Camp Water Filter Fail! What Happened?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- In a past video, I did a review of low-cost water filters for camping and hiking. Recently however, I learned the filters I used no longer work! Why did this happen? In looking for clues, I found out some very important safety concerns that EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW! This is Camp Water Filter review part 2.
To be clear, NO company sponsored this video! SP
Here are the specs for the RapidPure:
Removal of : "99.9% viruses, 99.9999% bacteria, 99.9% parasites". Pore size is 0.2 microns. It is not recommended you freeze rapidpure filters, however if frozen multiple times, they still maintain their ability to will still protect against parasites and bacteria but full virus protection may be compromised
Caution - Traditional hollow fiber filters (Sawyer, Miniwell, Berkey, Katadyn, Lifestraw, etc) should be immediately discarded if frozen after initial use.
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I always read the instructions after the product fails...
LOL that's so true for alot of us! I just installed a garbage disposal and afterwards the dishwasher wouldn't drain so I then read the installation instructions and found there's a plug I didn't remove. Whoops!
😂😂
Livin' on the edge.
LoL 🤣
@@EmeryJude a lot
Great video Slim! Im a water filtration operator at a water plant. The carry filters are pretty delicate but do work well. Also make sure to flush the filters AFTER it's use also. The filter you received (Sawyer) is one that I have used many times and works well. If you ever need a water question answered, feel free to shoot me a message!
20:14 I found a filter that turns water into beer. It's a thing called a BREWERY. I tried the product every weekend for the last year and it's great!😀
LMAO!
Ha! Ha! All of you do realize that ALL breweries use "filtered" water!
Hummmmmm....... now how did I know someone would suggest this answer? Lol
Yes, Slim really likes his beer.
I’ve used a Sawyer Mini for years. Carry a plastic water bottle with the top cut off to scoop water out of a source so it can be easily poured into the pouch. Also, if you squeeze the water from the pouch, be careful not to use too much pressure or the seams on the bag will fail. I also carry water purification tablets as a backup in case the filter fails. 👍
Same here. The only issue I’ve had is some water sources are full of visible debris so pre filtering by letting the debris settle before using the filter is one solution .
I also have used iodine crystals (Polar Pur) and a 2 drop chlorine solution(Forget the name) . I have backpacked on the East coast (US) for 20 years and have never gotten sick.
Seems like the straw would go inside the pouch
Many filters need to be back flushed and cleaned before storing and filters do not work when temps below freezing. I also use filters frequently for drinking water and I use the 2 filter method. One that is older goes inline first and then thru the "good filter" and I still boil the water as a just to be sure. I am a retired Marine and can tell you water filters do not get rid of everything by themselves. I have drank water from many sources over the years in many different countries and some will make you sick even though it comes out of a tap. At my cabin I use a Berkey that has many filters and my source is a stream which moves and have never had a problem. You have to find what will work for your water source the best. If in doubt boil it. To the best of my knowledge there is not anyway to remove PFAs from the water using any type of camp or offgrid filter so have your water source tested and find one with little or none in it. Great video Slim!
I live at a mountain cabin that has no well for four months a year. I have two large cisterns that collect my rainwater. I have installed a two stage filter under my cabin and use the filtered water for washing. I then take that prefiltered water and use my Berkey for drinking and cooking water. I think a Berkey would work great for your cabin. It’s great because you can purify a large amount of water at all times. You can have plenty of water to keep a pitcher in the fridge and still have water for coffee or tea. I highly recommend you check it out Slim. I think you will be impressed.
50 years ago when I lived in upcountry Thailand we filtered our drinking water by first boiling and then putting it in a big pottery container that had some sort of white chalk-like filter inside. Same principle as your DIY device. It actually looked like the modern stainless steel countertop filters that cost big bucks today. I'm still here so it must have worked.
Through hikers know this, they sleep with their filters at the bottom of their bag to prevent freezing and they put them in their coats during the hikes. I agree, this should be a key warning on the boxes and packages they come in. I filter with a berkey in my home, pricey but worth it, and you can do a homemade one with a food grade bucket and filters available online. I like the one you made, filters fast!
Yup, for camps or Rv's I think the Berkey Filter system is often a good option. One might say it's a tad pricy... then again.. if you're doubling over with dysentery ... well, you'd pay almost anything I guess. 😉
I believe an Alexa Pure filter works the same as a Berkey and it's not as expensive. The replacement filters are currently $89. It works beautifully, each filter good for 5000 gal.
As usual you provide us with information that goes above and beyond a simple "review". The extra effort you put into your videos, regardless of the subject matter, is greatly appreciated.
Slim, the answer to preventing freeze damaged filters of any kind may be ethanol (ethyl alcohol). With the Sawyer Squeeze use the syringe and after flushing the filter with clean water, chase the water with grain alcohol. The alcohol will act as an anti-freeze and break the surface tension of the water making it easier to drain from a sealed filter cartridge. A little alcohol residue in the filter would probably discourage bacterial growth during storage, and will evaporate quickly when water is heated. It might be fun to try using vodka, rum, or a fine Canadian whiskey. I would avoid spirits with a high sugar content. Ceramic filter cartridges can also be damaged by freezing when wet, and the ethanol flush will work for them as well.
I just now saw the comment from Patrick Callahan and others, so I guess it's true that great minds do think alike.
Nice to see you, Slim! Hoping you get back on the road soon, miss your adventuring!
Slim, your clever, simple hacks are always great! I've used the little Sawyers for years, very handy little filters indeed and inexpensive to boot. And yes, the pouch is wonky. Used water and soda bottles work so much better.
I’ve learned to sleep with my water filters when I take them on backpacking trips. I’ve had katadyne befree dry out and stop working. If I stored it wet in the fridge over the winter, it did fine. Now I’m using a Platypus QuickDraw and I do protect it from freezing. I’m not sure who told me this many years ago. As for a good dirty water bag for your sawyer, check out the CNOC. I have a 2L bag and it has a big slide opening on the bottom and then a regular bottle thread on the other end. Super easy to fill!
I detest our tap water so I filter all my drinking and cooking water with a pitcher filter, Ive been thinking about making a berkey style filter with 5gal buckets, your portable/collapsible berkey style filter is really sweet!
I've filtered and purified my tap water since 1982, for drinking and cooking. At first I used a table top distiller but later switched to an Alexa Pure, which is very similar to a burkey, just a little cheaper.
I have always just assumed that freezing temps would compromise the filter. While out and utilizing my filters, I have always kept them on my person to avoid freezing. I have replaced numerous filters over the years because I just wanted to be sure my water was safe.
you can find those hose clamps at brewery supply stores, or online. They are sometimes used in home beer brewing.
This information is really helpful. I prefer to camp in the cooler seasons, spring and fall, and there can be freezing and water is essential. Good tasting, safe water is wonderful thing.
Thanks Slim, I learned some 'valuable' lessons and a 'great tip' about building my own portable water filtration system. BTW I really love your Cabin videos, I always look-out for You posting them...Timmins ON, Canada
I think the fish bucket idea was brilliant. I'm going to do the exact same thing.
Hey Slim, this works for me . When experiencing freezing temps after each use of filter ,sip up some vodka to act as antifreeze for the filter fibers. Your choice whether you swallow or use as mouthwash.
Smart water bottles will screw into both ends of the Sawer water filter. There is a time and a place for them too. Thanks for a many great shows.
No way did I expect the water to pour through your new filter that fast. That was pretty amazing, and the fishing bucket is such a great idea. Thanks for the demo.
I know a guy that turned water into wine…. Great guy!
Yes. You always find something else. New patio/deck furniture for instance. I didn't know about the freezing issue with those small filters. Your answer with the collapsible bucket and filter was genius. Your resourcefulness continues to amaze me.
The information is inside the sealed package...available after purchase!!
So many gadgets for outdoor adventures fail to account for North-American temperatures....particularly Canadian (and Alaskan) ones! Thanks for this update review, Slim! Much appreciated!
👍😎🇨🇦🌲💧
This is off topic but I want to let you know that i bought a Woods sleeping bag because you liked yours. I love mine so I have just bought 5 more for Xmas presents for my son and grandkids. Love watching your cabin Reno and traveling adventures.
Have used Sawyer filters for years with no problems. One addition I made is a biodiesel prefilter that water flows through like... Water and removes particulates up to .5 micron. Inexpensive, takes no time, and protects the water filter. You pour rust colored water through it and it comes out clear. Duda Diesel sells them online.
Good info on freezing. I would always recommend against the Sawyer mini in favor of the standard Sawyer. The standard is marginally bigger, marginally more expensive, but way way way more reliable
Coolest thing since sliced bread Slim. Thanks for sharing your discovery and mostly your ingenuity
I am shocked. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Slim. And even Sawyer was not "upfront", not having the temperature limitation on the outside in proper lettering.
I was looking at the Berkey system for larger water filtration, Heck the filters alone are $160/2!! and you have to buy the pack of 2. Rapid Pure is virtually the same filter for less then 1/2 the cost. Thanks Slim!!
Plus Berkey filters CANNOT be frozen! Rapidpure can. Thanks! SP
I had a bad problem with bad water contamination from bad pipes at a house I was renting. I bit the bullet and bought a large Berkey system. The thing I like best about the Berkey is the fact that it actually is a water purifier not just a filter. I felt safe drinking water out of bad pipes. I loved it! I have since bought the Berkey Go system for my camper. When boondocking I usually get my water from local streams, rivers, and lakes, and have never had any problems. I really enjoy your videos, just like my friend Lesa said I would!
Slim, ditch the tube and all the back flush stuff. If you use a Life Water bottle you purchase at any gas station etc., that has the sports top. It fits nicely into the front or out end of the Mini. Just pop it in, slight squeeze and some of your clean water goes back through the Mini flushing it. Trick long distance hikers use to keep the filter clean and drop unneeded items.
Genius! I have a bunch of those under-the-counter filters for your home. I wondered about doing something similar as you did, however, they don't have the nipple at the end and here we are! I am going to buy a couple of these and use them in my camp. Thanks for another great video Slim!
About your Rapid Pure system. Doesn't that filter absorb water across the entire external surface? As the water level in the bucket drops less and less of the filter is taking water and the pressure will drop and the lower portion will be having to filter more water than the top--and wear out faster. Maybe enclose the filter in some kinda bottle and suspend it below the bucket that way water from the bucket will keep the bottle full and the filter covered in water. 'Course in that case you could just use a single house canister fed from the bucket--and maybe the filters are cheaper. Love your vlog. Jud from Texas.
Thanks for the info Slim. I have H2O problems at my cabin and this will be the basis for some fresh thinking to solve the problem. Great informative video!
I use the big Sawyer Squeeze filter the mini is not as good and yes you have to not let them freeze you should find that information on the packaging. If weather is going to be near freezing I keep my filter in my pocket close to my body while hiking and sleep with it in my sleeping bag. Yes it is a lot of work but it gives you clean water. But it will not do that if it freezes.
Just a thought - what if you flush the hollow fiver filters with Vodka before storing. Vodka doesn’t freeze until -27C. That might work to displace the water and prevent fibres getting damaged by freeing (but it won’t help for this -40 days)
I learned to make sure my filter doesn't freeze. I would never have thought about that.
I've read many of the comments and excellent! this is another video should get 5 of 5 star review. thanks again.
After years of back country canoeing I settled on the Sawyer filter. But I use another systems “dirty water bag”. It has a prefilter and a way to connect to about any kind of container. For me it was Nalgene bottles and containers.
What is the other system that has a prefilter?
I know exactly what your problem is because I experienced it. If your filter would have froze the water flow rate would increase not be blocked. The problem is you have to flush all the mineral deposit out before storing. Flush the filter with a 10% bleach solution or distilled water before storing. If you're going to be camping below freezing use a ceramic pump filter which is not vulnerable ti freezing damage.
Great video. One thing for me I would raise the water barrel up 2/3 ft so as not to have to kneel
After this video I checked mine out that have always been stored in a house at room temp. Yeah mine are pretty clogged too and I serviced them properly with backwashes and blowing the water out and only really ever used them a few times.
I think they are all pretty cheap and when sitting they get clogged with debris or calcium or something as well. Probably would be better off to get a Berky or some other thing for filtering water.
Just like what you did at the end of the video cause berky’s have those same kind of filters. But that is a cool idea and way more inexpensive and practical for storage and space then a berky with a collapsable minnow bucket! Great idea!
Wow.. Thank You Slim... this was all incredibly helpful. 👍
It's all drippy flow, straw flow water. I'm surprised that they haven't made a good filter that accommodates a siphon hose. That would be handy. The smaller ones are handy anyways, in a pinch.
- Your last solution at 16:15 was interesting.
Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink! Nice work Slim. Cheers
NOTE FROM SLIM: I appreciate all the new tips, however it is apparent that many people are also unaware of the issues with other filter systems they currently use. Berkey water filters are a prime example. Many many people do not know that Berkey filters are ALSO affected by freezing. Here is an except from their website FAQ:
"Why shouldn't Berkey® water filters be allowed to freeze?
It is not recommended to let your filters freeze. Similarly, it is not recommended to store the elements (even unused ones) in very cold climates. Indeed, the residual water contained inside the element will expand and consequently increase the size of the pores and eventually destroy the element...Freezing your item and rendering it unusable will also void your warranty coverage."
This is the same with Aquapure and Katadyn. I am hoping those watching this video will be alerted to a possible hazard, and will research their current water filters. Yes, many of the manufactures are indeed hiding this information. I am just trying to keep you safe. Thanks! SP
Thank for this video! I bought a Lifestraw a long time ago and it sits in my pack for emergencies. I guess I forgot about the part to not get it below freezing. Very good to know!
I've attached my Sawyer filter to a blue water jug. The hose attachment fits into the water tap connection. I can filter 5 gallons at a time.
Thanks Slim! It's always a good reminder to make sure to read the documents we'll.
The port ableness of the collapsible bucket works great for this and just to have a couple around collapsed seems like it wouldn't hurt to have and could be very handy... An your backdrop, while sitting on your deck, is so picturesque. Great job in clearing out what you cleared out.
I'm not going to call it a bladder, 😂. You always make me laugh. You have devised a very useable filtration system. Good learning lesson on the temp, using the other brands. Love your rain barrel. I use them cut in 1/2 the long way to container garden too. Enjoyed. 🙂👍
This was very interesting, & a real eye opener. I'm glad you found something more dependable, & safer, that lasts longer. Love your view in the background from the porch. I could hear the wind behind you, fall is just around he corner. In hopes you have a really good week. Look forward to your next video.
This is really great to find something that will really work! And of course you always figure out a way to use things at a cheaper price. Like to folding bucket idea and the lower price. Thank You!
Yep! Similar situation for me! I like the flavor of using a Brita, when I want to rush to get some cold water I put the pitcher in the freezer, if I wait too long and the water in the pitcher freezes the filter no longer works. I can tell as the filter does nothing to remove that fishy city tap water taste.
Good video, Thanks for the information, It is always the fine print that gets one in trouble. Be Safe
Hello Slim, this is Skip from Michigan, may I also suggest that you are also dealing with Bacteria and other live organisms, they will grow and continue on even if the filter is inactive and may grow big enough to clog the filter, so I suggest a new filter at the beginning of a new camping season and more is the filter is suspect. Thanks for the video, great to see you active again.
this information was extremely helpful. I have various filter devices stored for emergencies. this bit of knowledge that you shared will save me time , money, possibly a bad experience. thank you
Knowing, which end is which, is pretty much a key to making it through life.
Before you even said it, I knew what happened. The first rule of long distance hiking is keep your water filter and camera batteries from freezing :) Cool water solution with the fish bucket :) Congrats!
I love your videos, Slim! I was just wondering though, what kind of plastic is that collapsible bucket made of? Should it be made of “food grade” type plastic like your 6 gallon water jug? Or will the filter remove any plastic toxins that come from the plastic bucket itself? Looking forward to your next cabin restoration video!
The bucket is temporary, not a place to store water. But being that is also advertised as an ice and vegetable bucket, I'm not too concerned. Thanks! SP
You might regret hanging the bucket off the tap because over time this will cause the tap to pull downwards with the weight of the water. You will be able to fashion a more suitable hanger I’ve no doubt. I really enjoyed this video, thanks Slim. 😀👍☘️☘️🇮🇪☘️☘️
I use sawyer for filtration, but for actual drinking water purification I back that up with a Steripen, unless I'm boiling the water as in cooking or coffee.
I like this idea and its so easy to implement. Not the most compact for backpacking but its plenty for camping. You're already carrying a bag and filter potentially so this is hardly any bigger
We’ll done SPh
Really appreciate your follow through with the research.
You’re a resource with integrity
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for the updated review!
Love your videos.
That explains why my inline water filter would not work after I had stored it in the camper for a year! Oh, and you can get those collapsible buckets at Dollarama.
Slim, great information on water filtration! Thanks 💦💧
Slim, I love your videos… I look forward to them every week. Love the way you carry yourself and how genuine you are with your craft…. Much love can’t wait for the next video!!!
Thank you Slim. You look younger now than in the clip from 2 years ago.
Have always used the Katadyn ceramic filters. They are expensive, but less expensive then the costs of dealing with getting sick from contaminated water. At least that’s how I justified my purchase.
David, even Katadyn filters can get freeze damage and their effectivness compromised. Please ask the manufacturer if in doubt. SP
Great video. I would think about covering that bucket if you are keeping it outside for very long. Great setup for low cost and thanks for all the good information that many of us may not be aware of. Water you going to think of next LOL
Great info, thanks. I knew about the freezing issue well before I bought my sawyer filters. I tend to only camp/hike in 3-seasons so not normally a big concern. I do love the sawyers but will look into those ceramic ones, really cool thanks again!
Grayl,rapid pure both certified for two freeze thaw cycles!
I work in the field. If there is a synthetic plastic based product in there and any moisture left in the product then yes it will destroy the synthetic filter media. The hand pump models use ceramic and are MUCH more durable and can be air dryer. Ceramic can be destroyed as well if you don't dry them out either. Frankly the only filter that's going to survive a freeze thaw is the oldest method known to man. A rock granulated media filter.
So yes something like a MSR MiniWorks at $130ish cdn or a katadyn at around $100 cdn can be a little expensive BUT it uses a ceramic filter and considering how long it lasts. I've used both MSR and katydyn and they are fantastic.
I've jury rigged and made my own filters in the past to save money but honestly considering how much time I spent making the system and how much drinking water you can get out of a good one (especially if you take care of the filter properly as you can easily get it to last longer then the manufacturer says that way).
You work in the field...do you plant potatoes perhaps?!? SP
Make sure the hose is rated for potable water as other hoses have contaminating oils from manufacture in them that continue to leach out over time.
Good point. Also the bucket should be rated for potable water.
Very smart. I love the way you make things work your way!
I’m a big fan of the Sawyer…. Got it about a year ago, but I also did not read the fine print! Good to know about the freezing issue, thanks!!
What is scary is that water will remain in those filters. So let's say you only camp in warm weather and store in a heated house for seven months. You start off the new season with water particulates that have just sat there for those seven months? Can't be good.
My wife's Motto is: When all else fails, read the "destructions" LOL.
You have improvising down to a science In my off-grid folder
I've said it before and I'll say it again...you SP are a genius!👍😁
Slim...absolutely lovely video.
Recently I had to do battle with a big retailer about a 40 day old coffee pot that leaked water all over my kitchen counter every morning. "Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink."
~Samuel Taylor Coleridge~
Thanks for sharing SP. Stay safe. 🕊
Hey that glass looks familiar!! So glad it made it home with you slim 😁
Yes, I love that glass. Thanks again!!! SP
Great info Slim, it all makes sense about frozen filters. Dude, you rock, thanks for the heads-up on the rapid-pure system!
Doug look into the Alexa Pure spring filter. It is made for portable use. It is a 3 stage filter with a fist stage pre filter, second stage carbon filter and, and final stage ceramic filter. It comes with water pop bottle threads and it only has a cost of right around 25 dollars US. To remove the water you just blow it out from the end you drink out of. The filter is replaceable.
The Alexapure survival spring water filter is not ceramic. It is hollow fiber and susceptible to freezing. I got this from their website. Who's Doug? SP
You are a master! You can put this one on your list of most popular videos...Imo
Great video! The Sawyer Mini is one of my favorite filters! I made a video a number of years ago about the Sawyer Mini and some mods for it. Look forward to the next one!👍
Thanks for the info, will put it to use in my off-grid cabin. Great video. 👍
Thanks for the new information. I have a few filters which I have never used but want to keep in case the water here at home gets a boil order. Then I could boil and then filter and have a reasonable chance of getting clean water. So far none of my filters have been used or frozen. Wow. Good to know !
I just bought a mini well from Amazon in the UK & it has a temperature range printed on the side of the filter. Maybe they have seen this video & taken note of the issue you highlighted
Not sure, if the filters get clogged by ice formation or by microbial growth. Filling them with alcohol (>20%) would take care of both causes. Vodka has the advantage of being tasteless.
Smart and clever you are!!! I wouldn't have known about the freezing issue. I have a life straw so I'll definable keep this in mind. Thanks for such an informative video 😊.
The fish bucket-and filter is a really good idea.
Water is life. Very useful for travel and rural NB living. Thank you. 🇨🇦
I recently had use our British Berkfield water filter with ceramic filters. After around a month of light use I noticed that I was getting a sore throat, which lasted around a month after I stopped using it. I’m not and expert on filters, but I think it maybe that fine silicon dust is coming off the filter and into the water. I did flush the filters as advised by the manufacture prior to use. I’d be interested if anyone else has any thoughts on this. I was only filtering tap water btw.
Thanks for the useful information and I look forward to your travel videos as fall approaches. Happy Trails!
thanks for your videos on this very important topic!
You sure know how to make the most boring, mundane topics interesting. Good job.
A very elegant solution sir.
This is absolutely essential information that I had zero idea about.