First Need Water Purifier
Review Of The XL And Base Camp Portable First Need Purifiers

The First Need water purifier is a portable water purifier manufactured and sold by General Ecology, a reputable maker of water softeners and purifiers.

First Need purifiers are known to be the only portable water filters that have been certified by federal agencies for purification of cysts, bacteria and viruses.

All First Need water purifiers utilize General Ecology's proprietary "Structured Matrix" technology, a natural and quick way to remove contaminants in the water without having to use electricity, chemicals and other components that are present in full-sized water filter systems.

This system effectively removes cysts like cryptosporidia and giardia, as well as pathogens like viruses and bacteria from the water.

One amazing feature of these purifiers is the absence of hoses and external tanks. Instead, it is totally self-contained. Although a First Need unit uses a complete purifier system with a pump and a pre-filter, they are all packed into a portable and compact container.

You can bring this water purifier system everywhere you may go without having to worry about added weight on your backpack. They are fairly light, weighting only 16 ounces.

The U.S. military forces stationed overseas are among the users of First Need water purifiers. Before they had to use salt tablets to clean up their water supply, but with a First Need model, they can drink water anytime, anywhere without worries.

There is more than one model of First Need water purifiers in the market and we've reviewed two of them.

First Need XL Review

The XL is a replacement and an improvement over the first and original Deluxe First Need water purifier. It is a recipient of at least two awards, including the Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year Award in 2002 and OutdoorReview.com's Consumer Choice Award in 2000.

The XL's filter is capable of filtering up to 150 gallons of water. It can give out 2 quarts of water per minute. Pathogens and cysts as small as 0.1 microns can be trapped and killed by this purifier through the structured matrix technology.

Aside from the Structured Matrix purifier, it also has a pre-filter that has an adjustable float. The pre-filter is self-cleaning, which means there is less or no need at all for you to perform maintenance on it.

Truly portable, it has a Direct Connect (TM) feature that makes it easy to attach and fit it to popular trail and bike bottles. Aesthetics include an easy-grip, palm-molded handle. The handle is designed with a double action pump, so that you can bring out more water with less effort.

First Need Base Camp Portable Review

From its name, you could guess that this First Need water purifier is designed for use at base camps and climbing expeditions. Like all other First Need models, it is fairly quick-operating, and is easy and convenient to use. It purifies water on the go, without having to wait while the system processes the water so you could drink it.

The Base Camp portable is fitted with a newly redesigned metal pump. The pump is double-action, so you it is able to facilitate fast water flow with less effort from your part. It is designed to be easily disconnected from the main assembly when you perform maintenance tasks on it, making it easy to service even if you're on the field. What's more, the pump can be adapted and converted to gravity assist set-ups.

Its proprietary pre-filter is backwashable, so it can be clean with minimal effort. The Base Camp (TM) is guaranteed to last you a long time despite frequent use, as it is protected by a stainless steep container. The warranty lasts up to 10 years.

Official website: GeneralEcology.com

Related article: Berkey Water Purifier - Berkey Portable Models Need No External Energy Source

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First Need Water PurifierReview Of The XL And Base Camp Portable First Need Purifiers

First Need XL Review

First Need Base Camp Portable Review

First Need Water Purifier
Review Of The XL And Base Camp Portable First Need Purifiers