I have a Katadyn Hiker in my gear. I haven't used it a lot but it gets good reviews and is easy to use.Also has a Nalgene bottle adapter. Picked it up at REI on sale. [Beer]
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I would not worry about that. Bottled water should be good for at least a couple of years if not longer.
I read somewhere a long time ago that they put the same EXP dates on it as soda just to get you to buy more. I keep a few cases on hand but rotate it out just going to the range/camping. I do not drink it daily as I think it is a waste since it is water and most bottled comes from a tap. ;)
I have a couple of the Katadin units that work good. There are a few different schools of thought on when and how to use them. I generally look for as clear a water source as I can to use them. There are also tons of suggestion on the web about different pre filters and what not. When i go out for a 2 or 3 day hike by myself I take my MIOX. its small works great and the water comes out just fine.