the uv steripen might be good no maintenance that I know of other than batteries, it is kinda pricey though, also the MSR Miox is pretty good you'd have to have some extra batteries and salt, but those are easy to keep too. I don't know how much you plan on using it, but Most filters eventually need to have their elements replaced, so if you plan to use it alot for 2 years, I'd go with the miox or uv pen cause they're reliable and won't wear out (other than batteries or salt) I know there is one filter that can be backflushed and will be good as new, but I can't remember which filter it is.

I guess maybe I'm kinda old school too, cause I usually use iodine, but I'm thinking about looking into chlorine dioxide (aqua mira?)

So I know what most of you think of the MSR water filters but what do some of you think about the uv steripen that was mentioned?

Im confused on what you mean by saying the steripen doesnt kill the bacteria it just makes them unable to reproduce. wouldnt it have to kill them in order to make the water safe to drink?

jimdavis, why are you so pissed off? it's something to keep you from getting sick when you drink water!

I guess maybe I'm kinda old school too, cause I usually use iodine, but I'm thinking about looking into chlorine dioxide (aqua mira?)

Hi,
Joining the Peace Corp, need a water filter that will last for 2 years and not give me a lot of trouble...any suggestions??

dude, first of all, he/she's not in the back country, they're joining the peace corp.

Second, I'd say having 3 supplies that you can plan on needing for every so many liters you clean are better than trying to be prepared for every possible piece that could break on a filter with a parts kit, duct tape, and a leatherman, especially when this filtration/purification method is going to be needed daily for two years.

Third, I doubt particulate matter is going to be a big problem, but have you ever heard of a bandanna? they are miracle workers.

Fourth, whoever is using it is not going to be in the US, so viruses are going to be a concern.

Fifth, unless you start stepping on it, or leave it in front of a stampeding herd of buffalo, I can't see much going wrong with the MIOX itself, it has no moving parts.

Sixth, when you're in a third world country working in the dirt to help people, which would you rather do? mix some coctails every night before you go to bed and adding them to the the water you're going to need the next day? or pumping a bottle everytime you need a drink (possibly offending the people you're working with/for)

seventh, if you didn't notice, I listed 3 options in my first post for the OP, I haven't been pushing the MIOX, I also listed the steri pen, and would have mentioned the name of the filter I'm thinking of if I could remember it, cause I'm trying to help the OP, not start a flame fest.

as a wise man with the initials ND once said, "GOSH"

You cannot drink iodine water for more than 2 weeks.

Iodine is not a sure thing against Cryptosporidium.

If a hand pump were desired, I would select the Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Waterworks EX and then pre-treat with 5 drops of bleach per quart of water before pumping. Remember to allow appropriate contact time of bleach before pumping. You can even buy the chlorine bleach in a nice package.

MSR has a new product (seems like they bought this design from a former rival) the Sweetwater. It's a bit less physically challenging to pump than the Waterworks EX and it has a noticeably faster flow rate. I own this design by the original manufacturer.

And yes, I'd rather take 45 secs to pump a liter of water than measure out salt, then turn the device on...wait, change the batteries; ok, now make the brine...wait for it to finish...test it...test it again, as directed; oops, too little salt, remake brine; test it, test it again...dump it in....wait 4 hours....strain out with a bandana. Yes, that's worst case...but you get the point. Do I want to do that for every liter of water I drink? I'll pump for 45 secs, thanks.

Your worst case is the exception to the norm. Why not consider the worst case with your other proposed methods of purification?

Iodine doesn't take care of crypto, tastes like s---, and can cause health problems in some people, especially with extended use.

Filters do nothing to viruses, clog, are time consuming, and can break.

Filters don't clog that often. MSR's do [clog], cause they have a smaller surface area then other filters.

My Guide pumps a liter of water in 35 secs

Iodine doesn't taste that bad...get over it, honestly.

Wow,
So i got some really good answers and some really intnese ones. I don't know what t he water is going to be like and on my packing list, they did reccommend bringing a water filter/purifier. I don't know what I'll be dealing with, but i do know that they use "disposable" items like diapers, wipes, and so on with out having a waste management program. So where do you think that all of this stuff goes? On the ground, in the ocean, where ever they feel like putting it. So that is my main concern.
I've read about how they boil water, but some people still get sick and i don't really want my first 6 months to be spent on the toilet while i build up an immune to it.
Anyway, thanks for all the answers. I really appreciate it. climb hard for me b/c i won't be able to climb....
Meeeeegan