I found a water filter unit during a sort out in the flat here the other day, that has been little used over the last few years or so, and wondered if it would even maybe still be alright to use as is? I know that this PWP Pre-Mac unit-the British Infantry model one for use with the issue 1958 Pattern water bottle-was bought about the early to mid 1990's and got used for about two weeks or so then. But since that time it has sat in a cupboard and been forgotten about completely by myself, most sadly to say!
Anyone have any idea what the average sort of a shelf life is for travel water purifiers at all? I still do have too a different made bigger unit here as well; that I bought for an expedition that then just never happened, in about 1999 or late 2001/02 time. As that water filter unit is literally "mint in the box", and has been just sitting around here unused, would that one be ok to go as is too, for future use do you think? Lastly a friend having a good clear out of junk has gifted me a similar yet slightly larger sized, also unused water filter unit of expedition use quality. It too dates from the early nineteen-nineties/mid-nineties, and as I say is completely unused, and still in its original packaging this time as well! Would that third water filter unit be good to go do you think, too as it is? Or do the filters, in general although unused/or stored away deteriorate over time anyway; thus necessitating that I must replace the filter units in one or all of the filters mentioned here of question? Any help anyone could give me in to someways answering these questions would sure be gratefully appreciated here!!! Thanks forum!
Well if the filter is a simple plain filter with maybe a carbon core and no active ingredients then I would be tempted to give it a go especially if it is still sealed in the wrapper. I am not sugesting you try it but that is what I would do.
The problem I have found with filters are that they must be dried out after each use to ensure bacteria cannot multiply on or in the filter... Some of the filters can be boiled after or during prolonged use and before an after storage and this is a good feature.
Some of the military filters I have seen have iodene or other active ingredients and personalt I try to avoid any such products especially for use in the UK.
If you take pictures maybe someone on here will be able to help more!
OK, that's the best advice I have so far gotten yet there on this problem scenario, so thank you very much indeed Hayden. You are a gentleman! Helpful advice is always very much appreciated by this outdoors-person!
