Double the life of your micro water filter for only $9!
Written: Nov 29 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, install, and clean. It can double the life of your water filter.
Cons: Clogs frequently, may need an adapter to fit certain filters.
The Bottom Line: Filters are expensive and crucial to backcountry life. Why not double the life of your filter for a mere $9?
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| wvabackpacker's Full Review: SweetWater SiltStopper |
Sweetwater Siltstopper
~Price-
I paid $9.95 for this prefilter at REI.com.
~Awards-
None that I could find.
~ Test-
I purchased this prefilter to go with my Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter about two months ago. The prefilter can be adapted to fit any portable microfilter such as the MSR Miniworks or Katadyn PUR Hiker.
Historically I have just used a standard 1oz cotton handkerchief as a prefilter. I purchased this prefilter assuming that it would work better than a handkerchief.
To test the theory I removed the ceramic filter from my MSR Miniworks filter. I installed the prefilter inline with the pump intake. I pumped two liters of water from some murky water into a clear bottle. Then I removed the prefilter and pumped two liters of water from the same murky water using only the handkerchief as a prefilter. I repeated this three times.
I examined the contents of each bottle by eye under a bright light. The water in the bottles marked "Siltstopper" contained significantly less visible particles than the water in the bottles marked "handkerchief." I know this isn't a very scientific method; however, it's the only method I could think of to test the item.
~Field Test-
The Siltstopper works great in the outdoors. However, it can and does clog quickly. Depending on water quality it can clog after prefiltering .5 liter of water or after as much as 1-2 gallons. It is a good idea to clean the filter after each use. To clean simply rinse with water (unfiltered is fine) and brush off any large particles on the filter media. Backwashing the prefilter is also an effective means of cleaning.
The body of this prefilter is clear so as you're filtering water, you can see the particles and contaminants becoming trapped in the filter media. This is very useful in determining when the prefilter is becoming clogged—it's also nice because you can see the nasties it is removing form the water.
~Weight-
The great part about this gear is that it weighs a mere 1oz, as much as a standard cotton handkerchief.
~Dimensions-
A miniscule 1.75x1.5in.
~Filter Information-
This prefilter effectively removes particles that are 5 microns and larger. Water IS NOT safe to drink using only this prefilter. Use this prefilter in conjunction with a micro water filter such as the Sweetwater Walkabout or the MSR Miniworks.
~Contents-
-Siltstopper body
-One filter
-4" of clear hose
~Extras-
-Replacement Filters, 3 for $9-12 depending on the store.
~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.
An alternative to freezing or drying would be to simply remove and discard the filter media after each trip and replace it with new media—at a cost of $3-4 a piece this insures a bacteria free prefilter each time.
~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 $9 addition to your existing micro water filter is a must have. Not only will it remove large particles from water it can increase the life of your filter by reducing clogs and the need to clean the filter. People who take excellent care of their gear and want it to have a long lifespan should definitely add this gadget to their collection.
© 2003 WVaBackpacker (Jeremy W. Hays)
Written for http://www.epinions.com 29 Nov 2003
~Other Backpacking/Camping Reviews by WVaBackpacker-
--Backpacks-
Gregory Shasta Backpack
Dana Design Glacier
--Tents-
REI Half Dome Plus 2
Mountain Hardware Trinity
Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight CD
--Sleeping Bags and Pads-
The North Face Thunderhead 3D
The North Face Kilo Down 32F
Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Luxury LE Self-inflating Mattress
--Hydration-
MSR Dromedary Bag
Platypus Big Zip
Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter
--Misc Gear-
Black Diamond LED Hybrid Headlamp
--Destinations-
Heart Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
--Books-
The Backpackers Handbook
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wvabackpacker
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 - Top 1000 |
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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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