I'm a medical laboratory technologist who works in the bacteriology field identifying pathogenic organisms. This little filter will take out all parasites, most bacteria except for Campyelobacter sp., and even the flu virus. It is probably quite sufficient for any backcountry trips in North America. I have added a silt filter to the hose and the filter lasts 3X as long. A deal at for what you pay.

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First, this is NOT a photo of the PUR Pioneer. The Pioneer is a compact unit that fits on the top of a Nalgene bottle. The filter stratum is a disk that ""strains"" water like a coffee filter. The PUR Pioneer will NOT filter out some viruses and most of your heavy metals, nuclear and/or toxic waste. But then most of my backpacking water sources are pretty clean and clear to start with. Mostly, I used the Pioneer to filter mountain runoff and water from the Deschutes River which features a fair stock of cattle. I'd be hesitant to rely on this filter for really nasty, slimy water, but for clear sources, this is the light, inexpensive way to go.

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Downside is that you need to change the filter for each outing. Filters are sold two for about $8.00. I've never had a filter clog, but then I don't pump from mud bogs. Beats iodine tablet taste hands down!

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I say buy a real filter instead of this one. I've had no problems with it, but I don't trust the paper filters to last for more than one trip. At $6-$8 for two replacement filters, a few trips will equalk the price of a better filter. It also only filters bacteria, and not quite all of them. On the plus side, its small size is very nice.

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Once again, the filter pictured as of 3/16 is NOT the PUR Pioneer. The pioneer is a smaller, round-ish filter that fits directly on a Nalgene bottle and uses disposable filters that look something like a coffee filter.

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The first attraction to the PUR filter was the price. Since the company is well known and established, I felt I had nothing to lose. It filtered the water sufficiently for my ultra-sensitivity to bacteria. I feel as though I purchased a quality product for a very reasonable cost. I'll be sure to stock up for many adventures ahead.

Until my dog ate it this filter was great. The price was the original hook that set me into buying this lightweight filter. In the mountains I have no fear of using a filter, however, I use a purifier while in more widely used terrain. PUR is a time tested company with great products. I currently use the pioneer, scout, and explorer. I also own a MSR ceramic purifier which is a horrible product. On my personal expeditions the Pioneer is exactly what is needed. the only problems I have had with it are finding the replacement filters, but at $7 a pop, I just load up when I see them.

THE PHOTO IS OF THE PUR PIONEER !!!!!!!! I SELL THEM EVERY DAY AT THE HERMIT'S HUT OUTDOOR SUPPLIER. TWO FRIENDS AND I OWN THEM AND HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT HAPPY WITH THEM. BY THE WAY (FOR THE PEOPLE THAT CLAIM THE PHOTO ISN'T OF THE PIONEER) LOOK AT YOUR FILTER FROM ABOVE! IT SCREWS DIRECTLY TO A NALGENE AND IS AN EXCELENT MICROFILTER FOR THE PRICE, COMPACTNESS, WEIGHT!

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I've had this filter for a few extended trips. The filter element has darkened significantly, but performance is still good. I admit that most of the water supplies I've tried this on were fairly clear. This guy is very easy to pump and yields a lot of water due to its relatively larger filter-pore size. If you're looking for something to protect you from beaver fever (Giardia) and common freshwater bacteria this is a good buy. (ie; don't expect to use this downstream of major cities or in streams with a lot of agricultural run-off) If you have to buy a new element every ten week-long trips, so be it, the performance is worth it! Only beef: requires priming every once in a while. PS- I've got a BSc Microbiology and Immunology so I don't want any comments that I'm clueless regarding microbes.

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Bought this filter becaause it was the least expensive. It worked well. HOWEVER, getting replacement filters was a pain and a clerk at Eastern Mountain Sports said that this model was going to be discontinued. Not having replacement filters readily available is a major drawback.

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PUR Hiker