Deathwind,

I have never used the Frontier, but they do not meet the EPA standards for bacterial removal and don't even make the testing they discuss available on their web site. In most US sites, cysts and bacteria are the two most important problems. Although they remove cysts, the hardest to treat with chemicals, they don't show their removal of bacteria (easier to treat with chem methods). Since the straw does not allow for chemical treatment, I would be reluctant to use it in any but the most pristine environments. Since it uses activated charcoal as part of its removal process, it also has a shelf life of a few years. Check that the unit is in good shape, several reviews have indicated damaged units taken from the package. I would keep it for an emergency kit until it expires.

Respectfully,

Jerry