Filter materials vary, but many employ a very fine-pore ceramic element or one made of fiberglass. For most hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities in North America, a filter is sufficient. Purifiers do more. In addition to filtering water, a purifier goes an extra step to kill those things that are so tiny that they escape a filter's net. We're talking viruses, in most cases.
Filters do so in most cases by sending water through an iodine-laced cartridge.
They're designed primarily for international travel. A growing filter category consists of filters incorporated in a sports-type bottle. These are great for solo hikers, effective, and very easy to use. Express yourself in our Gear Forum . The Gear Directory Contact information, including links, for leading manufacturers Outdoor Retailer The Gear Guy's sneak preview of next year's winter swag.