A NOT so great water filter for the solo backcountry traveler
Written: Nov 28 '03 (Updated Oct 11 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, field maintainable, compact, cheap, easy to use
Cons: Clogs clogs clogs. You can't recover it once it starts clogging.
The Bottom Line: For less than $50 and 10 ounces you too can enjoy crisp backcountry water and not worry about illness.
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| wvabackpacker's Full Review: SweetWater WalkAbout |
Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter
~Price-
I paid a modest $44.95 for this filter at REI.com.
~Awards-
None that I could find.
~Field Test-
I've had this filter for about two months. It is the second filter in my collection of gear, the other filter being the MSR Miniworks. I've used the filter in several mountain streams, low-land streams, and streams high in tannins. I did not use any iodine or chlorine drops, I simply pumped water directly from the streams. All of the water tasted fine and I never once became ill during or after a trip. I've used the filter with and without the SiltStopper. I find that a handkerchief wrapped around the prefilter works just as well and doesn't need replaced. So far I've had no problems with the filter clogging, however, I've been careful about water quality and I clean the filter after filtering 3-4 liters of water.
UPDATE 10/2004
After a few more trips the output kept decreasing and the number of pumps to get a liter of water kept increasing. Now first let me say I usually filter my water out of a bag. I collect my water from the stream, let it settle in the bag, then filter it. Eventually after about 20L I had to give this filter a major cleaning…I scrubbed it hard for 20 minutes removing every dark spot on the interior. Then on my next trip the filter pumped about 1L of water and then stopped…I never got my second liter and ended up borrowing a friends filter. I tried my best to clean the filter and remove the crud but apparently these filters aren't built to last. I even tried a new filter and got similar results. They just don't last long. As of June 2004 I have switched to the Katadyn Hiker and have had no problems. I no longer recommend the Sweetwater which has been acquired by MSR.
~Weight-
The weight of this product was one of the major considerations in my purchase. At 8.5 ounces, the weight and rate of output gave it preference over the Katadyn Mini Filter and the Sweetwater Guardian.
~Dimensions-
A miniscule 6.5in x 2.5in
~Filter Information-
The filter is made of labyrinth depth carbon. It effectively filters out particles .2 microns and larger, including anthrax, cryptosporidia, giardia, and bacteria. The carbon will absorb or reduce most pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds.
The filter media looks and feels similar to the ceramic material in the MSR Miniworks with a hidden ring of carbon on the outside of the ceramic material. According to the manufacturer, Cascade Designs, the filter can effectively clean 125-200 gallons of water depending on water quality and the number of times you clean the media.
The filter comes with a small nylon-wire brush. Clean the filter when it clogs or the output is significantly reduced. To clean simply remove the pump assembly and move the brush up and down over the filter element while twisting. No more than five times over one area is necessary. When the filter needs replaced, the built in end-of-life indicator begins showing—the indicator looks like wire mesh. The filter can still effectively remove particles from water when the mesh is showing, however it is not recommended.
Replacement filters are essentially the main body of the filter (minus the pump and bottom). They cost $18.95-$25 depending on where you shop.
~Output-
The pump on this filter is a rounded handle that moves up and down. The rounded end fits nicely in the palm of your hand thus allowing to use your hand open instead of in a tight grip needed on slimmer handles. Also you can switch the hand supplying the pumping force without switching hands—simply move the body up and down or the pump up and down. According to the manufacturer the output is approximately .78-9 liters per minute, 76 strokes per liter, with a required pumping force of 6.2 pounds. All three figures are very close to an average for portable hand-pump powered water filters.
~Contents-
-Filter body with filter media.
-Pump assembly.
-Two 32in silicone hoses, color coded for input/output.
-Water bottle adapter – the water bottle adapter fits snugly into a Nalgene bottle or an MSR Dromedary bag which makes filling them easy. The adapter has two smaller rings on the inside of the outer ring. The smallest ring fits perfectly over the threads on a Platypus bag, however, the connection is not snug and you will have to hold it on. I assume the other ring was designed to fit another type of bottle.
-Stainless Steel Prefilter – the stainless steel prefilter effectively removes particles that are 75 microns or larger. This prefilter was designed intelligently. The screen and input are on the top of the filter…this keeps your filter from sucking up silt and dirt if it touches the bottom of the stream. Using the float properly in conjunction with the prefilter will significantly increase the life of your filter and decrease the frequency of clogs and the need for cleaning.
-Foam float.
-Nylon-wire brush.
-Carrying bag.
~Extras-
Several extras are available for this filter. ViralStop ($7.95) chlorine solution effectively kills viruses in the filtered water. The Silt Stopper ($9.95) is a prefilter that removes particles 5 microns and bigger. This helps in dirty water and it increases the life of your filter cartridge. Platypus Filter Link ($3.95) attach the output hose of the filter directly to your collapsible Platypus water bladder.
~Storage-
To store the filter simply disassemble and allow it to dry. Then reassemble and put it in a dry place. For long term storage the filter can be placed in the freezer to prevent bacteria growth—freezing the filter will not reduce its effectiveness.
~Customer Service-
Cascade Designs has excellent customer service. I own many of their products and they handle repairs and replacements in a timely manner. They can be reached by calling 1-800-531-9531. On a side note, a dedicated Cascade Designs employee hangs around several of the popular backpacking and hiking forums on the internet. If you post a complaint on one of their products often this individual will offer you any assistance you need over the internet without waiting—to me that is A service.
~Conclusion-
This filter is great for the first few uses…then it clogs and clogs and clogs continuously. I would not rely on this filter in the backcountry nor would I purchase another.
© 2003-2004 WVaBackpacker (Jeremy W. Hays)
Written for http://www.epinions.com 24 Nov 2003
~Outdoor Reviews by WVaBackpacker-
--Backpacks-
Gregory Shasta Backpack | Dana Design Glacier | Osprey Aether 60
--Tents-
REI Half Dome Plus 2 | Mountain Hardware Trinity | Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight CD | Sierra Designs Ultra Light Year CD Solo Tent - NEW
--Sleeping Gear-
The North Face Thunderhead 3D | The North Face Kilo Down 32F | Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Luxury LE Self-inflating Mattress | Down Sleeping Bag Buying Guide | Therm-a-Rest Prolite 4 - NEW
--Hydration-
MSR Dromedary Bag | Platypus Big Zip | SweetWater Walkabout Microfilter | SweetWater Walkabout Replacement Filter | SweetWater SiltStopper
--Misc Gear-
Black Diamond LED Hybrid Headlamp | Petzl Tikka Plus (+) - NEW | Camp Lite 20 Chair | MSR Groundhog Stakes - NEW
--Destinations-
Heart Lake, Yellowstone National Park | Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
--Books-
The Backpackers Handbook
Recommended:
No
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wvabackpacker
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Member: Jeremy Hays
Location: Columbus, OH, USA
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
Maybe I'll write another review someday...lots of new gear...
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