This New Outdoors Water Filter Technology Changes EVERYTHING!

Why do you need a water filter for your hiking, camping and trail running adventures? And which one should you buy?

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[northwestwalking]

Stephen you broke it down by volumetric cost! One of my favorite character traits you have is the abundance of over analysis.
I’ve used the Grayl for a couple years now. It’s served me well in countries that are guaranteed to “flush your system” I found the weight issue can be easily counter by slipping the bottle into my wife’s bag. Cheers!

[tm]

Great video, really helpful and practical comparison between the pros and cons of different filter types. Based on this review I bought the Pure Clear filter (500ml squeezable bottle) and when it arrived the instructions clearly state 'We recommend you change the filter every 2 months' - and again 'The filter cartridge has a lifespan of 200 litres or 2 months'. Nowhere on the website does it specify the '2 months' lifespan, which feels like deceptive marketing, because for most casual backpackers who go walking once or twice a month, a 200 litre lifespan is likely to last anywhere from 6 months to a year, whereas changing the filter every 2 months makes it a much more expensive proposition.

In your video you state that the filter only has a lifespan of 2 months if it's left wet, but that lifespan increases if it's dried - and the website also states 'The life of the filter can be extended by drying out the filter and storing it after use' - but neither your review, nor the website give any indication of how much the lifespan is increased by storing it dry - which kinda matters. Is it by an extra month, 2 months, 6 months? Also the packaging which comes with the product makes no reference to the lifespan being increased beyond 2 months.

The bottom line is - if I really have to change this every 2 months, then that takes the yearly cost to £90 just for filters (assuming I buy them in bulk, otherwise I'm also paying shipping) - which is nowhere near as cheap as is suggested in this review or on the website. And, if the lifespan can be increased by drying - by how much?

Anyway, not a direct criticism of your review, more a note of caution for anyone else looking to buy this specific filter (I've emailed the company so will update here if I get a response)

UPDATE - very helpful clarification from the manufacturer (and quick response!): 'To be crystal clear – the filter performs for around 220 litres, but for safety reasons we state 200 litres. The “change every 2 months” is based on usage of every day. You see some people find it hard to calculate how much they have used the filter when they use it every day. Our filters are in many different products, and some products are used every day (not sure a collapsible squeeze would be) but we offer this information as guidance.

If someone is happy to calculate the exact usage, then its 200 litres. That 200 litres can be used in many ways such as 5 litres, then stored away for 1 year, then used the remainder of the 195litres, or just 10 litres in June, then stored, then used 20 litres in August etc etc, there is no limit on how you used your 200 litres. We would just recommend that the filter is stored correctly, which would be to dry out, placed in an airtight bag and stored in a dry place out of sunlight. Alternatively you can store it in the freezer.'

[thewestonfront]

A technical point for the geeks out there - filters which remove heavy metals and pesticide almost certainly do not do so by _filtration_- to have a filter so fine that it can remove metal ions (this is possible and is called reverse osmosis) requires a lot of pressure, far more than you could generate by squeezing a bag or sucking on the outlet. These contaminants are almost certainly removed by adsorption which partly explains the lower lifetime (volume treatable).

[davidcann]

I was on a bushcraft course and mentioned to the instructor that my befree lets through the peaty water colour in the Peak District. He said if it's letting that through it's not filtering everything out and from the looks of what that does filter vs the Pure Clear it's a shocker. I've now ordered two conversion caps to fit my befree and CNOC bladders. Good to see a British company making some decent too.

[toejamr]

Sawyer is the only option. Much longer life and they donate all proceeds to helping undeveloped places around the world to get clean water.

[ChuckisOutside]

I have used the Lifestraw for years. I discovered the problem you pointed out while in my kayak. I had a small dry bag along so I used it to scoop up water then I sat upright and drank the water through the filter from the dry bag. From then on, I wrap my dry bag around my life straw filter and secure the rolled up bag with some rubber bands. Thanks for the video.

[scottrok]

Have Grayls for emergency kit bags/stationary camping. Have a collapsible silicone cup to uses with a lifestraw in my bicycling backpack bag =for day trip/areas with sketchy water supplies (in Wisconsin, we have some state parks that have drinking fountains connected to old iron hand pump/wells with extremely rusty pipes). Appreciate your information on the collapsible water bag options may look to purchase one of those as for day hikes!💧🥾

[mountaineer]

One can fill a water bottle and suck clean water from it using a Life Straw. A person does not need to put the straw into the stream.

[MonicaAbroad]

Ahhhh!! I am so glad I stumbled across your video. I just recently purchased the Grayl and this video solidified I made the right choice for my travels!

[nicholaslafferty]

Good to know the new info. I still probably prefer sawyer with inline carbon filter. Its slower and slightly more bulk, but lasts much longer and the activated carbon can be replenished. Good to know this is an option if i was in some sort of race or just wanted to shave down to the slimmest pack.

[GillianRice]

I went for the pure clean. Thank you so much for this informative video

[trooperwolfie]

I've just got a pure clear, it's much faster flow rate than my sawyer filters. It's far more convenient as well....and less expensive, it's a clear winner for me 👍🏻

[andrewtopping]

I've just trialled the Pure Clear on a 25K hill race in the Mournes. Really hard to get a decent mouthful of water, had to suck and squeeze for 2-3secs to get enough. Not ideal when running over rough terrain. Interestingly, the Pure Clear lid and filter fit and seal onto my Salomon filter bottle. I used that combo as the Salomon is much easier to re-insert into running vest when refilling.
In future, I'll use Salomon bottle/filter, but carry Pure Clear filter in case refilling from source I'm not too sure about.

[olivern]

I enjoyed the Gear Skeptic's water videos. They have a lot of information on the effectiveness of various filter methods based upon the certifications and scientific papers. Very understandable presentation of a difficult subject.

[DEVanderbiltCecil]

I liked the t.p.
flying in the air.
Funny, Stephen.
Great video.

[DavidBeechfieldBrownArt]

Thanks Stephen for this fantastic video, it answered all my except the pouch of the pure clear give the water a plastic taste? I seem to be able to taste plastic from many type of bottle.

[rafaelroman]

Hi thank you. But the link does not lead to the pure clean. Where can I buy the pure clean water bottle and filter

[AdamHeywoodY]

Great video, I have a GeoPress and an Ti GeoPress which are larger then the UltraPress. I've looked at the UltraPress and always wondered how the cap was attached and you showed that. I prefer the cap attached to avoid dropping it.

[lilianm]

Is the Pure Clear system available out side UK?

[TrailBoundco]

If using to fill up a 2L hydration bladder how long do you think the two soft flasks take? Which one packs down smaller?