I bought this for my adventurous daughter who recently dressed up as Batman for Comic con. I like that it is tomboyish yet still feminine.
Buy Santa Barbara Design Studio Curly Girl Stainless Steel Cool Canteen with Metal Clip Now
Showing posts with label 5 gallon water bottle storage rack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 gallon water bottle storage rack. Show all posts
Santa Barbara Design Studio Curly Girl Stainless Steel Cool Canteen with Metal Clip
I bought this for my adventurous daughter who recently dressed up as Batman for Comic con. I like that it is tomboyish yet still feminine.
Allen Company Summit Ultra-Lite Hydration Pack (Realtree Ap) Save 27% off
While this unit doesnt come with the Hydration bladder it is made to Put one in it. multiple pockets make it great for small camera, shotshells, some snacks and or whatever you might need for a day long hunt.Its built very simple but strong enough to make it for a day in the weeds. Zero complaints with the workmanship. Now the but part.....Im 6ft 4in 240lbs...and I had to adjust this pack almost to its max....put this over a winter hunting jacket and it would be extended about as far as it will go. so any larger than me or a huge winter coat and this pack may not fit. Dont be steered away..this unit is very nice and quite usable....so I would guess its best fit would be for people at or under my size.6ft 4in tall
48 inch chest
36 inch waist
34 in inseam
There are a couple smaller front compartments, each one decently sizable, and it seems fairly expandable, in that you could cram it pretty full and then cinch stuff in.
Im happy so far with this, hopefully it will last me a couple season, Im not expecting the world, as it is after all only a $20 pack, but really nice for the minimal cost.
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Bought it for my husband. He loves it. He can go for the day and take everything he needs; lunch, thermos, bullets, etc.Read Best Reviews of Allen Company Summit Ultra-Lite Hydration Pack (Realtree Ap) Here
It''s a nice bag but once you put in a filled water pouch there is not much room to put stuff in the various pouches and pockets. Other than that it is a nice bag. There is some padding in the shoulder straps and without a water bag there are lots of pockets to place stuff in.Want Allen Company Summit Ultra-Lite Hydration Pack (Realtree Ap) Discount?
This is an inexpensive and lightweight day pack. I am able to stuff my CamelBak 90332 6L Water Beast Reservoir, Black into the main section of this pack providing enough water for hiking in the hot Sonoran Desert as its dimensions are a perfect match. Unfortunately, it rides a bit lower than the bigger and more expensive packs from Camelbak (CAMELBAK MULE 500 61086 ARMY UNIVER HYDRATION BACKPACK and Camelbak M.U.L.E. 100 oz Hydration Pack cost well over $100), Solomon (Salomon Raid Revo 15 Hydration Pack costs $41), or Nathan (X-treme Hydration Pack costs $64), but it is lighter than all of these. The pack''s hydration section is perfect for an athletic gel pack to keep me cool (or a frozen recovery drink for the end of the trail) and the additional compartments are great for my Gu Energy Gel, Chocolate Outrage, 24-Count, suntan lotion, and first aid kit.Save 27% off
Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter Save 21% off
The Katadyn pocket has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability. It is one of the pricier filters but is also rated to pump much more water than its competitors. The Katadyn pocket isn''t light (20 oz), but the better competitor pumps are also about 16 oz., so this isn''t too much heavier. Some of the others pump a little faster, but they are usually 0.3 micron filters, whereas this is a superior 0.2 micron filter. The Katydin pocket is also the only pump with a lifetime warranty (excluding wear of the ceramic filter).If you search the web, you''ll find a lot of reports of the $75 pumps eventually breaking, especially plastic handles. If you have to replace them (or their short-lived filters), you''ve already well into what it would cost to buy a Katadyn Pocket. This thing is pretty damn tough, and the only way to break it would be to take it apart and drop the inner ceramic filter.
I''ve found it easy to use, though you need to hold it upright to keep water flowing. During 8 years of trips through the Sierra Nevada, Utah, New Hampshire, and Wyoming this filter has never disappointed.
General tips to extend the lifetime of any water filter:
1) Use running water from streams/rivers whenever possible
2) Position the floater so that water inflow comes from the top of the stream and not the bottom (where a lot of sediment stirs about)
3) Rubber band a coffee filter around the prefilter to keep particulate matter out.
4) After pumping, unscrew the filter and drain the excess water. This filter is silver-impregnated though, to prevent microbial growth.
If you want to keep your packing weight down, carry your water in collapsible water bladders instead of thick plastic bottles. You can buy a cheap adapter so that water is pumped from the filter right into the water bladder. If you search around the web you can find the Katydin Pocket for around 180 or less. I tend to pack light and have lots of fancy lightweight gear, but I am serious about my water sources and don''t plan to compromise on this beauty.
True this one is a little heavier, but it is worth having a filter that will work and has a metal handle so you won''t have to worry about breaking it. Although if you do drop it on a rock it is possible to break the filter element. So caution is still needed.
I added the Carbon charcoal extension that enables you to drink from virtually any source. The extension was only around 10 to $12.
This is the best filter on the market.
Well worth the money.
Buy Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter Now
In 1980, this thing was $180 at REI. After a bad experience with the Lifesaver LS6000 last year, I finally pulled the trigger for the Katadyn Pocket. This review compares my experience using the Katadyn Pocket Micro/external carbon cartridge/Steripen Classic as a system vs the Lifesaver LS6000/4000 water purifier. I won''t spend much time on the external carbon cartridge and Steripen here because they will be reviewed separately with links to them at the end of this review. Use this review to supplement what others are saying.I originally chose the Lifesaver LS6000 (also now available through Amazon) over the Katadyn for a remote Arizona camping trip because it was a PURIFIER rather than just a filter. The LS6000 (LS4000 is the same technology, just smaller capacity) seemed like it would be more convenient because in actual operation, it is essentially a single, self contained collector/water bottle with an integrated activated carbon filter. But after a frustrating 1 week experience with the LS6000 putting GALLONS of water through trying to get rid of a cheap plastic taste, I finally returned it to the distributor.
I paid return shipping for the privilege of testing the LS6000 and I still wasn''t going to have a filter for my trip. Not too happy about that. While it was probably filtering to the 15NM spec, more than 13 times the filtering power of the Katadyn (200NM), it just didn''t hold up to the video claims that the water produced tasted like bottled water. That was my only real beef with the LS6000. See my review under the LS6000.
The backup plan was to order the Swiss made Katadyn Pocket Microfilter, along with the Katadyn activated carbon filter cartridge and the Steripen Classic...all at fantastic sale prices + free super saver shipping at Amazon. The Pocket retails for $289 and I paid $189 with free super saver shipping. Source the Eneloop batteries for the Steripen from whom you choose, but they are the only batteries I recommend for the Steripen. It took 8 months to get everything together but the batteries taking advantage of Amazon''s best discounts.
With the 2 hoses (intake/output) plus the charcoal filter cartridge and Steripen, this system becomes a bit more of a project to filter and purify water than the Lifesaver. But, I have to say that that in terms of water that was just pure joy to drink, this busier (and initially pricier) setup was superior to the simpler Lifesaver system. I was also into this combination for about $313 for everything ready for the wilderness vs $179 for the LS6000 on Amazon.
Another downside of the Katadyn is that after you are done with it, it''s a little busier to put away. It''s a good idea to remove the hoses, carbon cartridge taking care to put the output hose (along with the carbon cartridge) in a separate ziplock bag to prevent cross contamination. The covers for the hose connection ports should be installed, also to prevent cross contamination. It all fits in the Katadyn''s pouch. If you used the Steripen, too, then you should dry it off, recap it and return it to its ventilated neoprene pouch. With the Lifesaver, you just close the teat, snap the cap back over the teat and put the bottle back in your pack.
Using the Katadyn with the Steripen Much of what I''ve read points to treating for viruses in pristine free running North American waters possibly being overkill. In clear running mountain streams I probably wouldn''t bother with the Steripen as the Pocket alone probably will take care of the "bugs" that would be found under those conditions and the carbon cartridge will do its job to provide the fresh clean taste you might expect. However, the closer you get to high use areas by people and animals, the more I would look at some way of dealing with the potential for viruses, e.g., Steripen. Treating with the Steripen takes about 90 seconds for 1 liter of water and 48 seconds for 16 oz. The LS6000 removes viruses during the filtering process without the need for any further treatments. I would be cautious drawing water from sources where boats with fossil fuel motors operate no matter which filter system is used..
I tested the output of the Katadyn without its optional carbon filter under the same conditions as the LS6000 and found the water also had an off taste, most likely imparted by the ceramic filter. The taste wasn''t the same or as offensive as the LS6000 with its integrated activated carbon filter, but you could still pick up that the Katadyn''s output was "off". I put the Katadyn activated carbon filter on the end of the output hose, pumped a new cup of water and VOILA(!), the water was PERFECT!
**************IMPORTANT UPDATE 5/12/2010************
Re: Off taste in Katadyn Pocket Microfilter- After reading reports of others obtaining the fresh clean water taste WITHOUT an activated carbon filter, I pursued this a little further. After drying the filter for a few days, I reassembled everything and tried again, except this time NO CARBON FILTER. After pumping 12 oz of water through the dry filter into a measuring cup, there was NO OFF TASTE AT ALL. Referring to the user guide it says to flush .5L (~1 pt) of water through the filter before 1st use, .2L (~7 oz) before each use thereafter and 1L (~1 qt) after having air dried the filter for long term storage. As reported in this update, I had pumped only 12oz of water through the dry filter. It would seem that if an off taste is occurring, it can managed by flushing the filter before filling the container. Will look at this further and update this review again. However, the carbon filter might still be needed to remove mossy or fishy tastes from streams, etc. The original review continues below.
So far I have tested the Katadyn with our hauled tap water, from our rain barrel system (not available for the LS6000 test) and then on to the (brown) spring streams of the Kaibab National Forest, natural standing water "tanks" in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and the nicely flowing waters of the Upper Verde River. While the rain barrel water tasted like the tar from our asphalt shingle roof, water filtered from the other sources with the Katadyn/carbon cartridge was a pleasure to drink (used the Steripen in ALL of these waters!). The LS6000 had no follow-on testing because I couldn''t produce satisfactory results from our hauled water source.
The output hose for the Katadyn has a spring loaded clip that attaches nicely to my canteen, cup, or most any other container. When using the Pocket with the activated carbon filter, an extra length of tubing is recommended from the output of the carbon filter if it does not fit stably onto your water container. Empty containers with narrow bases can be a little squirrelly to fill. With the Lifesaver, you just unscrew the bottom, submerge, replace the bottom, pump a few times, and open the teat and drink. Putting it back in your pack is a snap. You can also use the LS6000 to fill containers by opening the teat and aiming the pressurized stream accordingly. My Katadyn was supplied with an "O" ringed hose adapter for filling camelpacks.
Using the Katadyn, even without the optional carbon cartridge, is a bit of work for only a 12 oz drinking cup of water. Once you pull this device out of its pouch, connect the hoses and set up the water container, it is best to fill at least 1 32 oz Nalgene bottle, canteen, etc. plus the containers of others in the group. In the wilderness, I would probably want to remove the Katadyn''s ceramic cartridge and air dry it every 3-4 days. I also like to blow out the carbon cartridge and dry it as much as possible. I have not had to clean the ceramic cartridge, even after the tar tasting water of the rain barrel. The LS6000 cartridge is a little busier to remove and dry. The integrated activated carbon filter of the LS6000 should probably be left alone unless you are going to replace it. Probably wouldn''t bother drying the LS6000 until returning home.
The Lifesaver, because of its teat system, is more of a personal water bottle (kind of like your toothbrush is personal). The teat is designed to be pulled open with your teeth. The LS6000 will become more work in water sources where you are unable to submerge the entire bottle to collect water. Worst case, you have to resort to a smaller scoop, dig or use the supplied sponge to soak up water and squeeze it into the bottle. The LS6000''s cartridge can be backwashed, but looks to be a chore. With the Katadyn, I was still able to pump from sources that were only 1 inch deep. As long as you can submerge it, the Lifesaver system gets you collecting water and drinking in seconds while you could still be connecting hoses on the Katadyn. The Lifesaver will be more work to fill containers.
Another minor concern I have with the Lifesaver is that if you neglect to secure the cap for the teat or if its seal deteriorates, you could contaminate it when you submerge it in a water source. With the Pocket, the intake and output hoses are separated substantially, minimizing the potential for cross-contamination. The Katadyn also comes with port caps that should be installed prior to putting it away. Remove the output hose and cap the output port first, then the intake.
As far as maintenance goes, the Lifesaver seemed a little busier to maintain than than the Katadyn. There''s really not much to do with the Katadyn if you draw water from clean sources. Clean the ceramic cartridge if it gets harder to pump and use the supplied gauge to measure the diameter of the ceramic if you are cleaning it a lot. Lube the ''O'' ring on the pump with the supplied silicone, when necessary. You can download the servicing instructions for both prior to purchase. I certainly recommend that in the course of your decision making process.
If you want to look at the economics of one over the other, have at it. I would project that for the usual hiker/wilderness trekker in North American or Alpine hiker in Europe, the initial outlay for the Katadyn would be a once in a lifetime investment as long as you didn''t break the ceramic filter. With the Lifesaver, you are likely to need to buy at least 1 replacement filter plus the activated carbon filter replacements. But you will buy SEVEN TOTAL Lifesaver cartridges over the life of the LS6000 to purify 13,000 gallons of water that the Pocket treats to a lesser degree.
Add to that the costs of activated carbon filters for both. The Katadyn cartridge should be recharged with activated carbon after about 60 gallons. Replace the Lifesaver''s carbon insert at ~66 gallons. The LS6000 uses a replaceable insert. The Katadyn''s optional carbon cartridge can be recharged with packets of fine activated carbon. Also keep in mind that without the Steripen (~$70) plus the cost of Eneloop batteries or some other means of purification, you won''t have purification as you do with the Lifesaver system. You will likely use 6 more Steripen bulbs if you choose to go the extra step and PURIFY all 13000 gallons (not likely). The Sterpien bulb replacements are performed at the factory and will run ~$35 that includes shipping both ways. Add a few dollars to replace rechargeable Eneloops to that picture. The LS6000 replacement cartridges are around $120 with free shipping. The reality of reaching the 13,000 gallon mark for most of us is probably not too likely.
Bottom line In my opinion, money is not likely to make that much of a difference. If you can afford one, you can most likely afford the other. We are near retirement on a fixed income. I would have kept the LS6000 and likely never would have gone to this Katadyn combination had the LS6000 water tasted better. Even with a cost comparison, many are very likely to make their decision based on other factors.
If you want the convenience of getting PURIFIED water with a single integrated unit from almost any source you are willing to put your hand in to submerge it...and can put up with the prospect of shallow water sources that pose possible water collection issues coupled with output water that fell WAY short of the "bottled water taste" claim for me, go for one of the Lifesaver bottles. If they have cured that very offensive taste issue, the LS series Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle might be the way to go. Also see Lifesaver Bottle Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Carbon Inserts (4-pk) and Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Cartridge.
If you don''t mind some extra work with a beautifully and solidly constructed Swiss classic, non integrated carbon filter Katadyn Carbon Cartridge and hose setup and the activity associated with returning everything to its pouch to obtain just short of "purified" but very good tasting drinking water under most wilderness conditions in North America, choose the decades time tested Katadyn Pocket with the optional activated carbon cartridge. Spring for the SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier if you want the added insurance in dealing with viruses using AA batteries. Both systems have their weaknesses for potentially expensive damage by freezing or mishandling. Neither will remove dissolved minerals and salts.
An intriguing thought is a device with Lifesaver purification capability and Katadyn Pocket functionality. I am sticking with the Katadyn setup even though it''s busier and a bit more to schlep with the extra 2 components to purify and get better tasting water. I rate it 5 stars with the activated carbon filter and 4 stars on its own for its slight off taste.
********UPDATE 5/29/201********** re: OFF TASTING WATER-- I have increased the rating on this device to 4 1/2 stars without the activated carbon filter. If you follow the directions in the Katadyn user guide for flushing the filter, you will get perfectly clean tasting water every time.
Read Best Reviews of Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter Here
This is an awesomely manufactured tool for outdoors or survival or self-reliance. We own and use in raw mountain streams in the Rocky Mountains....WORKS GREAT!! Katadyn claims the original ceramic filter is good for 13,000 gallons...and I believe it. This is outdoor, emergency prep, disaster survival and/or self-reliance gear you''ll use for decades, and then pass down to your kids. Recommend unconditionally!Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
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I used an earlier version of this filter while living among the people in Korea for a full year for all my daily water needs. It never let me down. Never got sick. Never had a malfunction. No breakage. Nothing but a tired arm from pumping a gallon or so daily for my wife, year-old daughter, and myself. Later, it serviced my visiting in-laws, also at a rate of about three gallons a day (my MIL is a great cook). The silver impregnated filter never approached the point where the thickness gauge would have suggested replacement.I still have this filter and have used it since 1985 for outdoor trips and for civic emergencies, like when a hurricane knocked out city power for days. Water stopped flowing from taps. My K filter serviced lake water for several households for three days. Of course, given the threat of viruses, we used a treatment for that, but the greenish water from the local retention pond came out of the filter clear and odorless. No one got ill at all and we had all ages in the group.
Save 21% off
FuelBelt 2012 24oz Bicycle Water Bottle
Ordered one and liked it, so ordered a second for my husband. :): : : : : : : : :
Overall, I will consider this bottle again if I ever need another, or need to replace it.
Buy FuelBelt 2012 24oz Bicycle Water Bottle Now
pretty, but arrived with the pop up top broken off, slimy feel to the plastic, squished too easily, and leaked. Don''t waste your money. Spend a little more. Amazon was lovely and refunded me full price without having to ship back, so am spending a little bit more to (hopefully) get quality.Read Best Reviews of FuelBelt 2012 24oz Bicycle Water Bottle Here
I just got this water-bottle b/c my Artic Zone water bottle kept leaking on me and I was always getting wet. So far so good.... I think this one will hold up better!Want FuelBelt 2012 24oz Bicycle Water Bottle Discount?
I bought two of these bottles and they work perfect for spin class or the cardio room at the gym!
EZ-Freeze® Water Bottle 12oz Cool Zooey Fliptops (Styles May Vary)
Love Cool Gear products. I ordered blue, but green came (it says they can change the color). No biggie. Just glad they didn''t send pink or purple.The only other thing was that the straw came really bent and so my son would get air when trying to drink out of it. I put something in the straw to straighten it out, so it works fine now.
Buy EZ-Freeze® Water Bottle 12oz Cool Zooey Fliptops (Styles May Vary) Now
We picked one up in Japan, thinking this was such a cute and clever product. When I warped the bottom portion in our dishwasher, I discovered this is from the USA! My daughter loves it and has been using one since about 13 months. The top straw area can leak if left sideways or upside-down in your diaper bag, but so can our other sippy cups. Because the straw mechanism is a little tough to clean thoroughly, I''d recommend it only for water. Also, the head, neck and straws seem to be fine in a hot dishwasher, but the bottle portion can warp. Otherwise, this has been great for our family.Read Best Reviews of EZ-Freeze® Water Bottle 12oz Cool Zooey Fliptops (Styles May Vary) Here
Stay away from these cups if you want simple. They have 5 maybe 6 parts to take apart to thoroughly clean. Nice concept poor design. I don''t think they are dishwasher safe either. Way to fussy for our family.Want EZ-Freeze® Water Bottle 12oz Cool Zooey Fliptops (Styles May Vary) Discount?
Crocodile Creek Kids Drinking Bottle (Jouster) Save 7% off
The bottle is fine, cap fits well and is just the right size and easy to clean.The sipper is terrible. It feels like you''re drinking from a bubbly and uncomfortable cheap sport bottle.
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It gets the job done, but the spout was a little small. My son is ok with this bottle, but he likes another brand better. But overall, it works well and he uses it when his favorite bottle is dirty. Yes, I would buy it again.Read Best Reviews of Crocodile Creek Kids Drinking Bottle (Jouster) Here
Leaks, the sipper is terrible, can barely get anything out. Thankfully it was a clearance find at a local store. Get something better.Want Crocodile Creek Kids Drinking Bottle (Jouster) Discount?
This is a really adorable thermos. Just the right size for lunch box/backpack! I send it into school everyday! Thank You!Save 7% off
Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle
As a back packer I ordered the Lifesaver bottle and I have to say it is the best part of my gear. It filters water like nothing else and is by far the best Water Filtration system I have owned. I have read reviews where some people say the filtered water taste funny but if you follow the prep instructions before use you should have no problem at all, and man if it doesn''t deliver. I love this product and simply advise one thing be sure to purchase extra carbon filters you get four per pack as they are only good for about 250 liters and the bottle only comes with one. Also be sure to get a pack of the pre-filter disc as well. Other then that awesome product.
Pros:
-Tap water very much seems cleaner after filtration (haven''t tested on dirtier water for fear of taxing the filter since it does have its limit). I have been drinking tap water for months and today I tried some of the water from the bottle and it was tasteless, not plastic flavored (don''t know why other people were experiencing that plastic flavor but mine was tasteless, perhaps they failed to prime it correctly or are simply biased in favor of another product meant for a different customer base in the first place).
-Bottle seems durable enough to last on a hiking/camping/hunting/backpacking/any outdoor trip at all so long as it''s not subject to shock like the kind that mountaineers, arborists or extreme sportsmen might subject to the bottle.
-Easy to clean, doesn''t take long
-Lightweight, portable, drinkable water everywhere in the world where you can find a water that isn''t chemically contaminated (like with salts or environmental pollutants these are the only things the bottle can''t really filter since they''re atoms and molecules below the 15nm filtering size limit)
-With respect to the carbon filters: Instructions say you don''t NEED them if they happen to run out during a trip, the bottle''s filter is still effective, it''s just a good idea to have them for better protection. Just replace carbon filters after the trip, which is easy to do if instructions are followed.
Cons:
-Can''t tell when the bottle will expire until it tells you by halting all flow and that has me worried about the next con;
-Can''t tell whether item is actually new or old and used (could it be an item someone else returned and then seller resold as new? This is an issue if I plan to use it to the 6000 liter limit.
-Can''t tell whether my cartridge is really what I bought, the 6000 liter filter or if it''s actually the 4000 liter capacity filter
-Have to buy the carbon filters every 250 liters if you want to maintain bottle in best condition and use and clean it often
-Flow rate is not adjustable and seems a bit slow. Haven''t checked/measured volumetric flow rate myself but I''m not so sure it''s reaching the 2.5 L/min as instructions say when bottle is new. Perhaps I''ve been too easy on the pump. (Pump does not adjust flow rate)
-Delicate enough so I would constantly be worrying about the bottle''s safety during a trip. I''d guard it carefully.
-3 year shelf life unopened is not long enough.
-2 years further life after first use is not very long in my opinion.
-Lots of instructions to follow. This is not an idiot-proof product. I figured out how to use it, though and I''m sure most people could with a little bit of time reading the instructions.
-Price tag was way too high and prevented me from purchasing this for years but I don''t regret it and don''t think I will. I''ll certainly come back and edit this review if I do find a real issue making it not worth the money.
Buy Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Now
...instead of Amazon. Didn''t know Amazon carried it. This purifier was intended for wilderness trips in the US. Sadly, it did not produce good tasting water as shown in the marketing videos. The water tasted like cheap plastic...even with the activated carbon filter installed. The bottle COULD have been filtering to the 15 nm spec but I had no way to test that. So, it MIGHT have been safe, but tasted awful.***************************************************************************************************************************
EDIT: 6/1/2012
There is recent strong criticism of this review for the weight given to taste in view of the bottle''s declared purpose and presumably unblemished record for SAVING LIVES by removing waterborne pathogens from the most dangerous sources in the world.
At the time I bought it, there was sufficient information available to generate the expectation that there would be no taste issue at all. It was the hingepoint in the buying decision. The bottle failed miserably in meeting OUR expectation regardless of what others think the weight for taste should have been in this buying decision. It is appropriate for a prospective buyer to assign their own weight to taste giving due consideration that the bottle we received could have been an outlier.
There are relatively few Amazon reviews on the LS6000 compared to its stablemate Lifesaver Bottle 4000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle. There might be insights to be gained from consulting those reviews as well, given that capacity is likely the only major difference between the two. The original review continues below.
***************************************************************************************************************************
I returned it to the East Coast distributor after a week of putting many of gallons of water through it trying to get rid of the plastic taste. I noticed that in the marketing video I saw, the bottle had yellow pump components. The one I received had black pump components. Am wondering if a new material spec might have produced a change in the taste of the water. However, the dist says no.
The unit was impressively easy to pump and put out water at a pretty good rate. The emphasis on use seemed to be oriented toward using your teeth to pull on the teat to drink. However, it was never my intent to use it that way. I wanted to use it to fill containers. It was less user friendly pulling on the teat with your fingers when the bottle was under pressure after having been pumped. The pressure in the bottle would cause the water to spray out before you could direct it into a suitable container. Alternatively, you can hold it over your container and then pull the teat open. A provision for an output hose that could be used in place of the teat would be nice.
Because of its fully integrated design, certain precautions have to be observed in order to prevent cross contamination. For example, you must develop a discipline of ensuring the cap for the teat is securely snapped in place before submerging the bottle in a source. Failure to do so could possibly contaminate the teat. It would be a good idea to download the User Guide from the Lifesaver Systems website and to familiarize yourself with this bottle before ordering it.
The 6000 version provides more water at a lower cost/liter than the 4000. As a matter of fact, it''s total operating costs compared to other filters/purifers is really hard to beat. For you backpackers, I would peg the size of the 6000 between a 1 liter and 2 liter soda bottle. The distributor reports that the activated carbon filter is optional. This could save a good chunk of money in operating costs if you want to forgo the convenience of an integrated filter in favor of trying to fashion your own external ACTIVATED carbon filter at a much greater savings. The activated carbon filter can remove certain organic contaminants an improve taste dramatically. The Lifesaver comes with 1 activated carbon filter that you install prior to using.
The distributor seemed willing to work with me to solve the plastic tasting water. They even contacted the inventor, Michael Pritchard, to see what might be causing the issue. However, communications were slow and my wilderness trips were starting so I didn''t have time to work through it. I am told that my bottle will be carefully examined to try to determine the cause of the off taste.
The manufacturing process that produces the LS6000 is virtually the same as the process that produces the LS4000. The only meaningful difference is the size. It would follow that a similar issue could be had with the LS4000. I recommend that this be bought through Amazon with the free shipping. As of this May 2009, price is the same as through the dist, but you pay $20 for shipping via the dist and you eat the shipping if you have to return it.
Have spent MANY, MANY hours researching water filtering/purification systems for backpacking. This product showed the most promise for a device that would produce safe water under almost any circumstance you could imagine at a such a reasonable cost with its 15 nm filter. I was crushed at having to return it. I am convinced that this device still shows the most promise save for the experience I had. I am hoping there is a resolution to the plastic tasting water soon.
My fallback will probably be a the top of the line Katadyn Pocket Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter with ''only'' a 200 nm ceramic filter and an external activated carbon filter. This will let viruses through, but viruses are reportedly not an issue in North American wilderness waters, especially if you are choosey about your source.
Had my LifeSaver 6000 produced the bottled water taste as asserted in the marketing videos, I would have given it 5 stars....and kept it!
***UPDATE 05/11/2010***
It has been a year since I wrote this original review. There has been no news from the distributor regarding the plastic taste and others have noticed it as well in the LS4000. Earlier this year, I decided to opt for the Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter, Katadyn Carbon Cartridge, and SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier. It''s a little more to schlep. See my reviews at the provided links. I''ll stick with the Katadyn system.
Read Best Reviews of Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Here
This may be great technology but the the design leaves a lot to be desired:Bottle leaks sometimes from bottom.
Even after using daily for 3 weeks, it still takes pretty bad, like plastic.
Can never get the last 100 ml out of bottle, i think filter doesn''t extend far enough to bottom.
Bottle can be difficult to un-tighten.
Seems bigger/heavier than it needs to be. like too much extra plastic in base.
I would NOT trust the cap to be waterproof, or rather to stay waterproof. The snap on cap scraps off plastic from its underside.. after using a few weeks the ridge on underside of cap is shredded.. i am afraid to submerge it into dirty water..
I would have preferred to see this filter in a more conventional pump system. holding 750ml of water or whatever is not much anyway... i end up using it only as a pump to refill other bottles, especially considering that it tends to leak from base.
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I like the idea and the design of this bottle and I really like what they claim it can do to water. So far, as far as I can tell, it has done all they said it would do. Put dirty water in and it comes out clean and tastes clean.It would be nice if there was a pressure relief valve somewhere on it. Once you pump it up it takes a while before you can safely open the bottle sometimes even after the water has been filtered through. If you''re using it to fill other water bottles, it can be a little tricky to refill quickly.
Clicgear Cup Holder
I purchased this cup holder to attach to my 2012 Sun Mountain V1 Golf Push Cart. It works perfect and holds my 24 ounce Thermos bottle, which up till now has been a major problem, most push carts don''t have cup holders large enough to hold the larger water bottles. This was easy to attach and looks like it came with the cart.
Otherwise, the Clicgear push cart is fanastic.personal mistake the buggy did come with one but i purchased the second one in saying that though i use them both all the time one is always for water and the second has a multi purpose comp days its for gatorade and social days it holds my beer that way i can enjoy my game aswell as company but still stay hydrated by having my water handy
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It is great drink holder for you push cart, so good I now have two on my cart for the hot summer days. If your course provides the Styrofoam cups, I would suggest using two cups. The outer cup stays in the cup holder and allowing easy removal of the inner cup with your beverage.Want Clicgear Cup Holder Discount?
Performs as expected. Like the Clickgear cart, the drink holder is robust in design, fastens to the cart securely and instills confidence when carting around my morning cup of joe. I''d recommend this accessory for those that want to have easy access to their favorite libation while trotting around the links.
Ultimate Direction Hydration Reservoirs
Pros: Lightweight, good plastic, no bad taste, interior vertical support useful, easy to closeCons: Intermittent dripping from drink valve while hiking, leaked about 4 oz of water while supine in my trunk driving to the trailhead
Bottom line: wish I''d tried the platypus. I owned a Camelbak that lasted for 10 years before leaking. I thought this closure method would be more desirable than having to turn and tighten the Camelbak, and later loosen with difficulty -especially in winter camping.
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I had one of these previuously and let it get moldy. Tried other brands and finally bought a new one of these. Best bladder I''ve owned. easy to clean, quick to fill. Bite valve could use improvement, but it works.Read Best Reviews of Ultimate Direction Hydration Reservoirs Here
A few words about the Ultimate Direction 128oz Hydration Reservoir. First I''m a little upset because it did not come with the clip on the tube shown in the picture (would be nice to have the ability to clip it on my pack strap). That''s about the only negative thing I can say about this reservoir and the reason I''ve given it a 4 star review. Other than that this thing is excellent. First off its huge! Plenty of water for the trails. The opening is very wide and easy to fill. The Velcro holds just fine and leaks are non-existent even when there is a lot of pressure on the reservoir. The tube is very nice and the neoprene cover keeps your water cooler than uncovered tubes. The mouthpiece is easy to use though I do wish it were at a 90 degree angle for easier drinking, takes a little getting used to. The hanging strap is easy to attach to most packs and there is a small hanging point on the bottom for hanging it upside down to let it dry after cleaning. Lastly there is a baffle in the middle of the bag that helps keep the bag from losing its shape, very nice feature that makes installation in your pack a bit easier and keeps water from sloshing around so much.I recommend this product.
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Nobody, NOBODY knows hydration and packs like Ultiimate Direction. UD is just too busy running the hills to do the marketing their products deserve. Their tanks/reservoirs are the best. The opening is almost as wide as the tank and you roll the top up securing it with the velcro closure similar to a dry bag for kayaking/canoeing to close the top. Camelbak doesn''t match.
Klean Kanteen Coffee Set Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle
The style is sleek, the cup-top is comfortable to drink from, and cleaning this Kanteen is wonderfully easy. It''s amazingly well insulated--I can''t even feel much heat from the outside, even when I''ve just poured in boiling water. The only "problems" are that it leaks just a tiny bit, even if you close the cap precisely (and be sure to close it exactly or it will leak a lot if you tip it), and that hot drinks are very slow to cool down. So if you want to drink freshly-made tea or coffee soon, be sure to dilute it with a bit of cool water, or leave the top off for a while.
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This is the perfect size coffee mug for me! I would recommend KKs to anyone looking for a great mug to keep your coffee hot or your water ice cold! And there are a variety of sizes to meet anyones needs.Read Best Reviews of Klean Kanteen Coffee Set Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle Here
Klean Kanteen has been beloved by our family for quite some time. My children and I use the stainless water bottles daily. When it came time for me to choose a new travel mug for my coffee, I decided to give this trusted company a try. This mug has been outstanding! One morning, it rolled out of my tote while I was driving, and I was convinced that when I got to work, the floor mats would have absorbed my morning coffee. Not so! The seal on the bottle is so tight, that it didn''t leak a drop, even as it lay horizontal, rolling around on my 30 minute commute! I find that the coffee stays at optimum temperature for a couple of hours, and then warmish for another couple of hours. After that, it''s lukewarm at best. Glad i purchased it, and I even bought another larger model at a local store for my tea. A great product!Want Klean Kanteen Coffee Set Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle Discount?
I already had the larger size of this Klean Kanteen and use it all the time. No more plastic water bottles for me! I put ice in with my water and sometimes by that night it still has ice in it! Keeps water or whatever liquid you put in cold especially with ice. I take the smaller 12 oz in my backpack when I am out on a photography shoot. I love these products! Good for the environment and good for my health.