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First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier

Item #: 81249

Our Price: $89.97

Regular Price: $109.99

SAVINGS: $20.02 (19%)

The First Need XLE ELITE water purifier is the only purifier certified to EPA Standards (cysts, bacteria and viruses) without using chemicals. This water purifier removes pesticides and provides deliciously refreshing water instantly on one pass through. Ecological, actually removes microbes using reliable molecular capture, it has ultrafine microstraining (to 0.1 microns) and other purification mechanisms. This filter features a self-cleaning pre-filter which extends the time between main cartridge cleanings. The cartridge is designed to mount directly to trail and bike bottles and dromedary bags. The sealed canister protects users from accumulated cysts. Includes a 36" long hose to dip into water source. Includes tote bag and gravity feed kit.
Key Features:
  • The only purifier certified to EPA Standards (cysts, bacteria and viruses) without using chemicals
  • Removes pesticides
  • Self cleaning pre-filter extends the time between main cartridge cleanings
  • Sealed canister protects users from accumulated cysts
  • Includes tote bag, gravity feed kit, and 36" long hose
  • Made in the USA
  • Cleanout Port extends cannister life.
  • Average Flow Rate: 2qt per minute
  • Average Cannister Capacity: 180 gallons
  • Temperature Range: 33°F (.5 c) to 100°F (38 c)
  • Micron Retention: 0.4
  • Weight: 16 oz
  • Pump Length: 6.25"
  • Tube Length: 36"

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
General EcologyFirst Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier
 
4.8

(based on 82 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good filtration (76)
  • Easy to pump (74)
  • Easy to clean (59)
  • Maintenance (52)
  • Lightweight (41)

Cons

  • Heavy / bulky (20)

Best Uses

  • Backpacking (71)
  • Hiking (60)
  • Day trip (42)
  • Car camping (38)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (37), Avid adventurer (36), Military/law enforcement (5), Outdoor professional (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (74), Yes (4)

Reviewed by 82 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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5.0

When only the "BEST" will do...!

By Robo

from Blueridge Mts.

About Me Professional/Guide

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

  • Bulky

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Car Camping
  • Day trip
  • Hiking
  • Wtshtf

Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

The new flush port extends filter's life.. A+

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

 
5.0

Best water purifier on the market!!

By Greg the hiker

from West Virginia

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to pump
  • Good filtration

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking
    • Day trip
    • Hiking

    Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

    I have used its older version for quite some time and loved it. Great for large groups and is built to stand up to very heavy use. Much better than most of its competators. works very well in freezing temps as well when other units are breaking and handles are falling off.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Great Purifier

    By ScoutingDude

    from San Diego, CA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Hiking

      Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

      My son filled up every scout's water bottle in his boy scout troop with cold, clean mountain stream water on a recent backpacking trip. It worked flawlessly. Very impressed with the ease of use and the quality of the water. I recommend this for anyone who is backpacking and doesn't want to carry a lot of weight in water.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Great Filter!!!

      By AzSteve

      from Phoenix Az

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to pump
      • Good filtration

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Day trip
        • Hiking

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        I used this bad boy at two lakes in Arizona. Lake Pleasant and Saguaro Lake. Both had nasty water. After one pass through, I got fresh tasting water. This offers the best filtration for the right price.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        very cool

        By cobra

        from midwest

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to clean
        • Easy to pump
        • Filters All Microbes
        • Good filtration

        Cons

        • Bulky

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Day trip
        • Hiking

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        although its a lil bit bulky, it's prolly the best filter out there to date, you do need to buy the adapters (i found that out after receiving)

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Best there is for staying safe

        By Researcher

        from Helena National Forest Montana

        About Me Professional/Guide

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to clean
        • Easy to pump
        • Good filtration
        • Lightweight
        • Removes Chemicals

        Cons

        • Could Be Tougher

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Day trip
        • Hiking

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        There is no device better for it's size, price, and safety. Even in Glacier National Park there is water that appears crystal clean to the eye that is unsuitable for wildlife because of chemicals (tested by scientists). Filters do not remove half the things that are bad for you including chemicals, the Elite Purifier does. Read the labels before wasting your money on other products.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Good for Emergency Preparedness

        By Brad

        from Los Angeles, CA

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

        • none

        Best Uses

        • Emergency preparedness

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        I have this for emergency preparedness. It worked well when I tested it and all of the reviews about this product on every vendor's website about ease of use, quality and reliability are the highest. I live in Southern California and if municipal water supplies become polluted after a major natural disaster, this will come in very handy and be a potential lifesaver.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        product's name say's it all First Need

        By flyfisher66

        from South Bend, IN

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to pump
        • Low maintenance

        Cons

        • Bulky

        Best Uses

        • All Day Fly Fishing Trip
        • Day trip

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        Because I have not used I can not rate its use but I can mention that it is quite light weight and seams quite durable. I plan on using as the weather begins to break and the fish become more active.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        First Need XLE Elite Water Purifier

        By JA Says

        from Central California

        About Me Military/Law Enforcement

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to clean
        • Easy to pump
        • Good filtration
        • Low maintenance
        • Removes Everything Nasty

        Cons

        • Bulky

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Day trip

        Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

        I have used a First Need water purifier for ten years of duty with the US Government and can say that this is the finest purifier on the market, bar none. Once on a training mission we lost a helicopter extraction and my team was stranded overnight surrounded by rivers but everyone had kicked their hydration packs and canteens. Out came my First Need and we had a squad-sized organization re-hydrated in around an hour. Critical to this piece of equipment is the fact that it removes not just bacteria and protozoa but viruses as well. Look closely at other major-brand purifiers and you will see that not many remove viruses. This piece of equipment is well made, resilient in heavy outdoor use and packs well. The only drawback is it is a little bulky but that's no tradeoff compared to what you get in return... clean, safe drinking water and large volumes of it.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        GREAT UNIT

        By R.J.

        from YAKIMA,WA

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Backpacking
          • Hiking

          Comments about General Ecology First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier:

          BEST PRICE ONLINE!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          Displaying reviews 1-10

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          Do you have questions about this product?

          get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.

          35 Questions | 41 Answers
          Displaying questions 1-10Previous | Next »
          • Q:

            Is this compatible with platypus sl bladders?
            Asked on 4/1/2013 by Ponzy

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              The best compatibility would be with a zip platy because you can open it up wide. The non zip platypus would not compatible.

              Answered on 4/1/2013 by Steve from Campmor
          • Q:

            Does anyone here actually have used this filter up to ~150~ gallons of water? How does the pump held up after those 150 gallons. It seemed the filter is the best filter out there but the design of the pump bothers me. Can it be dissassembled so parts/o-rings can be cleaned with bleach before storing? Thanks in advance
            Asked on 4/1/2013 by Ponzy

            0 answers

          • Q:

            Space is an issue for me, what are the dimensions of the product? Also, will it remove chemical contamination?
            Asked on 2/24/2013 by Bill from Hudsonville, MI

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              The General Ecology First Need XLE Elite Water Purifier is 6 inches tall, 5 inches wide and 3 inches thick.

              Answered on 2/27/2013 by Bob from Campmor
          • Q:

            Does product filter for radioactive contaminated water? If not, which product(s) can you recommend for this?

            Also, can this product be backflushed with bleach, instead of just with clean water for storage?
            Asked on 2/14/2013 by Connie Durand from Wasilla, AK

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              The GENERAL ECOLOGY First Need XLE ELITE Water Purifier will filter out all radioactive isotopes that are in particulate form and undissolved. If the isotope is dissolved and not in particulate form it will pass through the purifier. Back washing with chlorine is not advised because it will clog the filter. Backwash with clean water only.

              Answered on 2/15/2013 by Steve from Campmor
          • Q:

            If this unit sits unused for months between trips does it present a problem?
            Asked on 2/3/2013 by Joe from Tequesta, FL

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              Long idle times will not be a problem, just make sure that when you store it you have back washed with clean water. Store in a ventilated area, preferably cool.

              Answered on 2/5/2013 by Anonymous
          • Q:

            Can anyone comment on how this product compares to the Katadyn line of water pruifiers? I am unsure which to purchase. Thanks for any help you can provide.
            Asked on 1/22/2013 by Melissa from Jupiter, FL

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              The First Need will eliminate viruses, unlike the Katadyn Hiker Pro and Vario. The cartridges of the Katadyns do have a higher capacity and do not need to be replaced as often.

              Answered on 1/23/2013 by Anonymous
          • Q:

            Will a narrow mouth Nalgene bottle connect to this filter?
            Asked on 9/2/2012 by Bushcrafter from New Jersey

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              There are 2 threaded mounts one for a wide mouth and the other for a narrow mouth nalgene bottle.

              Answered on 9/4/2012 by Steve from Campmor
          • Q:

            I am travelling to Ghana and wondered if this is recommended for use while travelling in Africa.
            Asked on 8/21/2012 by Jeremy from Mason City, IA

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              Yes, this is recommended. It will get rid of bacteria, cysts and viruses. This will provide you with potable, risk free water in third world nations.

              Answered on 8/22/2012 by Anonymous
          • Q:

            I am traveling to Ghana. Wondering if this is recommended for travel in Africa?
            Asked on 8/14/2012 by Jeremy from Mason City, IA

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              Yes, this is recommended. It will get rid of bacteria, cysts and viruses. This will provide you with potable, risk free water in third world nations.

              Answered on 8/15/2012 by Anonymous
          • Q:

            is this ceramic
            Asked on 8/13/2012 by Jeff R from Camp Verde AZ

            1 answer

            • Staff Reviewer

              A:

              No it is activated charcoal without a ceramic sleeve.

              Answered on 8/14/2012 by Steve from Campmor
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          Do you have a question about this product? 

          Weight 16 oz.
          Size 6 in. x 5 in x 3 in.
          Removes cysts, bacteria, viruses, parasites, microbes
          Pore Size .1
          Pump Strokes/L -
          Cart Capacity 150 gal.
          Liters per Minute 1.9 L/min.

          PLEASE NOTE If you live in the state of Iowa, we are unable to sell you any water purification system due to Iowa Department of Public Health Restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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