When it comes to wilderness survival there’s one thing that you can’t compromise on- clean drinking water. Whether you are a prepper or a backpacker, carrying a portable water filter is a great way to ensure that your drinking water remains pure.
The Survivor Filter Pro promises some great features along with excellent reliability and portability. So, it deserved a closer look. What I found, left me pretty impressed.
It’s a small and compact unit designed to remove contaminants from any water source. Sounds like exactly what someone surviving in a post-apocalyptical world would need.
In this Survivor Filter PRO review, I will share the following details.
- The details about the Survivor filter PRO
- How it performs
- Pros and cons
- Lots more…
Survivor Filter PRO Review
To start with, let’s check out the main features of this Survivor Filter unit.
What comes with it?
The package contains all the necessary elements needed for using the filter. Here’s the list of items you get with it.
- The Survivor Filter PRO Pump
- 1x Ultra Filter Pre-Filter
- 1x Carbon Filter
- 1x Internal Ultra Filter
- 1x Inlet Hose (3.25ft)
- 1x Outlet Hose (1 ft)
- 1x Hose Clip
- A carrying bag with a drawstring
- A back-washing Syringe
- A User Manual
The entire unit weighs 12.8 oz and the flow rate is 17 ounces/minute (500 ml per minute).
The filter can be used right out of the box. However, it’s best you familiarize yourself with the components before heading out with the unit. That way, in case of any emergencies, you will be able to use it in the best possible way.
The Survivor Filter Pro is a three-stage filter that comes with a simple assembly.
Let’s check out the main filter elements.
Pre-filter
The first stage of filtration begins with the pre-filter. This 0.1-micron prefilter will remove larger particles and microorganisms like algae, e.coli, giardia, protozoa, and cryptosporidium. It can be reused up to 100,000 liters, which is over 26000 gallons. Quite simply, it will last a long time. The filter can be back washed as well.
Carbon filter
The main purpose of the carbon filter is to absorb heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants. It also improves the taste of the water. Survival Filter claims that its heavy metal removal capacity is the best in class.
Carbon particles can remove pesticides, chlorine, and heavy metals like mercury. However, minerals like calcium and magnesium that are needed in the body will sail right through the filter.
Note, this filter has a shorter lifespan and can be used up to 528 gallons or 2,000 liters. So, if you have been using the filter heavily, it’s best to replace the filter before it hits the limit on its lifespan.
That said, the carbon element is composed of food-grade coconut shells. It has an infinite shelf life if kept within the unit and unexposed to the elements.
Internal Ultra Filter
The special 0.01 Micron Ultra Filter can filter out the smallest viruses and pathogens like staphylococcus aureus. As per the brand, it can filter out 99.999% of the viruses. It can be rewashed and used for up to 100,000 liters or 26417 gallons.
Before you ask, a micron or micrometer is one-millionth of a meter. The lower the micron rating, the better it is. When the filter size is below 0.1 microns, the process is termed ultrafiltration.
Design and Material Quality
Coming to the design of the Survivor Filter Pro, I have to admit that its rugged design is impressive. The filter body is made from durable ABS material that will last long.
There’s a steel bar inside the handle and its base for additional strength. Survivor Filter has made sure that the handle is strong enough to last the lifetime of the filter.
In addition, the ultra-filter is made from Medical Grade Polysulfone material. These are high-performance thermoplastics known for their toughness and resistance to high temperatures.
The silicone tubing is made from food-grade materials. All the components are BPA-free.
And the cup-style lid is a nice addition too. You can use it as a drinking cup and it also acts as additional protection for the filter.
Considering that the unit is super-lightweight and only 6.5 inches long, carrying it in your survival backpack is no issue.
Overall, most users found the unit to be sturdy enough to withstand outdoor use.
Honestly, I was not so sure about pulling out the pump with a hard pull during disassembling. But Survivor Pro mentions that the O-rings at the base of the pump are robust and can easily withstand force.
And the best part is…
The unit comes with a lifetime warranty. So, in case of any issues related to breakage of parts, Survivor Filter will replace it,
How do you use it?
The unit comes with all three filters ready to use. The carbon and ultra-filter are coupled together and located in the main filter body. You need to connect the pre-filter to the inlet hose.
To start with, connect the longer inlet hose to the base of the main filter body. Next, connect the outlet hose to the filtered water outlet at the top. A cup is included with the kit for filtered water collection. You can also use any other container of your choice.
All you need to do is immerse the inlet end into the water source and use the manual pump. Loosen the pump handle by unscrewing the pump shaft cover. Once you start pumping the filtered water will come out from the outlet end.
It takes a few pumps to get the water flow started but the pumping action is easy and doesn’t take much effort.
Now, some users might find the hose collapsing while pumping the water.
Here’s the solution…
While immersing the inlet hose in the water source, make sure that the prefilter is fully immersed. This will prevent air entry into the system.
In the case of air entry, pumping can become difficult and the hose can kink. Then, you will need to disassemble the entire unit to release the trapped air.
The flow rate of 17 ounces/minute isn’t very high but not too bad either. Considering the micron rating of the ultra-filter, it’s within the acceptable range.
However, if you’re filtering water for a large group, it will take some time. Even so, there’s no real need to put too much stress on the pump handle.
How to Clean the Survivor Filter Pro?
Note, the flow rate will come down if the filter gets clogged. So, clean it up at regular intervals.
Cleaning clogged-up filters after use can be difficult at times. But with the Survivor Filter Pro, the process of backwashing is super easy. All you need is a stable base to place the filter and a container of clean filtered water.
After you have used the filter for some time, you need to clean it up more thoroughly. Cleaning up the multiple parts will take some time as it requires a disassembly.
Simply disconnect the two hoses and. pull out the pre-filter from the inlet hose. Next, unscrew the cover of the pump shaft at the base of the pump handle and pull out the pump.
Now, unscrew the ultrafilter unit. The carbon filter can be separated from the ultrafilter by disconnecting a clip. Lastly, you can separate the filter base and body and the parts are ready for cleaning.
The plastic components can be cleaned with warm soapy water. The pre-filter and ultra-filter can be soaked in vinegar for a few minutes and washed with warm water. The carbon filter should be cleaned with warm water only.
Make sure to dry all the parts before assembly. Also, never store the filter for long periods when the components are wet.
What contaminants does it remove?
You might ask, do I need a filter that can clean viruses?
Yes, such a filter should be an integral part of your SHTF plan.
Generally, bacteria are the main cause of concern when it comes to water. However, there are viral pathogens that are transmitted to water through human and animal excrement. Some of these are adenovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A and E viruses.
The triple filtration process is highly effective in filtering out a wide range of impurities from the water. The heavier particles are removed in the first two stages. In the last stage, the ultra-filter can remove the smaller pathogens.
As per the test reports supplied by the brand, the Survival Filter pro can clean more than 99.9% of E. coli, S.aureus, and Phi-X174 virus.
Note, the smallest virus known to infect mammals is the Porcine circovirus. These are approximately 0.017 nanometers in size.
That means the ultra-filter can effectively clear viruses from the water. It can also remove other microorganisms like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. These are responsible for various gastrointestinal illnesses.
When it comes to the removal of heavy metals, the filter can remove 99.5% of Mercury, 87% of cadmium, and 93% lead.
And the best part is, the filtered water tastes refreshingly pure and free from odors or metallic tastes.
Do you need to charge it?
One of the best features of the Survivor Filter Pro is it’s completely mechanical. Not only is it super easy to use, but you also don’t need any power source to operate it while outdoors. That makes it a great choice for survival situations when you’re without a power source.
The Survivor Filter Pro X is an electric filter that comes with some of the same features as the Pro model.
But more on that later.
Main Benefits of the Survivor Filter PRO
- The filter is easy to use and offers excellent portability. It comes with a carrying bag as well.
- The three-stage water filtration process cleans up heavy metals and smaller pathogens like viruses.
- All the components can be reused and replaceable. This makes it a long-term solution for your water purification needs.
- The ultra- filter has a long life of over 26400 liters.
- The filter body is made from durable components. That makes it good enough for outdoor use. The materials are also BPA-free.
- The filter is easy to use and can be used to filter any drinkable water source.
- With an affordable price tag, the Survivor Filter Pro offers the right blend of price and performance.
- The filter comes ready to use. There are detailed instructions to help you out.
- All manufacturing and other defects are covered by a lifetime warranty.
- It’s a versatile unit that’s good for everyday use and also during travel and adventure trips. It works great as an emergency survival gear too.
- Multiple users praised the responsive customer service of the brand.
Main Drawbacks of the Survivor Filter PRO
- Survivor Filter has used a plastic frame to keep the weight on the lower side. The downside is, the overall durability isn’t the best.
- The size is too large for ultralight backpackers.
- The carbon filter has a shorter life span than the other filters. There’s no way to track the filter life either.
- The filter can clog easily and may need frequent backwashing.
- The cleaning process takes time and it can’t be cleaned in emergency outdoor conditions.
- Pumping the system for long periods can be tiring.
- The filter can freeze and cease to function in extremely cold conditions.
Survival Filter PRO Review: Overall Thoughts
Overall, the Survival Filter Pro is an awesome tool that reduces the hassles of purifying water in the wilderness.
If we go by the specifications, it beats the competition with a 0.01-micron ultra-filter and a triple filtration process. The ability to filter out viruses is a real game-changer.
No wonder, it has earned great feedback and positive reviews from the users.
The filter is easy to use and the pumping action is not much of an effort. Admittedly, the cleaning process isn’t so simple. But you don’t need to clean it that frequently. Considering the low weight and the plastic body, I wasn’t so sure about the durability. But the filter feels robust and the feedback from long-term users has been overwhelmingly positive.
Even though it’s not exactly a cheap product, you get solid value for your money.
Some users may prefer a filter with a straw attached. However, if you want to collect water for the camp from a distant water source, the Survivor Filter Pro is a better choice.
And if you feel the flow rate is slow, think again.
The Survivor Filter Pro has a 0.01-micron ultra-filter. A filter with a 0.02-micron rating might offer a higher flow rate, but it won’t filter out the pathogens effectively. Above all else, when you are in unknown terrain, you can depend on t Survivor Pro water filter for clean and safe water. I would definitely want that extra peace of mind when stuck in a survival scenario.
Survival Filter PRO X Review: Overall Thoughts
The Survival Pro X offers the same filtering capabilities as the Survival Pro. The main difference is, it’s electrically powered and the filtering process is automatic.
That means you need not use a manual pump for filtration. You get filtered water with just the press of a button.
You can connect this unit to an AC outlet or a power bank. It can also run for 6 hours on 2 AA batteries. The battery life will depend on the quality of water being filtered.
While the triple stage filtering and the flow rate remain the same, the Pro X is slightly heavier at 13.75 oz. It is also a bit bigger in size.
The other difference is in the price tag. The Pro X comes with a significantly higher price than the Pro.
There’s one more point that can make an impact in survival scenarios. The optimum operating temperature range for the Pro X is between 41° to 77° F. Now, that’s a problem when you have to survive bone-chilling winters.
So, is the Survival Filter Pro X worth the higher price tag?
It’s an excellent filter, but for survivalists, picking the Pro model is a no-brainer. The Survivor Pro can be used anywhere without a power source and offers more value for any prepper on a budget.
Even if you consider a long-term urban survival scenario, there’s hardly any chance that you will have a steady power supply. I wish Survivor Filter had provided a manual pumping option with the Pro X in case the batteries run out. But they haven’t.
And to be honest, the pumping action doesn’t take much effort.
That said, if you’re looking for more convenience, and don’t mind the high price tag. the Pro X can be a good option for you.
In any case, choose the Pro X for everyday use and for casual camping trips where you have ready access to power sources.
Final Thoughts
That brings us to the end of the Survivor Filter PRO Review.
No matter what type of SHTF scenario you are in, you will need filtered water to survive.
And the Survivor pro is a solid survival filter that deserves a place in your bug-out bag. It offers unparalleled filtration capability at an affordable price. If you want reliability and value combined with a great water taste, go for it.
The Survival Filter Pro X provides you with the same level of filtration and hands-free operation. But it’s not the correct pick for outdoor survival scenarios. Time to make the right choice.
