Ceramic Water Filter
 |  |
 |
 |
Ceramic water filter is made from clay or ground glass, which is powdered, and fired at high heat. These powders may be mixed with silver or other materials prior to being formed, to enhance the water cleansing process and to kill protozoa, bacteria and cysts in water being filtered. Since ceramic is from natural sources, it is considered to be a "green" filter. Ceramic is prized the world over for filtering water in countries where water is contaminated.
When ceramic filters are combined with at least a secondary stage of filtration, such as activated carbon, the quality of the water is further freshened and cleansed, eliminating odors and tastes which would be undesirable. Sometimes, even if water has been filtered, lingering tastes remain from either the water or the filter itself, if no carbon is present.
Ceramic is lightweight, and lends itself well to being manufactured in smaller units, completely suitable to small hiking water filter bottles or containers. While sometimes a bit slower than other types of filters to make large amounts of water, users consistently praise the high quality of the water that has been process through one.
Ceramic is brittle, and as such, needs to be cared for properly. If impacted, ceramic can be damaged, leaving a hairline crack through which bacteria or other contaminants can enter the water. Many hiking water filter containers are made to fit within housing made of durable plastics, which protect the filter from getting damaged. Ceramic filters can be changed when needed, according to manufacturer's directions.
Base camp ceramic water filters are available in varying capacities, suitable for a few people or a group. This allows for taking your water with you, which some prefer to do if there is no accessible water source on the hiking trail. It is important to know if water will be available along the route, and to plan accordingly prior to leaving camp. However, ceramic water filters for hiking have gotten consistently good reviews, and two of them are mentioned here.
One popular brand of portable and lightweight water filter for hiking is the Katadyn Mini Soldier Ceramic Water Filter. It is the smallest of all the lightweight filters, and weighs just 3 ounces. This water filter removes heavy metals, cloudiness and odors from water as well. Katadyn has a very large selection of types of water filters. Another one which has gotten high marks is the MSR Miniworks Ex. This filter combines activated carbon with ceramic, making it extremely effective.