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First Need Deluxe Water Purifier

First Need Deluxe Water Purifier

Item # 618208
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

Ideal for moderate use, the Deluxe purifies water naturally, instantly and ecologically.

  • Direct Connect™ attaches the unit snugly atop most trail and bike water bottles
  • Easy-grip, double-action handle provides comfortable pumping, or use the Gravity Assist connection for hands-free purification without pumping
  • Pump is fully backwashable for cleaning in the field; no brushing, scraping, or contact with pathogens
  • Comes with self-cleaning pre-filter, adjustable float, 36-in. long inlet hose, integral sanitary cover and nylon carrying bag
  • The only non-chemical water purifier certified to EPA Guide Standard for microbiological purifiers against bacteria, cysts and viruses
  • Also removes unpleasant tastes and certain chemicals

Outside magazine says, "The squat and sturdy First Need is the most hygienic on the market, as well as the only water purifier that eliminates viruses without chemicals. Your stomach will thank you ..."

Made in USA.

Item 618208

First Need Deluxe Water Purifier Specs

Specification

Description

Weight1 lb. 3 oz.
Dimensions4 x 8 inches
MaterialStructured matrix micro-strainer
Removes/DestroysProtozoa, bacteria and viruses
Output1.34 liters per minute
Pump force5.6 pounds
Pump strokes per liter45
Field cleanableNo, must change cartridge

First Need Deluxe Water Purifier Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
First Need Deluxe Water Purifier
 
4.7

(based on 23 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good filtration (23)
  • Maintenance (23)
  • Easy to pump (22)
  • Easy to clean (19)
  • Lightweight (14)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking (22)
    • Hiking (21)
    • Day trip (15)
    • Car camping (12)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid adventurer (15), Casual adventurer (12)

    Reviewed by 23 customers

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    Sep

    13

    2007

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Low Hassle, Fast Water

    By mtn.bum

    from Portland, Oregon

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Easy to pump
    • Good filtration
    • Low maintenance

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Car Camping
      • Day trip
      • Hiking

      Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

      My first water purifier was the lightest-weight one on the market. It didn't take long to figure out it might have been the slowest one on the market too. So I picked up a First Need based on observations of its speed and reports of its thoroughness. About the weight of a pint of water, the First Need is not the lightest purifier out there. But the comparison to its weight in water shows the weight is easily worth it.

      Having carried the First Need up and down mountains for many years now, I have learned the filter can be clogged quickly when pumping nasty-looking stuff. But it still works even when clogged, just slower. It will not leave you dry. But I have learned to look for the clearest water I can find for pumping.

      A potential problem is unfiltered water leaks from the pump and drips onto the outside of the Nalgene bottle. Remove the lid from the bottle to avoid unfiltered water coming in contact with the inside of the bottle lid. Keep using the same bottle-minus-lid to fill other bottles. Then put the lid back on when finished. That way nothing but purified water gets inside the bottles. Who cares what's on the outside of the bottles?

      In my observation the First Need is the fastest, lowest-hassle purifier out there. If that's the goal, then I recommend the First Need. But it's not for everyone. The replacement cartridges are spendy and make the First Need something of a rich-man's purifier. If low cost of ownership is the priority, then a ceramic-filter based pump, which will require fixing and cleaning by the quart (or so it will seem), is the better choice.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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      Sep

      13

      2007

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Good Flow Rate and Peace of Mind

      By J-Squared

      from Michigan

      About Me Avid Adventurer, Scouter

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy to clean
      • Easy to pump
      • Good filtration
      • Low maintenance

      Cons

      • Bulkier than others

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Car Camping
      • Day trip
      • Hiking
      • Scouting

      Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

      The First Need has a pump rate that is faster than many other units out there. Back flushing is easy, as long as you have clean water to back flush with. You don't need to take ceramics out and scrub them to clean it.

      Water tastes good coming out.

      The unit is slightly bulkier than other units. Probably not for the ultralighter in the group.

      What the First Need really provides is peace of mind, because it also takes care of viruses that others may use chemicals for. Works great for a Boy Scout Patrol.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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      Oct

      12

      2007

       
      5.0

      Easy use and great tasting water

      By water7547

      from Glendora, CA

      About Me Insane backpacker

      Pros

      • Easy to clean
      • Easy to pump
      • Good filtration
      • Lightweight
      • Low maintenance

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Day trip
        • Hiking

        Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

        Great for convienience I have used this for five years and store it to the manufacturer specs a bit of bleach in the water when stored for a week or more left in the filter and have never replaced filter. back flushes easy and has pumped abot 10000 gallons of water since purchase

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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        Oct

        10

        2007

         
        4.0

        Good camp water purifier

        By Canoe Charlie

        from Nashville, TN

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Easy to clean
        • Easy to pump
        • Good filtration
        • Lightweight
        • Low maintenance

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Backpacking

          Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

          The included bag for gravity filtering rips easy, so bring another. The gravity option allows you to filter without pumping.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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          Sep

          30

          2007

           
          5.0

          Easy to use and highly reliable

          By Hockey-dad17

          from ...

          About Me Avid Adventurer, High altitude runner

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Easy to clean
          • Easy to pump
          • Easy to verify filtering
          • Good filtration
          • Lightweight
          • Low maintenance

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Day trip
            • Hiking

            Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

            When out on the slopes of Pike Peak to run makes it very easy to replenish water instead of carry lots with you. Trust this product, never had a problem.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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            Sep

            24

            2007

             
            4.0

            Tried and True

            By Thorkell

            from Chicago

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Easy to pump
            • Good filtration
            • Low maintenance

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Backpacking
              • Car Camping
              • Day trip
              • Hiking

              Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

              My Dad and other backpackers I know use the "First Need Deluxe Purifier" and everything has worked great. I own one myself and I'm pleased with the performance.

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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              Sep

              23

              2007

               
              5.0

              rocks !!!!!!!

              By kevin the kayaker

              from hayward calif

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Easy to clean
              • Easy to pump
              • Good filtration
              • Lightweight
              • Low maintenance

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Backpacking
                • Hiking

                Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

                I pumped about 20 gallons from a lake
                water tasted great and was clear(no taste at all)

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Sep

                23

                2007

                 
                5.0

                Drink to your heart's content!

                By Swamp Stomper

                from Muskego, WI

                About Me Casual/ Recreational

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Easy to clean
                • Easy to pump
                • Good filtration
                • Lightweight
                • Low maintenance
                • Reliable

                Cons

                • No outlet hose

                Best Uses

                • Backpacking
                • Car Camping
                • Day trip
                • Hiking

                Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

                On a trip to the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,my two sons and I used the first need deluxe purifier for all our drinking and cooking water for a week. Our water source was Mirror Lake which has an actve beaver lodge on it. We know what that means- Giardia!! Its ability to screw directly onto a Nalgene bottle and fill it rapidly was a great feature.
                It worked flawlessly, with only one backflush after 4 days. The water tasted good and was crystal clear. The only copmlaint is the lack of a hose for bulk filling of a kettle or large container. A less than one dollar piece of hose from the hardware store sloved that , but think about it before you go!

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Sep

                21

                2007

                 
                5.0

                Great product, even better support.

                By USACanuck

                from San Diego, CA

                About Me Avid Adventurer

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Easy to clean
                • Good filtration
                • Low maintenance

                Cons

                • A bit bulkyheavy

                Best Uses

                • Backpacking
                • Car Camping
                • Day trip
                • Hiking

                Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

                I've owned and used this product for several years now. After about 3 years the pump housing/shaft broke on me. I contacted the manufacturer and without any questions asked they sent me a replacement part. This purifier works great and maintenance if very easy.

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Sep

                18

                2007

                 
                5.0

                Best filter I've ever owned.

                By Eric L.

                from Salt Lake City, UT

                About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual/ Recreational

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Easy to clean
                • Easy to pump
                • Fast pumping
                • Good filtration
                • Lightweight
                • Low maintenance

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Backpacking

                  Comments about First Need Deluxe Water Purifier:

                  Great product. Fast pumping and good tasting water regardless of the water source. I use it in week long treks, weekends hikes and even to filter tap water in under developed countries.
                  This product has never failed me after many uses. Bought it because of frustration caused by other filtration systems.
                  I know of several people that bought one to replace theirs after seeing how easy and fast it was.
                  A lot more expensive than water treatment pills, but this is a totally different system. You can go from scary looking water to clear and good tasting in 2 minutes...
                  Bad water can get you really sick. Worth every penny.

                  Con: end up filtering water for other people ;)

                  Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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