Any opinions on First Need XL water filter?

[Rascal]

I bought one of these a couple of years ago for emergencies/outdoors use. Don't hear much about them (is that a bad thing?) Anyone here used it extensively?

Thanks

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I had never heard of them. A quick search still shows them for sale. Tell us about it and how it works since you got one please.

[Rascal]

I'm just a beginner on this stuff but the claims are that it is also a purifier, not just a filter. It also accepts standard Nalgene bottles screwed directly to the output. They also sell adapters for different sized containers such as my Camelbak. The carry bag can also be used for gravity filtration. A final point is that it pumps on both the up and down strokes. Filters are supposed to be good for about 150-200 gals.

I haven't dunked it into swamp water yet but it worked fine during my simple testing.

[GAGLOCK]

I bought one of these maybe 3 years ago but have not used it. As Rascal mentioned it can be used as a gravity filter also. These were claimed to be capable of filtering a virus. It's good to know it's a very capable filter but I wouldn't trust that claim so plan on purifying my water with other means if able before or after filtering. If not able to do so I have the confidence it's at least as good as any other filter out there.

It's bigger and heavier than something like the hiker pro but not dramatically so. There are many many good choices for filters/purifiers on the market today so it's hard to make a bad choice.

[EX121]

I just bought one recently since it will filter out virsus (sp) and I'm considering a trip overseas, where that capability is needed. So far I have just played with it in the house.

[Rascal]

I will add that I read many reviews which were mostly positive before I purchased.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I would really really really advise using it. You need to know
oh did I mention ya need to use it!

[Rascal]

I would really really really advise using it. You need to know
oh did I mention ya need to use it!

I'd like to but you have to travel a ways to find water here in south TX right now

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I'd like to but you have to travel a ways to find water here in south TX right now

and the day you need it will differ how? I know I'm a ...., but you will feel better, promise

[Rascal]

and the day you need it will differ how? I know I'm a ...., but you will feel better, promise

Okay, what would you suggest I do?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Okay, what would you suggest I do?

find a local pond, stream, cattle water trough and use it, have a hard time believing there aint no dirty water anywhere. Might try it closer to your days off in case it aint all it's cracked up to be and let someone else know so they can tell the hospitol what to treat for. Then clean it, change the filter or whatever it calls for, happy endings. Now you KNOW what it will or wont do and you KNOW how to maintain it.
Oh then let folks here know too. If you look LD3 did one on his filter.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Anyone here wanna re-enforce the direction i'm steering this? Just so he's not just taking my word. It's a simple case of know your gear/food etc. Theres a dozen postings where we preach this. I'm telling you as an (Ret) Army Plt Sergeant I enforced this to the Nth degree. Lives depend on it.
P where you at?

[PJaster]

I'll back you up.... Matt In Oklahoma is only suggesting what is wise: Learn your equipment Before you need it! but will add a bit of my own experience:

If you throw your (any brand) water filter into a mud hole, you do yourself a disservice, to YOU & your filter!

I taught water filtering at a M&G in May, I had Two buckets with me (2 gallon buckets BTW). the First one, with rope attached, lowered into the River, in Oregon.

I then shared this: "NOTICE, this water appears ~clear~ if the river was muddy, I would let the bucket SIT for an hour, to settle out large solids".

"Then I would pour off the clearer water, and get a second fill up, using bucket One"

.... the idea there is not having to clean your filter earlier than need be! In most situations of (Natural disaster) you can afford that wait time. if your in some other state of emergency, and have not had water for a time limit beyond healthy, let the water settle fifteen minutes, at least, then only filter off enough water to take care of YOUR first needs, then allow that water to really settle and follow the normal above concepts.

My Katadyne Hiker Pro, has a 100 mesh screen, that is very large in the murky water world!, even a cotton or nylon over sock would be better (How many out there have scrap nylon they have saved rather than throw an old stuff sack away... or like me, made ultralight tarp tents from a parachute)?????

Your filter is designed to remove micro organisms, from water, meaning fairly clear water... I would not hesitate to use it straight from a Pond, unless you could not see the bottom, due to muddy conditions! then, do as I offer above, use a container, allow the Solids in the water to Settle, and filter from the clearer water in the above dirt sect!

Hope That Helps!

In HIM,
philip

[Rascal]

Okay thanks

[EX121]

Several of my friends carry and use paper coffee filters to pre-filter the water. This gets the 'big' chunks out thus increasing the life of your filter. They claim that they don't backflush their filter so often. I think I will do this but still follow the directions on backflushing. I will put the filter to use this week on a camping trip with the grandsons.

On the practice line I agree. I recently started carrying a new backpack. One of the problems is that I haven't learned in which pocket I have put stuff. While this isn't like a filter with specific ops procedures. It's the same in I don't want to be fumbling around searching for the first aid kit or fire starting kit when I really need them. So more practice is need on my part.