Filter cost considerations

[1Admin]

We talked about this at the Florida campout in late winter. It surprised me how many had missed the "math" involved with water filters. We covered this recently in an email newsletter-



When choosing water filters initial cost of the unit is often the only thing considered, but this is the incorrect way to look at it. Yes a $79. chemical based filter may be less expensive INITIALLY than a Katadyn Pocket filter, but let's look further-

What about the COST PER GALLON? The Pocket filter will filter up to 13,000 gallons. Not a misprint folks, that's 13,000 gallons. The $79. chemical based filter that was "cheaper" than the Pocket filter? It might do 200 gallons before you have to drop another $40. on a replacement cartridge to do another 200 gallons.


Pocket filter
So which one is REALLY cheaper? Do the math-


*Pocket filter- $299. filters 13,000 gallons

*$79.95 cheapie chemical based filter- REAL COST to filter 13,000 gallons, ready for this...... approximately $2,679.00

Based on 65 replacement cartridges needed to equal the ONE Katadyn Pocket filter.


Clearly, the Pocket filter is the cheapest PER GALLON.


Everyone is looking for "cheap" options now a days, and by all means we should. But just like cutting corners on stupid stuff like trying to use handwarmers instead of real oxygen absorbers, often times we "step over a dollar to pick up a dime" in choices regarding gear.

Often times people don't really think they will ever have to use the item, which further complicates the problem.

Another consideration not often considered with the chemical based filters is how will your body react to the: carbon, charcoal, iodine or whatever chemical used as it builds up over a long period of time of being used DAY AFTER DAY.

Just like the "pool shock" answer- great as an improvisation, not as a LONG TERM SOLUTION. Drink heavily chlorinated water DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY for a long period of time? Not a good plan. "Well yes but our water is chlorinated now.." Yes city water is chlorinated- by professional with proper measuring equipment that are held accountable for levels, etc. Not JoeBob sprinkling granulated pool shock into a 5 gallon bucket of 'crek water' he carried to the house. Think about it.

For the "buy it right and buy it once" folks, the durability of the Pocket filter can't be beat.

[Grantmeliberty]

The use of Iodine to purify water has side benefits including reducing cancer risk and improving thyroid function. Contrary to the myths perpetrated by the MSM, Iodine is not toxic in the amounts used to purify water for long periods. Based on flawed studies published in 1948 by some flaky UC Berserkly scientists, Iodine was vilified and people were warned not to ingest more than 1 mg per day. In Japan the average intake daily is 14.6 mg, and there are some areas where the daily intake is 220 mgs. Iodine deficiency is linked to breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. I will use Iodine as a water purification system if necessary, in addition to my filters where there are water clarity problems, rather than chlorine.

http://www.iodine4health.com/body/breast/breast.htm

The site linked above has great information about Iodine in general as well as specific information regarding breast cancer.

[Lowdown3]

That's a lot of iodine to store.

Still though, adding any chemicals by itself is still not filtering the water. Oh some stuff may be dead, yes, but it's still in there.

[JUSTIFIED]

We talked about this at the Florida campout in late winter. It surprised me how many had missed the "math" involved with water filters. We covered this recently in an email newsletter-



When choosing water filters initial cost of the unit is often the only thing considered, but this is the incorrect way to look at it. Yes a $79. chemical based filter may be less expensive INITIALLY than a Katadyn Pocket filter, but let's look further-

What about the COST PER GALLON? The Pocket filter will filter up to 13,000 gallons. Not a misprint folks, that's 13,000 gallons. The $79. chemical based filter that was "cheaper" than the Pocket filter? It might do 200 gallons before you have to drop another $40. on a replacement cartridge to do another 200 gallons.


Pocket filter
So which one is REALLY cheaper? Do the math-


*Pocket filter- $299. filters 13,000 gallons

*$79.95 cheapie chemical based filter- REAL COST to filter 13,000 gallons, ready for this...... approximately $2,679.00

Based on 65 replacement cartridges needed to equal the ONE Katadyn Pocket filter.


Clearly, the Pocket filter is the cheapest PER GALLON.


Everyone is looking for "cheap" options now a days, and by all means we should. But just like cutting corners on stupid stuff like trying to use handwarmers instead of real oxygen absorbers, often times we "step over a dollar to pick up a dime" in choices regarding gear.

Often times people don't really think they will ever have to use the item, which further complicates the problem.

Another consideration not often considered with the chemical based filters is how will your body react to the: carbon, charcoal, iodine or whatever chemical used as it builds up over a long period of time of being used DAY AFTER DAY.

Just like the "pool shock" answer- great as an improvisation, not as a LONG TERM SOLUTION. Drink heavily chlorinated water DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY for a long period of time? Not a good plan. "Well yes but our water is chlorinated now.." Yes city water is chlorinated- by professional with proper measuring equipment that are held accountable for levels, etc. Not JoeBob sprinkling granulated pool shock into a 5 gallon bucket of 'crek water' he carried to the house. Think about it.

For the "buy it right and buy it once" folks, the durability of the Pocket filter can't be beat.

Thanks for the insight Admin. We're looking at filters and are wondering what's best. Can you direct us toward a good pocket filter?

[Lowdown3]

"Pocket filter" is the name of a specific model.

http://www.jrhenterprises.com/product.sc?productId=23&categoryId=8

Available from the Site Sponsor and currently on sale :) Put "S and P" in the special instructions section and we'll pick up the shipping costs for you also.

[JUSTIFIED]

Thought I'd seen that Lowdown but thought maybe certain type. LOL Thanks for the link.

[sniper69]

What do you think of the Katadyn Combi versus the Katadyn pocket filter? They both seem to filter the same amount - do you prefer one over the other?

[1Admin]

I prefer the original Pocket filter, slightly better made IMO. Also, no chemicals used on the Pocket filter. None of us know for certain how OUR bodies will be affected by a day after day buildup of chemicals over the long haul.

[sniper69]

I prefer the original Pocket filter, slightly better made IMO. Also, no chemicals used on the Pocket filter. None of us know for certain how OUR bodies will be affected by a day after day buildup of chemicals over the long haul.

The Katadyn combi doesn't use chemicals either (it is a ceramic filter like the pocket filter). There is the option to use a carbon pack to help with taste but it isn't needed to filter water. Maybe the pocket filter and the combi housings are made different?

Now for chemicals, my msr miox is another story... :D

[TheGatherer]

I have a 'Pocket Filter' and can't say enough good about it... I supplement it with Katadyn Micropur (spell?) tablets, but don't feel the need with the Pocket filter... I just carry them...

[1Admin]

Sniper- I think if you look close their are different housings.

I've never had a problem with taste using my pocket filter. Even on some of those backwoods mud holes that Protus likes to take people hiking to :)