Did you get the bottle or the starter kit?
I’ve used a Berkfeld water purifier for more than 10 years and I think they’re very good.
They didn’t have a starter kit when I bought mine two years ago and the price was more expensive. I paid $299 for the first and then bought a replacement filter, 16 carbon filters and 4 extra pre-filters.
never went through them but if I had to I would be fine.
I used the Lifesaver in Mexico at the Coba ruins. I dropped the bottle into a pond of alligators, true story. They weren’t near me, they were by the tourists, who pay to feed them from a dock and I was on the other side of the pond.
The locals kept yelling “Alto, Malo Aqua!” or something like that and ran over to me trying to warn me in their best broken english, the water was no good.
to which I said “Despacio, es tambien, etc”.
I showed them the bottle and explained what it was and that it would be fine. I purified the water for us and after I drank, they drank and thought it was the greatest thing they had ever seen.
I made a couple of gallons for them.
Told them where to buy it and what it cost. A little prohibitive upfront cost for them but, they understood the concept.
I would like to go back and deliver a few of the jerry cans next year.
That was fun to show them but, the best part was one of the kids, in his 20’s, was waiting for me and my friend when we got to the big pyramid. Yep, my friend and I had called it that all day and wondered what it’s actual name was but, that was indeed the name, Big Pyramid.
I started up the pyramid and the kid came over saying it was much to difficult to climb. I laughed and said “Watch me”. What a sight at the top.
When I came down he was laughing and wanted to give my friend and I ride back to our car. I asked how much and he wanted $5. I gave him $5 and started walking figuring my friend could use the ride as he was tired.
The little guy insisted I ride in the cart and I said “todo?, Junto?”
He said “Si, no problemo”.
I laughed calling him Menso and hopped in.
That little guy rickshawed us, on a bicycle, in a basket that was towed, about 1.5 miles to our car!
Couldn’t believe it! That little guy was pedaling himself plus 400 pounds and he loved it!
We sang “Sabor a mi” on the way back. Too funny!
His sister was waiting at the end of the trail and had made some tamales, in banana leaves. I forgot she had said earlier she would cook some up if wanted it.
She and her brother wanted us to have them. I paid $1 each for 8, as that is the going rate in the parking lot at any grocery store in California. Ate one and it was fabulous.
I gave him $20 bucks, for the ride and will always remember what a great guy he was.
I bid him and his sister adios and left with the biggest grin on my face, for two peoples to share so much, that can’t be written.
One of the best days of my life.
Oh, and if I were to recommend anything to anyone, it would be to get the starter kit.
In my mind a good deal if you have a family or want water for a very long time for you and a buddy.
I am getting the jerry cans for me and my brother in a few months.
With the lifesaver bottle and the jerry cans, I am not going to worry about water for a long time. Especially, since I have hiked all over where I live and know about hidden ponds, streams and creeks.
I also have 10 five gallon PVC camp showers:
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-5-Gallon-PVC-Camp-Shower/dp/B0009PUT20/ref=sr_1_5/190-5442936-3139758?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1248856145&sr=8-5?ie=UTF8&tag=techtamers
I like them because they lay about as flat as possible. I can carry two or three on my back no problem. The handles are convenient. I could even fill all 10 up and place them in a car, on a cart behind my bike, in a wheel barrow, etc.
They are in a pretty convenient footprint.
I also have 5 of the 5-gallon Water Carriers:
and 5 of the fold up water carriers for 5 gallons.
I have no idea if I will ever use them but in my mind, water is the most important resource in the pyramid of needs.
I have the rest, in ample supply, I hope.