I know the question wasn't directed at me, but here I go :)
Any filter (that I know of) will be damaged when it freezes. That includes hollow fiber filters as well as ceramic filters. It is virtually impossible to tell if there has been any freezing and if there is damage. The only thing to do...
I'm a Sawyer Mini user. It is just so much lighter and smaller than pump filters. I used the MSR Miniworks EX before that.
I've put a pre-filter on the Sawyer, which makes a big difference when filtering poor quality water...
I use a pre-filter with mine. Otherwise, I find that all fiber based filters will clog up, especially because I don't have access to great water most of the time: http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2014/05/sawyer-mini-squeeze-filter-pre-filter.html
Thanks Raving Dog. Much appreciated. For anyone interested in the subject, check out Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers (http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/4973576/comfort-and-moisture-transport-in-lightweight-wool-and-synthetic-base-layers-2-2-meg). It...
Just a comment on the above links to my blog, since they were brought up, and the test they show:
For what they are worth, the tests show the insulation loss and retention by synthetic vs. wool fabrics when wet. The tests largely showed that both materials lose about the same amount of...
My choice Mountian Hardwear Ultralamina 15 bag and the Big Agnes Air Core Insulated Pad. The combination will weigh 3lb 14oz, and you should be able to find both for under $300.
My 0F bag is a Western Mountaineering Antelope MF. It's a down bag. If I was going to go with a synthetic bag, it would be the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 0 bag. As far as I know, it is the best on the market for that category.
I don't care if a bag is made of magic elf hair, if it gets wet...
That's interesting. My wool clothing didn't kept me warm when wet. Each time I have gotten wet, no matter what I've been wearing, I've been cold. That's why I started prioritizing drying time.
It's hard to switch to an ultralight pack when the rest of your gear is not ultralight. These packs are designed for a base weight of about 10lb, with a total weight of not much more than 20lb. If you pack them well, you can use them for heavier weights, but that is not their intended use. If...
I tried wool for a while, but went back to synthetic layers. The quick drying time was key for me. When in a wet environment, or when you have to wash in the field, it makes a huge difference for me.
I've been using one for many years now for my three season outings. I never bothered to switch to a different bag. It weighs 2lb 5.3oz. You can see it compressed here: http://youtu.be/m8o95Dug4rY (I'm doing this on my phone, so I hope the link works)