Simple DIY Gravity Filter System

[@hangswithraccoons]

Cool vid man!

[@redoleary4]

+Hangs with Raccoons Thank you.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Excellent! I have both Sawyer Squeeze (with in-line adapters) & Mini filters. Also have the 5 gal bucket kit for the Squeeze. Until now, the Squeeze has been limited to base camp use, because I don't want to lug around a 5 gal bucket. Your video has inspired me to re-visit this topic. Concepts you show will yield more ideas for both filters. ie using various sizes of soft/hard sided buckets + use of buckets with the Mini for 2 people use & more. Thank you for sharing.

[@redoleary4]

+Oldtimer Lee You're welcome. Glad to hear its inspired you to experiment a little.

[@TRBEAS]

I like it, " go out and make one, I guess" Can you attach a parts list and where you purchased the items?

[@redoleary4]

TRBEAS Thanks, I'll work on a parts list and put links below the video.

[@TheKingati]

Thanks for the video! I'm interested in trying this but am worried about melting the hole wrong. The bulkhead part you linked to says it is 1/2 inch hole size but you mentioned using a 1/4 inch socket? Is that correct? Also, I'm contemplating if rubber washers on each side of the bulkhead would eliminate the need to use the glue?

[@redoleary4]

The O.D. of a 1/4" socket is close enough to to get a good snug fit on the fitting thru the hole. Make a couple of practice melts in some scrap before you try on the real deal so you can anticipate how everything is going to go down. The silicone I used on it is really just a belt and suspenders approach, I don't know if the silicone is required but I do know that it doesn't hurt. :)

[@jonfong57]

What is the weigh of everything (minus the bag and filter)? I am look at making a similar siphon system.

[@redoleary4]

jonfong57 I just weighed all the fittings and hoses but not the bag or filter and it's approx 3.5 oz.

[@bryanramler5713]

Why do you put the hose on the side as opposed to the bottom? Prevent sediment from getting in the line?

[@redoleary4]

+Bryan Ramler Two reasons: 1. Yes partly for the sediment andI can get more water out of it because I can adjust the angle of the pickup, where if it came straight up out of the bottom it would stick up out of the water sooner (thats the thought process anyway) and 2. I can still set the bucket down on a flat surface if one presents itself... however unlikely that is.

[@bryanramler5713]

+redoleary4 Makes sense, thanks. Good tutorial, I'll definitely make one. We currently use a Katadyn Base Camp and after about 2 days in the BWCA it slows down to about a drop per minute. I like the how the Sawyer can be back flushed and the whole system is about the price of a Katadyn filter replacement.

[@Seahag-xx7zp]

Thanks The adapters on the SAWYER, where did you find those?

[@redoleary6705]

+Brian Stas I don't recall exactly where I got them, but they are available at Campmor. www.campmor.com/b/sawyer-inline-adapter-water-filter-connections

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Great tutorial Red. Question: Is the silicone necessary to seal the bulkhead fitting? Do the inside and outside washers not bind against the bulkhead material tightly? Thanks again.

[@redoleary4]

Thanks John. The silicone is sort of a belt and suspenders approach. The seal built into the fittings isn't that large/thick and the weave of the fabric is a little coarse so I think the silicone is cheap insurance on getting a good seal.

[@erinowl4407]

Thank you so much for the video. I sub'd. The pre-filter is really cool ! :-)

[@redoleary4]

Thank you!

[@fourseasongrit2051]

Hello redoleary4, First and foremost, great tutorial. I can see in the comments below about the silicone sealant as being a "belt and suspenders approach." After further research online involving the MSDS toxicity information involving the silicone sealant, I was a bit apprehensive and decided to go right to the source for my inquiries. For reference, I purchased a tube of the "Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant, 100% Silicone, 2.8-Ounce Tube (Aquarium Safe)" as my silicone sealant (which was different from the brand of sealant that you had used in your video presentation). Here was the response from DAP: "Thank you for your inquiry. While the All Purpose Adhesive Sealant is indeed food safe once fully cured, however, it is not consider safe for potable water applications." Jessie L. Hubbard Product Information Specialist DAP Products Inc. I am not sure if this explanation is helpful for anyone but just wanted to put this information out there. Kind regards.