Question:
Trying to decide on which water purification system to purchase. Would like to hear comments from users on pros & cons of the commonly available types

Answer: If you are not planning to visit other third world countries, the PUR hiker is a good filter for the money, doesn't clog as easily as some of the others, but doesn't filter out the exotic viruses (which in this country you don't really have to worry about anyway).

If you are going to other countries, then by all means get a filter that will also take care of viruses, one of the best being the " Katadyn".

Have to agree with Alan...the PUR line of water filters are probably your best bet. If you want the BEST PUR system, go for either Scout or Explorer. They both use a tri-iodine resin additive as well as the usual micro-strainer to filter out viruses as well as cryptosporidia, giardia, and bacteria. They're also both fully cleanable while hinking/camping. Explorer is 22.4 oz, while Scout is 12oz, and at REI are priced $130 and $65, respectively. If your only using the filter to provide for 1-3 people, I'd recommend the Scout.