Works great as a gravity/inline filter

By Timster Ranked #162 - Trail Running Hydration March 26, 2003

This is a very well designed and reliable filter/purifier, even if it is a bit bulkier and heavier then some other popular models. To help shave off some of that weight, I bought this filter on the hunch that I could use it as a gravity filter _without using the pump_. I was told by an customer support person that the pump is needed to prime the filter before the gravity feed would work. I've discovered that isn't true; it is easy to attach a hose to the output nozzle on the filter and suck a little bit to get the gravity feed going. I also was able to dremel and file the pre-filter enough so it would fit in side a platypus's screw-on-hose-attachment area. It took some work, but now I have an "invisible" pre-filter in my 4L platypus to clean the gunk out before it goes into the main filter. It also can work as an inline filter, but I'm a bit worried about the hose pulling off the output nozzle of the filter when it's inside the pack. After your done filtering, though, a lot of water (ie. weight) is still inside the filter, which can slowly leak out into your pack. Luckily, I've found that shaking for 15 secs removes most of the water. If weight isn't a big issue, I'll bring the whole pump, since it allows for much faster filtering (and purging water from the filter). Hope this helps someone...-Tim

View Details: First Need Deluxe Water Purifier

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No