Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I have never heard the vinegar story for a water filter. I have a couple of Katadyn filters and an MSR filter, have not used a Sawyer. I would be hesitant to try a chemical treatment that the manufacturer had not cited in the instructions that came with the filter. Coffee makers, it is part of their manufacturer instructions, thus I do that treatment method regularly.
The Sawyer is different from the Katadyn and MSR ceramic filters. It used hollow fiber filters which work well but they do have issues if they dry out. Material either precipitates out in the pores of the hollow fiber filter or the pores just close up. Leaving water inside the filter would be best but other issues can arise...molds and mildew...if you do that.
Both Katadyn and MSR make hollow fiber filters now. I haven't gone looking from them and I would be leery of getting one given my experiences with hollow fiber filters. I'd rather carry a 11 oz of equipment that I
know is going to work vs carrying slightly less weight that leaves you high and, well, dry.
