This is basically how I filter my water when hiking, backpacking, and camping. The prices vary a lot depending on where you get each item from so I left that information out. I purchased most of the items from Walmart though and it is a fairly affordable and universal system. I am certain you can make this setup yourself for under $50.
This is a picture of the whole setup. I use a gravity water filter system primarily because it is hands free generally once setup and easy to do. However if in a hurry I can still use this setup as a squeeze filter for a faster filtration (though squeeze filtration has a greater chance for clogging) or I can filter on-the-go by sucking on the tube like a camelback etc… with an inline filter.
Here is a look at the individual components:
The black thing is a Nite-Ize Cam D-ring and some paracord. Simply tie a bowline loop in one end of the cord and attach it to the D-ring. Then run the other end through the cam section after wrapping around the tree. Cinch cord tight around tree to be able to support weight as seen here. These plastic cams can hold up to 50lbs and the metal versions can hold a couple hundred pounds. I also use them for my food bag 🙂
Next up is a 3ltr Platypus bag. They are pretty durable but do need some care. The threading on the mouth fits the Sawyer filter threading nicely. Though the other models Platypus makes that I will show you later the threads don’t quite match well and sometimes leak. This particular model I have not had any issues with leaking though.
And here is the Sawyer Mini Filter that I use. It is a 0.1 Micron ABSOLUTE hollow fiber membrane water filter as Sawyer claims. It will filter more water then you can drink in your personal lifetime. Provided you don’t damage it. Take care of it and it will be the last filter you need to buy for 3 season North America. The threads fit most 20 oz style soda and water bottles.
The white clip seen here comes from an old Katadyne filter I had and I use it to shut off the water flow when using it as a gravity water filter. It is a basic pinch clamp.
Then you have your drink tube. When using it as a gravity feed filter system this tube should be at minimum 25-30 inches for proper flow rate or you wont get a decent flow from the Sawyer filter. This tube comes with the Platypus bag along with a nice removable mouth piece.
NOW here are some other containers I use for transporting my water:
The left picture is a Nalgene canteen and the right is a stainless steel version.
I use these primarily for making drinks in like Tea or Power-aid etc… when hiking. The stainless steel version can be used on an open fire. I don’t take both of these on every trip. Usually it is one or the other depending on what type of trip I am doing.
This is a 1ltr Platypus water pouch. It doesn’t connect well to the Sawyer water filter but it works great for carrying filtered water. I always have at least 2 of these in my pack filled. Sometimes depending on location I might bring along 3-4. They are super light and take nearly no space when empty. They are cheap as well so if you lose one it isn’t to costly.
And here is my Nalgene Flask. I use it to carry cooking oil for frying and have a second for taking along some whiskey occasionally 🙂 Stir-fry cooking with a bit of whisky never hurts right…
FixedByDoc 
Folks underestimate the essential need for clean, safe water, without it one can deliver harmful bacteria and other organisms into the body, & may result in extensive damage. Most folks have never seen a parched human with a swollen tongue, it’s a good example of the need for proper hydration at all times.
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I find it funny when someone claims to be “parched” and yet they can still spit.
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This is interesting but carrying a bottle is more comfortable. I saw a water filter bottle and the design is great and handy.
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Yes some people prefer to carry the “smart” brand water bottles etc… and screw the sawyer filter to them. i personally do not like doing that. you are stuck with no reservoir for water when at campsite for one and most campsites are uphill a distance from water source. so you would have to make several trips to get water to cook dinner/breakfast with, drink, and refill before leaving next morning. the way I do it means I make one trip fill the bag and my canteens and it provides enough for me to cook dinner/breakfast with, drink and refill bottles before leaving without having to go back to source and re-filter again. this method also provides me with the ability to have a shower, wash dishes, and wash clothing all without having to worry about running out repeatedly and making several trips to water source. another plus is if there is a drought. hikers go both ways on trail. it is smart to ask them how the water is up ahead a few miles. if the water is scarce then I can carry extra water where those using the filter bottles only are stuck with what they have and go thirsty. That does happen quite often and people get sick all the time from dehydration. This system weighs the same and allows you to carry more water if needed. It has more usefulness. And best of all you can add drink mixes to your canteen and not have to worry about your filter filtering them out and you DO want to add drink mixes when long distance hiking to replenish those lost electrolytes and salts etc… or you will feel like crap. There are tons of ways to carry and filter water while hiking and the best way is YOUR WAY. The way you enjoy best and feels right for you and gets the job done the way YOU want is all that really maters anyhow.
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