First Need Deluxe

Pros: Filters everything
Cons: Maybe a little bulky and pricey but isn't your health worth it?

There are certain things that I have bought that I have been very happy with but have had limited use (ie., my 800 fill -20F sleeping bag). And then there are things that I have bought that I have used a lot and still am very satisfied. That would ...

Pros: Easy to pump
Cons: Heavy, unreliable and expensive to run

The First Need was the first water filter I ever bought, about 20 years ago. Since nothing much has changed I do not recommend you buy this pump.

The First Need was attractive when I bought it because it was one of the very first backpacking...

Pros: Awesome water flow per pump. Clear good tasting water. Easy to use.
Cons: A tad pricey, must have Nalgene bottle(s) to make it awesome.

I ended up purchasing this filter rather then the PUR Scout because at REI they told me that they had suspended the sale of the Scout based on some sort of back washing. Boy was I glad that I found that out prior to purchasing (sounds like some...

Pros: fills fast, easy to use if you have the Nalgene water bottles
Cons: You have to have the Nalgene water bottles.

I've had the First Need Deluxe filter for about 6 months now. I've used it on several extended backpacking trips. Ok, the first thing I'm going to say is buy the Deluxe, but not without the Nalgene water bottles. This is an excellent pump, that fills...

Pros: It does filter water...
Cons: clogging, back-flushing, hard storage

This was good for about the first use, then I wanted to kick the living (you know what) out of it. First need was the first water purifer I owned, and I was sure glad when sweet water came out with an affordable, much improved filtration system. First...

Pros: it works
Cons: heavy, hard to use

This filter is very outdated. The rate of flow is horrible and the pumping action is miserable. It took longer than it ever should have to fill our water bottles and it was terribly inconvenient. It clogged very frequently and was hard to clean. It...

Pros: Dependable
Cons: Replacement filter costs

The First Need water purifier has been one of my best buys. I bought one for backpacking and canoeing in the Adirondacks sometime in the early 80's and it's never let me down. In larger group camping the First Need purifier is the one we all end up...

Pros: Chemical Free, light weight, great flow
Cons: none

First Need Deluxe is great because it purifies without chemicals, hold time or double-pumping. I loved the no-hands pumping feature. Had the original which I liked but new pump, pre-filter & direct connect make the First Need Deluxe so much better...

Pros: Reliability, Cost, Taste, weight, no chemicals
Cons: Speed

I have used and recommended this filter (and it's predecessor) for 15 years.

As an avid backpacker who goes into the woods for days or weeks at a time, finding water is a constant concern. Making sure it is potable and free of critters,...

Pros: filters down to viruses, compact, adapter for sport bottles
Cons: Price of pump and cartridges

I bought the First Need Deluxe filter for extensive back country camping and mountaineering trips. I chose this filter because of the high level of filtration and ease of use. The filter can filter down to 0.2 microns which includes everything from ...

Pros: Good tasting water
Cons: Expensive replacement filter

This is the first water purifier I have owned. I generally like the use of this product. When ...

Pros: Cheap
Cons: See Above

My experience with the First Need Water Filter is very negative.

One after several uses the filter clogged real easy. We were on an extended backpacking trip. After using the Filter for 5 days (in clear springs) It was clogged.

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Pros: Only pre-treatment required is pumping the water.
Cons: The filter can clog without notice if not properly maintained.

This is one of four water filter/purifiers I have owned and used and it is by far the best. Most filters require chemical pre or post water processing to actually purify the water. Many people ignore this important step treatment and take serious chances with their health.

There are limitations for every filter and here are a few common to all filter systems.

Anyone who regularly uses a water filter knows that you have to put water into some kind of container like a fabric bucket before purifying. This eliminates a lot of the contamination getting into your system. In addition it is important to use a pre-filter on any system. I have used everything from cheap filter elements to nylon stockings. Third, you need to keep track of usage of your filter so you can clean and replace components as they near their useful life.

If you use good basic practices the First Need filter is an excellent choice.

Pros: Drinkable water without chemicals or a single worry
Cons: Bulky, awkward to use, and expensive.

I have been hiking the Rockies for over 20 years. Looking for ways to reduce pack weight I checked into and found the many types of water filters.

Only the First Need has the ability to filter viruses without adding chemicals. That means one less thing to carry.

Some were lighter, cheaper or tougher but offered less protection. I would rather have peace of mind when it comes to my water.

Pros: Pumps and disinfects.
Cons: Too heavy. Unreliable performance.

After using the pump on 3 extended trips, I have come to the conclusion that it is too heavy and clogs too easily. I was very unhappy when the pump clogged in the middle of a recent 7 day trip, leaving me having to beg water.