Camp Water Filter Fail! What Happened?

In a past video, I did a review of low-cost water filters for camping and hiking. Recently however, I learned the filters I used no longer work! Why did this happen? In looking for clues, I found out some very important safety concerns that EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW! This is Camp Water Filter review part 2.
To be clear, NO company sponsored this video! SP
Here are the specs for the RapidPure:
Removal of : "99.9% viruses, 99.9999% bacteria, 99.9% parasites". Pore size is 0.2 microns. It is not recommended you freeze rapidpure filters, however if frozen multiple times, they still maintain their ability to will still protect against parasites and bacteria but full virus protection may be compromised
Caution - Traditional hollow fiber filters (Sawyer, Miniwell, Berkey, Katadyn, Lifestraw, etc) should be immediately discarded if frozen after initial use.
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Products Mentioned in this Video (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Rapid Pure Trail Blazer: amzn.to/3cpiJV4
Rapid Pure Replacement Filter: amzn.to/3AnpvCM
Collapsible Fishing Bucket: amzn.to/3ALzF1f
Sawyer Mini Filter (DO NOT FREEZE!): amzn.to/3dZwWrX
Miniwell Filter (NOT recommended!): amzn.to/3pJm7NA
Lifestraw Filter (DO NOT FREEZE!) : amzn.to/3At7vGW
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[@ryanbratton3486]

Great video Slim! Im a water filtration operator at a water plant. The carry filters are pretty delicate but do work well. Also make sure to flush the filters AFTER it's use also. The filter you received (Sawyer) is one that I have used many times and works well. If you ever need a water question answered, feel free to shoot me a message!

[@A3Kr0n]

I always read the instructions after the product fails...

[@EmeryJude]

LOL that's so true for alot of us! I just installed a garbage disposal and afterwards the dishwasher wouldn't drain so I then read the installation instructions and found there's a plug I didn't remove. Whoops!

[@Sally-nse2]

😂😂

[@addanametocontinue]

Livin' on the edge.

[@EarthCamper]

LoL 🤣

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@@EmeryJude a lot

[@gabriel38g]

20:14 I found a filter that turns water into beer. It's a thing called a BREWERY. I tried the product every weekend for the last year and it's great!😀

[@anitamitchell3452]

LMAO!

[@davesanders9203]

Ha! Ha! All of you do realize that ALL breweries use "filtered" water!

[@skiphamblin2185]

Hummmmmm....... now how did I know someone would suggest this answer? Lol

[@skiphamblin2185]

Yes, Slim really likes his beer.

[@vic2265]

Many filters need to be back flushed and cleaned before storing and filters do not work when temps below freezing. I also use filters frequently for drinking water and I use the 2 filter method. One that is older goes inline first and then thru the "good filter" and I still boil the water as a just to be sure. I am a retired Marine and can tell you water filters do not get rid of everything by themselves. I have drank water from many sources over the years in many different countries and some will make you sick even though it comes out of a tap. At my cabin I use a Berkey that has many filters and my source is a stream which moves and have never had a problem. You have to find what will work for your water source the best. If in doubt boil it. To the best of my knowledge there is not anyway to remove PFAs from the water using any type of camp or offgrid filter so have your water source tested and find one with little or none in it. Great video Slim!

[@debrhein92]

I live at a mountain cabin that has no well for four months a year. I have two large cisterns that collect my rainwater. I have installed a two stage filter under my cabin and use the filtered water for washing. I then take that prefiltered water and use my Berkey for drinking and cooking water. I think a Berkey would work great for your cabin. It’s great because you can purify a large amount of water at all times. You can have plenty of water to keep a pitcher in the fridge and still have water for coffee or tea. I highly recommend you check it out Slim. I think you will be impressed.

[@jordanfolken197]

Slim, I love your videos… I look forward to them every week. Love the way you carry yourself and how genuine you are with your craft…. Much love can’t wait for the next video!!!

[@cwshumate914]

Thanks Slim! It's always a good reminder to make sure to read the documents we'll.

[@dadadit]

Great info Slim, it all makes sense about frozen filters. Dude, you rock, thanks for the heads-up on the rapid-pure system!

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

This was very interesting, & a real eye opener. I'm glad you found something more dependable, & safer, that lasts longer. Love your view in the background from the porch. I could hear the wind behind you, fall is just around he corner. In hopes you have a really good week. Look forward to your next video.

[@SarahGraymatter]

We’ll done SPh Really appreciate your follow through with the research. You’re a resource with integrity Thank you 🙏🏼

[@yourekittenme.]

Thank you for the updated review! Love your videos.

[@pavementendstraveler6574]

As usual you provide us with information that goes above and beyond a simple "review". The extra effort you put into your videos, regardless of the subject matter, is greatly appreciated.

[@robsterTN]

I’ve used a Sawyer Mini for years. Carry a plastic water bottle with the top cut off to scoop water out of a source so it can be easily poured into the pouch. Also, if you squeeze the water from the pouch, be careful not to use too much pressure or the seams on the bag will fail. I also carry water purification tablets as a backup in case the filter fails. 👍

[@williambranham6249]

Same here. The only issue I’ve had is some water sources are full of visible debris so pre filtering by letting the debris settle before using the filter is one solution . I also have used iodine crystals (Polar Pur) and a 2 drop chlorine solution(Forget the name) . I have backpacked on the East coast (US) for 20 years and have never gotten sick.

[@kingmichaelthelastwarrior]

Seems like the straw would go inside the pouch

[@restlesshomebody]

Nice to see you, Slim! Hoping you get back on the road soon, miss your adventuring!

[@paulr.3220]

Yes. You always find something else. New patio/deck furniture for instance. I didn't know about the freezing issue with those small filters. Your answer with the collapsible bucket and filter was genius. Your resourcefulness continues to amaze me.

[@maplehouseknives]

Great video! The Sawyer Mini is one of my favorite filters! I made a video a number of years ago about the Sawyer Mini and some mods for it. Look forward to the next one!👍

[@torrance409]

50 years ago when I lived in upcountry Thailand we filtered our drinking water by first boiling and then putting it in a big pottery container that had some sort of white chalk-like filter inside. Same principle as your DIY device. It actually looked like the modern stainless steel countertop filters that cost big bucks today. I'm still here so it must have worked.

[@patriciaribaric3409]

No way did I expect the water to pour through your new filter that fast. That was pretty amazing, and the fishing bucket is such a great idea. Thanks for the demo.

[@barfass]

Genius! I have a bunch of those under-the-counter filters for your home. I wondered about doing something similar as you did, however, they don't have the nipple at the end and here we are! I am going to buy a couple of these and use them in my camp. Thanks for another great video Slim!

[@vanvorst1999]

Thanks for the useful information and I look forward to your travel videos as fall approaches. Happy Trails!

[@peterdaly6560]

Thanks for the info Slim. I have H2O problems at my cabin and this will be the basis for some fresh thinking to solve the problem. Great informative video!

[@Challway]

Very smart. I love the way you make things work your way!

[@joharmon2148]

This is really great to find something that will really work! And of course you always figure out a way to use things at a cheaper price. Like to folding bucket idea and the lower price. Thank You!

[@lkiraly58]

Smart and clever you are!!! I wouldn't have known about the freezing issue. I have a life straw so I'll definable keep this in mind. Thanks for such an informative video 😊.

[@charlesswank6401]

Slim, your clever, simple hacks are always great! I've used the little Sawyers for years, very handy little filters indeed and inexpensive to boot. And yes, the pouch is wonky. Used water and soda bottles work so much better.

[@stephen.mcguire]

Great info, thanks. I knew about the freezing issue well before I bought my sawyer filters. I tend to only camp/hike in 3-seasons so not normally a big concern. I do love the sawyers but will look into those ceramic ones, really cool thanks again!

[@paranihiaanaru4414]

Excellent research and demonstration Slim. Thank you

[@frederickmoller]

Thanks Slim, I learned some 'valuable' lessons and a 'great tip' about building my own portable water filtration system. BTW I really love your Cabin videos, I always look-out for You posting them...Timmins ON, Canada

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I think the fish bucket idea was brilliant. I'm going to do the exact same thing.

[@elizabethreid9448]

this information was extremely helpful. I have various filter devices stored for emergencies. this bit of knowledge that you shared will save me time , money, possibly a bad experience. thank you

[@mikependergrass308]

I know a guy that turned water into wine…. Great guy!

[@faithrada]

Wow.. Thank You Slim... this was all incredibly helpful. 👍

[@ftkinsella]

Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink! Nice work Slim. Cheers

[@marianfrances4959]

The information is inside the sealed package...available after purchase!! So many gadgets for outdoor adventures fail to account for North-American temperatures....particularly Canadian (and Alaskan) ones! Thanks for this update review, Slim! Much appreciated! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲💧

[@janicem4382]

This information is really helpful. I prefer to camp in the cooler seasons, spring and fall, and there can be freezing and water is essential. Good tasting, safe water is wonderful thing.

[@agesadventures]

Thank for this video! I bought a Lifestraw a long time ago and it sits in my pack for emergencies. I guess I forgot about the part to not get it below freezing. Very good to know!

[@NorthernRetreat]

Thanks for the info, will put it to use in my off-grid cabin. Great video. 👍

[@dewdropn5619]

Thanks for sharing SP. Stay safe. 🕊

[@carriemainquist757]

Great review and very helpful information. Thanks Slim!

[@dt-tv4fs]

I've read many of the comments and excellent! this is another video should get 5 of 5 star review. thanks again.

[@blahblahblah6965]

The port ableness of the collapsible bucket works great for this and just to have a couple around collapsed seems like it wouldn't hurt to have and could be very handy... An your backdrop, while sitting on your deck, is so picturesque. Great job in clearing out what you cleared out.

[@firstmate015]

Coolest thing since sliced bread Slim. Thanks for sharing your discovery and mostly your ingenuity

[@lindawoods6841]

Hello Slim, thank you for this information on water filtration. I enjoyed it and thank you.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...you SP are a genius!👍😁

[@tubularap]

I am shocked. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Slim. And even Sawyer was not "upfront", not having the temperature limitation on the outside in proper lettering.

[@alfamaize]

Thanks for the info- I found you after the filter video, so this is all new to me. And I'm planning on putting a filter on our campers water system- trying to find the most efficient- space and filtration- as we have a small camper like yours.

[@idacowan1082]

Thank you for the updated, awesome information!

[@k9blood01]

Good video, Thanks for the information, It is always the fine print that gets one in trouble. Be Safe

[@ReginaCreates2]

thanks for your videos on this very important topic!

[@warrenjolliffe8969]

Slim, the answer to preventing freeze damaged filters of any kind may be ethanol (ethyl alcohol). With the Sawyer Squeeze use the syringe and after flushing the filter with clean water, chase the water with grain alcohol. The alcohol will act as an anti-freeze and break the surface tension of the water making it easier to drain from a sealed filter cartridge. A little alcohol residue in the filter would probably discourage bacterial growth during storage, and will evaporate quickly when water is heated. It might be fun to try using vodka, rum, or a fine Canadian whiskey. I would avoid spirits with a high sugar content. Ceramic filter cartridges can also be damaged by freezing when wet, and the ethanol flush will work for them as well. I just now saw the comment from Patrick Callahan and others, so I guess it's true that great minds do think alike.

[@allenh7835]

Great info to know, especially when your life could depend on it. Thanks Slim.

[@n8rlvr876]

I’m a big fan of the Sawyer…. Got it about a year ago, but I also did not read the fine print! Good to know about the freezing issue, thanks!!

[@kathyowens9901]

Such a wealth of info! Thanks Slim.

[@TheSlotHeads]

you can find those hose clamps at brewery supply stores, or online. They are sometimes used in home beer brewing.

[@sonnyboywannabe]

Good info on freezing. I would always recommend against the Sawyer mini in favor of the standard Sawyer. The standard is marginally bigger, marginally more expensive, but way way way more reliable

[@peacefulwife5199]

Slim...absolutely lovely video. Recently I had to do battle with a big retailer about a 40 day old coffee pot that leaked water all over my kitchen counter every morning. "Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink." ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge~

[@paulawilliams7030]

This is off topic but I want to let you know that i bought a Woods sleeping bag because you liked yours. I love mine so I have just bought 5 more for Xmas presents for my son and grandkids. Love watching your cabin Reno and traveling adventures.

[@jttrumpet55]

Thanks Slim for the info. Great information. LOL about the final comment about turning the water into beer! :)

[@justlookin3]

Thanks for the new information. I have a few filters which I have never used but want to keep in case the water here at home gets a boil order. Then I could boil and then filter and have a reasonable chance of getting clean water. So far none of my filters have been used or frozen. Wow. Good to know !

[@karnivore5846]

You are a master! You can put this one on your list of most popular videos...Imo

[@ChasOnErie]

Nice to see you out and about … have not watched you for awhile … liked your wood stove design …

[@phoebelong7513]

Great video. I would think about covering that bucket if you are keeping it outside for very long. Great setup for low cost and thanks for all the good information that many of us may not be aware of. Water you going to think of next LOL

[@johnm2056]

Thank you for a great review of these systems qnd doing that research.

[@almamdani6564]

Super useful information thank you so much for making this video and sharing your knowledge

[@davidfawcett632]

Water is life. Very useful for travel and rural NB living. Thank you. 🇨🇦

[@judyabernathy80]

Very clever design, Slim!! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@topherjoe1]

Through hikers know this, they sleep with their filters at the bottom of their bag to prevent freezing and they put them in their coats during the hikes. I agree, this should be a key warning on the boxes and packages they come in. I filter with a berkey in my home, pricey but worth it, and you can do a homemade one with a food grade bucket and filters available online. I like the one you made, filters fast!

[@faithrada]

Yup, for camps or Rv's I think the Berkey Filter system is often a good option. One might say it's a tad pricy... then again.. if you're doubling over with dysentery ... well, you'd pay almost anything I guess. 😉

[@denisefarmer366]

I believe an Alexa Pure filter works the same as a Berkey and it's not as expensive. The replacement filters are currently $89. It works beautifully, each filter good for 5000 gal.

[@Gary-fc5tk]

Great job, you always amaze me on your thinking patterns, fantastic and I only drink filtered water to,,, thanks for another great video,,,,,,

[@mrben6573]

This is absolutely essential information that I had zero idea about.

[@jan6293]

Slim, great information on water filtration! Thanks 💦💧

[@geraldjencks2439]

Smart water bottles will screw into both ends of the Sawer water filter. There is a time and a place for them too. Thanks for a many great shows.

[@skiphamblin2185]

Hello Slim, this is Skip from Michigan, may I also suggest that you are also dealing with Bacteria and other live organisms, they will grow and continue on even if the filter is inactive and may grow big enough to clog the filter, so I suggest a new filter at the beginning of a new camping season and more is the filter is suspect. Thanks for the video, great to see you active again.

[@paulehd]

Great video. One thing for me I would raise the water barrel up 2/3 ft so as not to have to kneel

[@LMay64]

I’ve learned to sleep with my water filters when I take them on backpacking trips. I’ve had katadyne befree dry out and stop working. If I stored it wet in the fridge over the winter, it did fine. Now I’m using a Platypus QuickDraw and I do protect it from freezing. I’m not sure who told me this many years ago. As for a good dirty water bag for your sawyer, check out the CNOC. I have a 2L bag and it has a big slide opening on the bottom and then a regular bottle thread on the other end. Super easy to fill!

[@bettybrigance6784]

Oh my goodness..Thank you for this info...I really had no idea...thanks..👍👍

[@rachelpruneau387]

Thank you slim, great information

[@doncarlton4858]

Another great video Slim!

[@redsorgum]

It’s nice of you to filter out the issues with the filters for us…..😘✌️

[@mikepatton9537]

Very helpful video, thanks for posting!!

[@docink6175]

I detest our tap water so I filter all my drinking and cooking water with a pitcher filter, Ive been thinking about making a berkey style filter with 5gal buckets, your portable/collapsible berkey style filter is really sweet!

[@denisefarmer366]

I've filtered and purified my tap water since 1982, for drinking and cooking. At first I used a table top distiller but later switched to an Alexa Pure, which is very similar to a burkey, just a little cheaper.

[@deanmills5106]

Thank you Slim. You look younger now than in the clip from 2 years ago.

[@contrafax]

A very elegant solution sir.

[@stephentod8299]

Loving the New Ontario glass. Amazing brewery in beautiful North Bay. I may have to get mine out and enjoy a pint!

[@WalksInCamera]

Useful practical advice yet again!

[@kyledutka4550]

After this video I checked mine out that have always been stored in a house at room temp. Yeah mine are pretty clogged too and I serviced them properly with backwashes and blowing the water out and only really ever used them a few times. I think they are all pretty cheap and when sitting they get clogged with debris or calcium or something as well. Probably would be better off to get a Berky or some other thing for filtering water. Just like what you did at the end of the video cause berky’s have those same kind of filters. But that is a cool idea and way more inexpensive and practical for storage and space then a berky with a collapsable minnow bucket! Great idea!

[@mrbillmacneill]

Thanks for the info on the filters man!

[@katpis9121]

Hey that glass looks familiar!! So glad it made it home with you slim 😁

[@SlimPotatohead]

Yes, I love that glass. Thanks again!!! SP

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

Great solution 👌. Enjoy your videos

[@TrailBlazer5280]

I like this idea and its so easy to implement. Not the most compact for backpacking but its plenty for camping. You're already carrying a bag and filter potentially so this is hardly any bigger

[@sellC1964]

So you made a Berkley Filter system. Love you videos!

[@stevekrewson9502]

I have always just assumed that freezing temps would compromise the filter. While out and utilizing my filters, I have always kept them on my person to avoid freezing. I have replaced numerous filters over the years because I just wanted to be sure my water was safe.

[@barbaragriffin869]

Thanks for the great info!

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Slim . Good to know!

[@Sparose3]

Loved it. Great thinking! 👍🏻

[@Gilespargiter]

That is very interesting information. Thankyou.

[@donreinholz8121]

That filter and collapsible bucket work pretty slick Slim. Happy H2O.

[@AlexC-ed1yy]

Hi Slim! Please post more updates of the cabin renovation!!!

[@Lex10999]

important subject. Thanks for making this video. :)

[@danielbell3390]

Hey Slim, this works for me . When experiencing freezing temps after each use of filter ,sip up some vodka to act as antifreeze for the filter fibers. Your choice whether you swallow or use as mouthwash.

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Very informative.Thanks for sharing

[@mykirbs2002]

Great information thank you !

[@RimeoftheAncientGamer]

Good info Slim!