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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Filters Come In Array Of Prices, Capabilities

Michael Hodgson Special To Outdoors

Part 2 in a series. Last week, First Need, Sweetwater, and Basic Designs water filters were reviewed.

Mini Filter

(602) 990-3131

The Mini-Filter ($140) is a much more compact version of Katadyn’s venerable Pocket Filter. This one weighs just 8 ounces, ideal for the minimalist backcountry traveler. It effectively removes protozoa and bacteria, though its long-lasting ceramic filter element is small, and therefore requires frequent cleaning.

I also found it challenging to put any kind of power behind the pump’s small handle, and the filtered water is delivered at a paltry half-liter per minute. Still, for saving space and weight, you just can’t beat the sleek, palm-of-the-hand packaging - though you do have to pay dearly for it. A 1996 option, although not available for testing as we went to press, replaces the ceramic element in the Mini with a carbon element to lower cost ($99) and give an improved flow rate and easier pumping. The carbon is intended for those who limit their outdoor experience to clear mountain streams and is not intended for those who head out on more than two or three weekend trips a year or those who will be filtering seriously contaminated water such as that found in Third World sewers or cow pastures - for that you must use the ceramic.

PUR Explorer

(800) 845-7873

The PUR Explorer ($130), from Recovery Engineering, offers protection from all the bad guys - viruses as well as protozoa and bacteria - by incorporating a virus-killing iodine matrix in the filtration process. An optional Carbon Cartridge ($20) neutralizes the iodine’s noxious taste. The pumping action is smooth, and with a quick twist the device switches from filtering mode to self-cleaning mode - a welcome innovation. It’s a tad on the heavy side (20 ounces) and somewhat pricey, but it’s easy to use and works very well on iffy water anywhere.

MSR MiniWorks

(800) 877-9677

It seems as if every company is trying to field a price-sensitive filter, and MSR is no exception with its new 1996 introduction, the 14-ounce MiniWorks Filter ($59). By all appearances it’s the Waterworks II ($140) hit with a shrink ray. What’s different is that the Mini eliminates the membrane cartridge and its housing which means it can’t offer quite the same workhorse attitude of its brother, the Waterworks II. Although the flow rate isn’t ideal, the Mini delivers what is arguably the most functionally compact and easy-to-use ceramic filter on the market without breaking the bank - one liter every 90 seconds - which is fine for weekend warriors who aren’t planning to hydrate an army. The filter removes protozoa, bacteria, and chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, but not viruses.

PentaPure Oasis

(612) 473-1625

The PentaPure Oasis Portable Purification System, from WTC ($30), offers pure water with a twist: You squeeze and sip instead of pump. Weighing 6-1/2 ounces, the system packages a three-stage filter inside a 21-ounce capacity sport bottle with an angled drinking nozzle - ideal for mountain bikers. The filter removes and / or kills protozoa, bacteria and viruses, so it’s also suitable for world travel. It’s certainly convenient: You just fill the bottle with untreated natural or tap water, screw on the cap, firmly squeeze, and sip - don’t expect the easy flow of a sport bottle. Like the Basic Designs (reviewed last week), the Oasis runs into trouble if the water source is shallow - you’ll need a cup for scooping.