Keep one in your closet. Keep one in your car. Be prepared!
Written: Dec 04 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to replace. Comes with a new filter body.
Cons: Almost costs as much as the microfilter (pump and all) originally cost.
The Bottom Line: When cost, weight, and performance are main issues this filter excels.
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| wvabackpacker's Full Review: SweetWater WalkAbout Filter Cartridge |
Sweetwater Walkabout Filter Cartridge
~Price-
I paid $24.95 for this replacement filter at REI.com.
~Notes-
The first thing that I noticed when I opened my replacement filter was that it looked like the body of theSweetwater Walkabout, and it was! This is good and this is bad.
The filter body was designed to be crack resistant when dropped. However, extended use and repeated drops may weaken the body and eventually cause it to break or crack. If this happened to a filter such as the MSR Miniworks, you would have to buy an entire new filter. If this happens with your Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter you can simply buy a new filter cartridge for $24.95 rather than the entire filter which costs $44.95. The new body also comes with new rubber gaskets—so if your old gaskets are wearing down or cracking you get a new set with the new cartridge.
If you count ounces then having the entire body would add additional unnecessary weight (probably an ounce and a half) and some added bulk. I'm sure this also adds to the price making this replacement cartridge cost over 50% of the original price of the complete microfilter. Honestly I'd much rather pay $19.95 for just the filter element.
Either way you feel the replacement element is exactly the same as the element shipped with the Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter. It comes with the same end-of-life indicator and will filter the same amount of water as the original filter.
~Weight-
A mere 5oz according to my scales.
~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.
~Contents-
-One replacement filter cartridge for the Sweetwater Walkabout Microfilter
~Extras-
-Cleaning Brush ($3.95)
~Storage-
To store the element after using it simply remove it from the microfilter 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.
If you haven't opened the filter element just store it in its original packaging.
~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-
The small size, low cost, and low weight of the replacement filter makes it reasonable to keep a spare in your gear closet. Such a small element can also be easily shipped or included with any food drops you might have arranged for your outing. I recommend keeping a spare in your vehicle on any outing.
© 2003 WVaBackpacker (Jeremy W. Hays)
Written for http://www.epinions.com 03 Dec 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
SweetWater SiltStopper
--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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