Hi folks,
The Pharaoh is back with yet another piece of equipment many people may dismiss out of hand without researching first.
First of all, I'm the backups for backups (complete with indefinite {shelf} life) type of person while at the same time trying keep pack weight to a minimum.
Other than toting a Millbanks Bag (sediment filtration; mud/algea/debris) and Polar Pure (iodine desinfection) and of course my infamous Kelly kettle (purification thru boiling with wood for fuel; see previous post) I have the MiOx purifier made by MSR. So there's nothing preventing me from having safe, potable water, anytime anywhere, no holds barred.
However, here's what I'm getting at. Iodine purified water is fine , but tastes like sh*t. The purified water from the MiOx ain't much better, tastewise . Besides taste, there is a certain health risk involved in the long run. And on top of that, you don't know what's dissolved in your water source in the first place anyhow (heavy metals; toxins; free chlorine; herbicides or pesticides).
I use the Survival Straw in conjunction with either the Polar Pure (Iodine) or the MiOx (free chlorine) to remove the byproducts (- and TASTES!!) produced after the chemicals have done their job. Also, in a pinch it could safely be used solo !
This thing actually REMOVES chlorine/ iodine/ heavy metals/ toxins (i.e. arsenic) pesticides and herbicides from water as well as your typical waterborne critter making you do the Aztec two step.
The stuff that works this magic is called KDF alloy, which is actually a very high purity form of brass (50% copper/ 50% zinc alloy).
Before formulating your opinion in advance, please study how and why it works. You also should realise this is what your municipal water plant is using, as well as your local hospital. So read on...
The reason this product gets a bad wrap in our survival world is because it sounds to good to be true !
And most will simply say: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true, so I'll just stay away from that.
Please, study the web pages included and then get back to me with your thoughts. Even it it was for bad taste elimination only, it would still have its merits.
Please see:
http://www.kdfft.com/HowItWorks.htm
and
http://www.triangularwave.com/f4.htm#Wil...%20the%20water?
and
http://www.lenntech.com/KDF-filter-media.htm

If you become interested, Brigade Quartermasters sells them.

Best regards,
Pharaoh.

well with ceramic/carbon filters you will remove sediments, chemicals and bacteria at the same time. Which is much quicker than with the millbank/iodine combo.

I guess most people won't use a filter after they added iodine, because it's overkill. And it;s not really handy, when you want to do something else with the water, other than drinking.

Does anyone have a link to any independent analysis of the Survival Straw that shows it "actually REMOVES ... heavy metals/ toxins (i.e. arsenic) pesticides and herbicides from water" in any way meaningful to potable water.

Is there sufficient KDF medium in this straw, does it work to a practical degree in the straw, etc??? I'd be curious to read any independent analysis anyone might post.

i don't know about the effectivness of the straw, but size matters, a larger matrix will be more effective. The straw is really small... so i doubt it will remove enough contaminants from more heavily contaminated sources.

The KDF alloy column in the filter part of the straw measures 27mm wide (circumference) and 30mm high. (1.06" by 1.18").
I use it mainly to remove the iodine and or chlorine taste of my water and it does an excellent job at that. Since our tap water is treated with this type of purifier and hospitals and laboratories rely on this technology I think it's safe to assume it does what it's claimed to do. Other than that I like the fact that is virtually everlasting (up to 20.000 gal. cap. if point of entry influent water is free of debris, enter the millbank if it is not!) and a very lightweight and portable device.
Plus the fact if you are getting your water from places with industrial; mining or agricultural areas upstream were heavy metals and pesticides are especially a concern this Survival straw can be a big bonus as the regular chlorine (chlorox/MiOx,etc.) or iodine approach alone does nothing to rid your water of these contaminants.
I find it easier to have iodine or chlorox tabs plus this thing in my pockets or everyday kit than lugging a ceramic/carbon waterfilter around everywhere I go. A Millbanks bag/ iodine or chlorox / Survival Straw combo is extremely lightweight, virtually unbreakable and idiotproof. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Works for me !
Regards,
Pharaoh.