check for water information about my local water sources in the area I will be traveling. Once I arrive I assess the area I'm in and make my final decision. Most parks have information about local water supply either on there websites or when you call the park office.
There are a variety of filters, ceramic, chemical, hollow membrane, carbon among others. Each filter has advantages and disadvantages you have to decide for yourself what would work best for you.
You can read for days about filtering and who's the best. What you need to consider is what's your goal? Drinkable water.... And how do you want to achieve that? Boil, filter, chemicals, or drink and pray? Your choice. Good luck.
