Simply Stuff - Gear Regrets!

One of the fun parts about backpacking is getting to experiment with different types of gear and figure out what works for you. I, Connor, am a bit of a gear geek. Roslyn also appreciates trying out new gear and an optimized load out but doesn't like doing all the research.

If you're trying out different equipment, there's always a period where the new gear is the best gear. After the honeymoon period wears off you start to notice stuff that could be better, or that you miss about your old gear. Eventually, you'll know if the equipment is right for you or not. Unfortunately, a fair amount of gear ends up falling into the 'not for us' category or at least into the 'I'd like to keep looking' category.

Roslyn and I thought about all the gear we've used over the last two years and came up with two pieces of gear we wish we hadn't bought. Both of them are water filters, which made for a couple annoying trips.

1 - MSR Miniworks Water Filter

The MSR Miniworks was the first water filter we used. It has a decent flow rate and a reusable ceramic filter that can be cleaned to provide a long term water filtration solution. From our experience, moderately dirty water caused the ceramic filter to foul after only 4-5 litres of water, and maintaining suction was difficult as the pump would start to cavitate if any air bubbles entered it from the hose. We used this water filter for only one trip before replacing it, and brought it as a back up on one other trip but never used it.

2 - Lifestraw

We bought the Lifestraw as a back up filtration system in case our primary filter broke. We've luckily never has to use it, but after the first summer we also stopped carrying it with us. For less weight and a smaller package, you can get water filtration tables to make water drinkable for you. The tablets will also fit in your first aid or odd's and end's containers instead of having to be another piece of gear to keep track of.

We wish we hadn't purchased the above gear, but having said that other people might like to use them. In the conditions they are meant for, both the MSR Miniworks and the Lifestraw work properly, we just found both of them limiting out backpacking experience.

Images obtained as screenshots from:

Atmosphere.ca - MSR Mini Works

Atmosphere.ca - Lifestraw