the pump is user friendly, it has a great pump action, and was less effort then our friends pump. the system is easy to set up (follow the instructions), easy to use and easy to clean. it comes with a part to use with nalgene bottles as well, but the platapus water bottles are great. they have no taste, like some other brands on the market. the bottles stand up by themselves too. we used this system for a overnight hike into the sawtooths and were very impressed. cant wait to really test it out in south america!!

I've been using the Sweetwater system for three years and I have no complaints. It's easy to pump and the filter element is easily cleanable with the included brush. Adapters for some common water containers are included for a leak-free connection while pumping. I screw the adapter directly onto my Platypus containers and don't worry if they tip over. The filter element has a foolproof mesh indicator to let you know when it should be replaced (I just replaced mine for the first time this year. I use the optional chlorine based Viral Stop if the source water is questionable, but some would say it is unnecessary here in the U.S. BTW, the Sweetwater was rated highest on a thorough U.S. Army test of portable, commercially available filter/purifier systems (when used in conjunction with Viral Stop).

being new to the world of backpacking, i purchased this purifier system for my first trip. we used it every day, pumping probably 15L total, and it was a great working pump - it worked quickly and efficiently. i only had to clean it out three times, but despite the inconvenience, i guess it's better than drinking the crap i had to scrape out of the filter. folds up nicely, decently lightweight. the platypus included makes everything better - and the convenient hose connections make hooking the filter straight to your water bottle quite easy - raising the efficiency of the system (especially if you were alone and had no one to hold the bottle while you pumped). i never had the need to use the purifier drops. highly recommended - but do research before you buy to see if you really need a filter - in some places chemical treatment is a much lighter, more affordable route.

quality product easy to use and operate