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The Swiss-made Pocket Filter is the Rolex of portable water filters: It is dependable, styl- ish and will last a lifetime. But like a Rolex, it is heavy and costs almost twice as much as its competitors. The Pocket Filter's ceramic filter boasts the longest life of any product tested- a whopping 50,000 liters-which guarantees it will survive the longest backcountry slogs. Another nice filter feature is that Katadyn impregnates the ceramic with strands of antimicrobial silver, which inhibits bacteria growth when the filter is stored. While it has a respectable flow rate, it is difficult to pump. If you are not thirsty when you start pumping, you certainly will be when you finish. Katadyn, 20 ounces, 800-755-6701, www.katadyn.com. $200 The First Need is perfect for hypochondriacs or anyone traveling to developing countries. It is the only filter that removes viruses without a chemical additive. With clean water and a fresh filter, the First Need's flow rate is 1.7 liters per minute, but it deteriorates quickly when dirty. Another disadvantage is, the filter is sealed and needs to be replaced when clogged (though this keeps users away from harmful pathogens that collect on filters). Cleaning the f ilter requires reversing the water flow through it, called back- washing; but this is only a temporary f ix. Like the MSR, it attaches directly to a Nalgene bottle. General Ecology, 15 ounces, 800-441-8166, www.generalecology.com. $89 If space is a precious commodity in your pack, the Guardian is for you. About half the size of other filters and just as light, the Guardian can slide into almost any pack crevice. And it per- forms well, too. Its handle is engineered with a high fulcrum that makes pumping easy and more efficient. The Guardian boasts a high 1.25 liter per minute flow rate and a unique glass-matrix with activated carbon filter that is easily cleaned with a supplied brush, a good th ing considering how quickly the filter clogs in turbid water. A unique feature is its pressure relief valve that blows excess water out ofthe filter, letting users know when it needs to be cleaned or replaced. SweetWater, 11 ounces, 800-531-9531, www.sweetwaterfilters.com. $60 ($73 with ViralStop chemical drops) CULTURAL STIMULI weekly email newsletter covering arts, music and cultural events sign up at flavorpill.net clothing for all conditions toll free - 1 866 269 431 8 WWW.ULTRANECTAR.COM ~)