- Online: www.REI.com
- URL for this product:
- From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
- International — Call 1-253-891-2500
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
First Need XL Water Purifier
$109.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
The First Need XL water purifier delivers convenient chemical-free water purification for outdoor adventures and international travel.
- Unique Structured Matrix 3-stage purification technology provides natural and ecological removal of contaminants down to 0.1 micron, including giardia and cryptosporidia
- Purifier is certified to EPA Guide Standard for microbiological purifiers against bacteria, cysts and viruses
- Also removes dirt, unpleasant tastes and chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides
- Easy-grip, ergonomic handle provides comfortable pumping; double-action pump is field serviceable
- Use the included gravity feed kit for hands-free purification without pumping
- Fast flow rate of 1.89 liters per min. lets you enjoy clean, great-tasting water in no time at all
- XL purifier's large capacity lets you purify up to 150 gal. before needing to replace the canister
- Direct Connect attaches unit snugly to many wide-mouth and narrow-mouth water bottles and hydration systems, sold separately
- Attach the drink tube on your Camelbak® hydration reservoir directly to canister so you can refill without removing the reservoir from your bag
- Additional adapters (sold separately) allow attachment to directly to select Platypus, Sigg and Nalgene water bottles and reservoirs, sold separately
- Included prefilter reduces the need for backflushing; adjustable float lets you position the prefilter exactly where you want it
- 36 in. long inlet hose provides consistent flow and won't kink
- Excellent impact resistance withstands use in the wilderness and during international travel
- Lightweight storage bag included
- 16 oz. weight includes filter canister (does not include storage bag)
Made in USA.
Item 767831
Related Items:
First Need XL Water Purifier Specs
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Dimensions | 6.25 x 4.9 x 2.8 inches |
| Material | Structured matrix micro-strainer |
| Housing material | Polypropylene |
| Removes/Destroys | Protozoa, bacteria and viruses |
| Output | 1.89 liters per minute |
| Pump force | Unavailable |
| Pump strokes per liter | Unavailable |
| Field cleanable | No, must change cartridge |
First Need XL Water Purifier Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Good filtration (32)
- Easy to pump (30)
- Maintenance (22)
- Easy to clean (21)
- Lightweight (13)
Cons
- Bulky (19)
- Hard to clean (4)
Best Uses
- Backpacking (34)
- Hiking (21)
- Car camping (18)
- Day trip (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (28), Casual adventurer (9)
Reviewed by 37 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Low maintenance
- Virus removal
Cons
- Bulky
- Pricey
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
If you go to the General Ecology website you can find a scientific paper written about this filter. It was written and tested by a limnologist out of U of AZ, Charles Gerba (my limnology professor from UNM actually knows him). It shows that this filtration system removes particles as small as polio and rota viruses (and does this to 99.9999% even after the filter had run more then 90 gallons through it and the water had stagnated 48 hours). In my Limnology 496 Lab it even showed to effectively lower inorganic chemicals such as nitrate and sulfate. I highly recommend this system and if I can't convince you read the paper online (its a simple read too). The best aspect being that there aren't any chemicals involved and the water always tastes crisp.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lightweight
- Screws on to Nalgene
Cons
- Filter is expensive
- The filter clogs easily
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
I have had this filter for a long time now, and it works great....that is if you clean it (backwash it) regularly....When I first got this filter, I didn't know about that, and if you don't do that, the filter will slowly start to not pump and it will presurize and the tube that transfers from the filter to the pump will shoot off becuase of the pressure... So, great filter, just be sure to backwash it as often as the directions tell you too.. and when backpacking, be sure to empty all the water out of it otherwise you carrying extra water....Also, the water from this filter tastes great!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lifesaver
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Not for the ultralight
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
- Disaster Survival
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
This is the best worry free purifier that there is, just, as with any filter, carry a extra cartridge and a small bottle of bleach to backwash.
But this is with any filter that requires a back wash, always use a pure water source and a few drops of bleach to backwash. It is just common sense.
This is one of the few filters I recommend when I teach urban disaster survival.
Pros
- Best with gravity filtrat
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
- Very effective
Cons
Best Uses
- Overseas source of water
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
We bought our first need 6 years ago and have used it in 9 foreign travel assignments. Not once have we gotten any illness from the water filtered by our First Need pump. Our trips have been to Africa, Philippines, Inter-America, and Nepal, so there have been plenty of possibilities for infection from water. Not a single one.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
Just got back from 6 weeks in Africa. Climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, and treked though five other East African countries. The First Need XL paid for itself on the very first day of climbing Kili. This water purifier was invaluable. This pump ended up filtering water everyday for every climber in my group. And there were eight of us total. It was easy and quick to use. The water tasted great, and was able to filter anything that came our way. This was one of the best investments I made for hiking/treking. I would highly recommend this unit for anyone thinking about buying a filter. With the amount of water that we were filtering on a daily basis, there is no way one of the handheld pens could have gotten the job done. Save your money, don't buy a pen.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
This water filter is great! The First Need XL has a small footprint, allowing it to go along on backpacks or long day hikes. The pump action is very efficient and it is great how the bottom of the filter canister fits directly on water bottles. On backpack trips of a few days I formerly used chemical treatment (followed by a clearing agent). First Need has changed that since it is so easy to pull out and refill water bottles while on the trail. The purified water tastes great!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Filters viruses
- Good filtration
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
There are other purifers and filters out there that are smaller, lighter, slimmer, and cooler-looking than the First Need, but this is still hands-down the best one for the money. It will easily and quickly pump a large volume of water on both the up and down strokes, and unlike most other packable filters it removes viruses. Another plus is that it's a water purifer, so there's no funky aftertaste that you sometimes get from filters using chlorine. It's not really field-cleanable as some other filters are, although a quick backwash will work to clear most clogs. No other filter at this price combines all of the performance features of the First Need.[...]
Pros
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
Cons
- Bulky
- Fliter is expensive
- Hard to Clean
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Day trip
- Hiking
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
This has been a great filter / purifier overall. It's very easy to use - especially is you have a large mouth Nalgene. It's easy to pump, and the best feature is that there is water flow with the up stroke AND down stroke.
Big Down side is no matter how often you back flush, filter only seems to last a year and the oly thing to do is to replace the filter - which is a little expensive at over $40.00 per cartridge. besides this flaw, I haven't met a filter/purifier that matches it yet.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Day trip
- Hiking
- Overseas travel
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
I've had my original First Need for over 12+ years. It's rugged, reliable, easy to maintain and has yet to let me down. For those who had issues with clogging much of that can be avoided by finding clearer running areas of water to draw from but with the prefilter on, unless you're sucking from mud silty water shouldn't be an issue. To maintain my First Need all these years I be sure I backwash the filter at least twice a season w/ a bleach solution and clean the outside after returning home from every trip. If you maintain this system it should last as long if not longer. I've replaced the filter two times in 12+ years. One of which was after filtering one of the worst water sources I've ever pumped from and that was after a 5-day trip pumping for two people. Gatorade yellow water came out crystal clear, fresh and cold. No sickness, nothing. But at the end of the trip even a backwash wouldn't help the filter so I replaced it, the other was after 6+ years of use and abuse. Needless to say, I recommend the First Need to any serious outdoor person who doesn't want limitations to what or where they pump either here in the States or abroad. My one grip is I wish it were more compact but that's it.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pump
- Good filtration
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- World travel
Comments about First Need XL Water Purifier:
Good product, reliable, massive capacity, however you have to do the maintenance, failure to do the maintenance will shorten the life of the filter considerably. That said, the maintenance is rather easy and does not take much time, just do it or you may be stuck with a filter that does not pass water and, as once it is clogged it is very difficult to clear it enough for it to be usable.
- Gift:
- No
First Need XL Water Purifier Related Items
Things you might need for this item:
You might also like:
Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits
Members are eligible for an annual refund
on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many
more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
Shopping Cart - |
- Log In or Register
- Store Locator
- |
- Email Sign-Up
- |
- 1-800-426-4840
-
Camping & Hiking
- Gear
- Air Mattresses
- Backpacks
- Bivy Sacks
- Camp Furniture
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Tents
- Water Bottles
- Water Treatment
- All Camp/Hike Gear
- Gadgets and Electronics
- Binoculars
- Compasses
- Flashlights
- GPS
- Headlamps
- Knives
- Lanterns
- Camp Tools
- Radios
- All Gadgets and Electronics
- Camp Kitchen
- Coffee
- Containers
- Cookware
- Coolers
- Dishes and Utensils
- Food
- Stoves
- Tables
- All Camp Kitchen
-
Climbing
- Climbing Gear
- Aid Gear
- Ascenders
- Belay/Rappel
- Carabiners
- Climbing Chalk
- Climbing Harnesses
- Climbing Helmets
- Climbing Holds
- Climbing Packs
- Crash Pads
- Rock Protection
- Pulleys
- Quickdraws
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Ropes
- Caving and Canyoneering
- Webbing and Cord
- Slings and Runners
- All Climbing Gear
-
Cycling
- Bikes
- Cruiser Bikes
- Comfort Bikes
- Folding Bikes
- Kids' Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Urban Bikes
- All Bikes
- Clothing/Helmets
- Cycling Gloves
- Cycling Helmets
- Cycling Jackets
- Cycling Jerseys
- Cycling Shoes
- Cycling Shorts
- Cycling Socks
- Arm/Leg Warmers
- All Cycling Clothes
-
Fitness
- Fitness Clothing
- Men's Running Clothing
- Men's Swimming
- Men's Triathlon Clothing
- Women's Running Clothing
- Women's Swimming
- Women's Triathlon Clothes
- Women's Yoga Clothing
- All Fitness Clothing
- Fitness Footwear
- Men's Cross-Training Shoes
- Men's Road-Running Shoes
- Men's Trail Running Shoes
- Women's Cross-Training Shoes
- Women's Road-Running Shoes
- Women's Trail Running Shoes
- All Fitness Footwear
-
Paddling
- Kayaking
- Kayaks
- Kayak Accessories
- Kayak Carts
- Kayak Paddles
- Safety Equipment
- Spray Skirts
- All Kayaking Gear
- Canoeing
- Canoes
- Canoe Accessories
- Canoe Carts
- Canoe Paddles
- Canoe Yokes
- Canoe Flotation
- All Canoeing Gear
- Clothing and PFDs
- Dry Suits and Tops
- Paddling Gloves
- PFDs
- Rashguards
- Spray Wear
- Wet Suits
- All Paddling Clothing
-
Snowsports
- Alpine Skiing
- Alpine Skis
- Alpine Ski Bindings
- Alpine Ski Boots
- Ski Bags
- Ski Goggles
- Ski Helmets
- Ski Packs
- Alpine Ski Poles
- Men's Alpine Ski Clothing
- Women's Alpine Ski Clothing
- Gloves, Hats and Socks
- All Alpine Skiing
- XC and Backcountry
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Backcountry Skiing
- Nordic Touring
- Metal-Edge Touring
- Race/Performance Skiing
- Cross-Country Ski Tuning
- Cross-Country Ski Waxes
- Men's XC Clothing
- Women's XC Clothing
- Kids' XC Ski Gear
- All Cross-Country
- All Tele/Randonee
-
Travel
- Luggage
- Carry-On Luggage
- Travel Packs
- Wheeled Backpacks
- Wheeled Duffels
- Wheeled Luggage
- Bike Travel Cases
- Ski Bags
- All Luggage
- Day Bags
- Camera Bags
- Daypacks
- Duffel Bags
- Handbags
- Laptop Bags
- Messenger Bags
- Shoulder Bags
- Travel Totes
- All Day Bags
-
Men's
- Men's Jackets
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Men's Jackets
- Men's Clothing
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Footwear
- Tall Clothing
- All Men's Clothing
- Men's Accessories
- Balaclavas
- Bandanas
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Women's
- Women's Jackets
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Women's Jackets
- Women's Clothing
- Footwear
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts and Dresses
- Sleepwear
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Petite Clothing
- Plus Sizes
- All Women's Clothing
- Women's Accessories
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Jewelry
- Scarves
- Socks
- Sports Bras
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Kids'
- Kids' Shops
- Boys' Clothing
- Girls' Clothing
- Infant & Toddler Clothing
- Kids' Outerwear
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Ski Clothing
- Kids' Snowboard Clothing
- Eco-Conscious
- All Kids'
-
Shoes & Boots
- Men's Footwear
- Men's Boots
- Men's Extended Sizes
- Men's Sandals
- Men's Shoes
- Men's Slippers
- Men's Socks
- Women's Footwear
- Women's Boots
- Women's Extended Sizes
- Women's Sandals
- Women's Shoes
- Women's Slippers
- Women's Socks
- Kids' Footwear
- Kids' Boots
- Kids' Sandals
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Slippers
- Kids' Socks
- Footwear Accessories
- Gaiters
- Insoles
- Laces
- Treatments
- Winter Traction
- Footwear Gifts
- Footwear Sale and Clearance
- All Footwear
- Brands
-
All Categories
- Alpine Skiing Shop
- Backcountry Skiing Shop
- Backpacks
- Binoculars
- Bikes
- Books and Maps
- Camping and Hiking
- Car Racks
- Climbing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Cycling
- Dog Gear
- Electronics
- Fitness
- Gift Cards
- Gift Center
- GPS
- Hammocks
- Jackets
- Kids'
- Luggage and Day Bags
- REI Gift Cards
- Fast, easy and one size fits all.
- Buy now!
- REI Membership
- REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
- Join REI today!
- Sign up for REI Gearmail®
- and get 15% off selected items!
- Store Locator
- Locate an REI store near you.
- Company Info
- About REI
- Jobs at REI
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Corporate & Group Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Request an REI Catalog
- Shop Our Catalog Online
- REI Membership
- Become an REI Member
- Member Help
- Apply for an REI Visa® Card
- We Care
- REI Gives
- Stewardship
- Volunteer
- Eco-Conscious Gear
- Expert Outdoor Advice
- Expert Advice Articles
- Outdoor Videos
- REI Outdoor School
- Store Events
- Online Affiliate Program
- Become an REI Affiliate
- Help
- Help Section
- Contact Us
- Live Help
- Order Tracking
- Returns and Exchanges
- Shipping Info
- 1-800-426-4840
- Product Safety Recalls
Find REI on:
Facebook 
Twitter 
YouTube 
MySpace 
Flickr