I was thinking of using the larger sawyer bags that I have to. Screw on to the funnel and then filter it after but I like your idea with just screwing the filter to it ..good idea ! I was thinking of collecting water on 2 or 4 points ..but would only need the one mini filter to filter it all .. but I’m looking at more of a survival situation more than for a overnight stay .. just another crazy prepper..lol. But I like the idea of those collectors..caught my interest.

I’d have to check to see if the filter would screen out those things.

Excellent observations. I should amend my review to indicate how I best envision using these, because they do have limited use just based on tarp deployment. The other catch is that for locations where rain comes often enough that a nightly shower is expected, water is often plentiful and more easily obtained. I’m thinking specifically of a hike along the Appalachian Trail, rain forests (including the Pacific Northwest), etc.

In northern AZ, the monsoons are frequently an afternoon event, but we often get evening showers. But, again, based on the trip, it may not be of much value. For backpacking and camping, water is an essential daily resource that can’t be left to the whim of a rainstorm.

So, in a nutshell, yes the collectors work and they have a “cool gadget” factor, but unless you’re starring on a reality TV show and surviving on rainwater collection, they do have limited practical use if you’re on the move. It’s really makes more sense if you’re camping in a place for a few days (maybe) and have the reliability of consistent rain showers.

Here in southern AZ I can’t see much use — it’s just too dry and rain is too infrequent. There might be a few times during the monsoon season where it would work, but then the rain comes late in the afternoon while I’m still hiking and don’t have my hammock set up yet!