Activated Carbon Filter

Katadyn Hiker Water FilterKatadyn Micro Filter Water Bottle MSR MiniWorks EX Filter Katadyn Vario Water Filter

Water filters are some of the most indispensable products technology has made available to us today. Specifically and extensively, an activated carbon filter is used with or without other filters, for control of bacteria, viruses and odors. These filters are utilized around the world. They are especially suited to transforming natural water into drinking water, minimizing people's fear of getting diseases from bacteria and other organisms. One application that is extremely popular is making water filters for hiking.

Having a water filter can allow the hiker access to water that may be dangerous to drink without purification. With an activated carbon filter as part of a water survival kit or container, most water sources become completely potable. Two companies that distribute these kinds of water filters are Katadyn, which has several applications for water filtration in addition to hiking, and Aquamira Frontier Hiking Water Filter, which is essentially a high-tech water straw that eliminates 99% of water impurities. There are many other brands available.

How does activated carbon filter work?

Charcoal is processed under extremely high heat in the presence of various gases, to produce activated carbon. It has an extremely vast and reactive surface area. This surface area is sensitive to chemicals and odors, and can absorb millions of times its size. For one gram of activated charcoal, one-tenth of an American football field in area can be chemically altered. Charcoal, prior to processing for activated charcoal, is derived from coir, lignite, wood, peat, nut shells and other materials. The finished product can be granulated, powdered, or otherwise configured.

The better water filter may consist of more than an activated carbon filter, as natural water, existing in nature, has a variety of organisms and material within it that may render it undrinkable. Silver, glass fiber, ceramic, polymers and other materials can further enhance water filters to screen out larger particles, chemicals, and small biological entities. Water is virtually "cleansed" of impurities when being processed through these filters.

Advantages of activated carbon filters

As mentioned, they have the unique ability to absorb odors, tastes and impure qualities within natural water which render water unpleasant, even after being filtered. Many other materials from which the filter is made can also impart noxious qualities into the drinking water. With activated carbon filters, the hiker can know that his or her drinking water is safe, sweet and clear.

Other kinds of water filters for hiking

Technology has produced several methods for purifying drinking water. One company, MSR, has the "Sweetwater Purification System" which uses chlorine to eliminate living organisms, and has a stainless steel prefilter. Another type of water filter system is sold by Bota of Boulder called the "Outback Filter" which uses inert, synthetic polymers, molecular sieves and microspheres for purification.