I just got mine out of the drawer to make sure it was okay for an upcoming trip and found, inside the filter chamber, along with all the magic crud-preventatives, THICK BLACK GOO along the gasket of the prefilter. Antimicrobial, huh? No, it was not charcoal dust- it was MOLD. Yuk. i'm taking my Pur.

Similar Products Used:

Pur pump

I used the in-line filter while on a 3-person, 3-day hike in a canyon. I was able to filter water for us without a problem. It would be nice if there was an optional thin metal casing to protect the filter from impacts. We were contantly climbing over rocks and my biggest concern was cracking the plastic case. I also experimented with using iodine pill before filtering and the charcoal filter was able to remove all iodine taste, although this would probably shorten the usefullness it deonstrates the effectiveness of the charcoal. I've used this filter on other trips as well without any problems with flow rate.

For my AT hike, this seemed to be a perfect choice - a filter that weighed in at only 3 ounces. Well, I was wrong. It took (maybe) 4-5 days for the filter to slow to a snail's pace, and the same thing happened to both the original and replacement SWA in-line filters of a friend of mine. I would LOVE IT if this product worked, the concept is spectacular, but I am not sure if it can hold out for long term use. I am sick of chemicals, and I refuse to carry 1 lb of filter, so this would be the bomb alternative. I hope that SWA can figure things out, or I hope that I can...

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None

I just bought this filter and really like the idea of not having to pump my water through a normal filter. It is very light weight and very easy to use. It hardly restricts water flow, you might barely notice a change. The only tough thing about it is trying to decide where to place it. I put it right at the poit where the hose comes out of my camelbak so it doesnt use any space on the inside. I recommend it to anyone.

Been using one for awhile now. This thing has been very reliable and convenient. My biggest concern had been that it would make it too hard to draw water but the draw is only slightly affected. Wouldn't think of taking this out for winter though I did recently use it with temps in the high 20s. It froze up overnight with some water in the unit. I warmed it in my pocket and was back in business w/o a problem. The hoses on the Ultra Roll-top Sport tank are too big for the unit but it fits the Platy and Camelback bladders just fine. Haven't noticed the crimping problem though I may be carrying it differently laid in along side the bladder zipped in the top compartment.
I notice that the price just jumped $10.00. I guess (as Safewater would have it) because of the anti-microb technology they are building into it these days. Oh and I do miss not being able to use my Gookinade.
Happy Holidays!!!

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MSR Miniworks

In line filter was initally great. Works as billed, but does add weight to your bladder and with some bladder tubing the ends tend to colloapse around the filter intake/outlet restricting flow.

Super convienant, no funky filters to carry.

Customer Service

The casing around the filter element broke after spending a few hours in the fridge. Put the bladder in, took it out, walked outside, and the casing fractured. Absolutely unacceptable, especially when they sell replacement filter elements, the casing should be more bomber, actually able to withstand ambiant temperatures ABOVE 32 deg F. So, if you intend to do anything during the winter, count this inline out.

Contacted SafeWater, and I'll post what they have to say if they get in touch with me.

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various MSR/Sweetwater filters

iodine tablets are just plain easier...