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How To Clean PUR Backpack Water Filters

How To Clean PUR Backpack Water Filters
PUR Water Purification Products designed and sold best-selling backpacking water filters, but in 2001, Katadyn Inc., a Swiss company, bought both the outdoor and marine divisions of PUR. Katadyn continued manufacturing PUR's Hiker product, but it discontinued the PUR Guide Pro. Luckily, Katadyn continues to sell cleaning and replacement products for both of PUR's backpacking water filters.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Replacement element/filter Silicone lubricant Soft brush Bleach Water
  • Replacement element/filter
  • Silicone lubricant
  • Soft brush
  • Bleach
  • Water
Step 1
Remove the pleated glassfiber filter element and inspect it. If it looks dirty and the filter refuses to pump, then the filter must be replaced. Replacement filters range in price from $40 to $50, and they are available directly from Katadyn. If the filter still works, set the filter element aside.
Step 2
Remove the pump's handle, and using silicone lubricant, lubricate the pump's o-ring. Make sure the o-ring, handle and handle's housing are clean of grit.
Step 3
Clean the filter's main housing using water. Pay extra attention to the check valve, because grit can wedge itself into the value, causing the filter to fail.
Step 4
Clean or replace the pre-filter. Use a soft brush to scrub any dirt away.
Step 5
Reassemble the filter and pump 2 Tbsp. of bleach diluted in a liter of water through the filter. Pump until all the solution passes completely through the filter's hoses. Remove the filter and allow the filter to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

 
If you have a PUR Hiker, consider upgrading your filter element to a Katadyn Hiker Pro. The Pro element includes an extra cleanable shield that extends the filter's life. After every trip, run bleach through the filter and air dry. This will extend the filter's life and help prevent mold.
 
If you have a PUR Hiker, consider upgrading your filter element to a Katadyn Hiker Pro. The Pro element includes an extra cleanable shield that extends the filter's life.
 
After every trip, run bleach through the filter and air dry. This will extend the filter's life and help prevent mold.

Resources

Article Written By Bryan Hansel

Bryan Hansel is a freelance photographer and kayaking guide who began writing in 1993. His outdoors articles appear on various websites. Hansel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and religion from the University of Iowa.

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