My main problem with all filters is “how do you know it’s working?”
If it cracked, how would you know?

Thus, that’s why I have stuck to First Need. You run blue-dyed water through it. If it comes out clear, it’s still working.

This test fails with all ceramic filters and, so far, every other charcoal filter I’ve tried (like katadyn hiker and hiker pro).

Charcoal filters are supposed to block organic masses/organisms, so the dye test should work.

Also, there are soooo many parts to look after and tubes to be kept separated (for contamination purposes) with the Hiker Pro that it made the First Need soooo much more enjoyable to use. I.e., First Need is extremely simple to use. As an added bonus, First Need will take out the viruses also.

Just more things to think about…

-Barry