I am really considering purchasing this purifier, however I'm hesitating after looking at so many reviews of individuals having problems with the bottom seal and the piston mechanism breaking. Is this an issue that's been addressed with more durable materials in newer models?
You guys really need to update this purifier to match the bombproof ruggedness of the katadyn pocket filter. I know that the Katadyns only filter and dont purify, but at this price, an all metal construction impervious to leaks and cracks should be standard. Viruses arent as big a risk in the back country as a product that fails altogether when I need it most. This thing is priced to heirloom quality products but doesnt deliver the quality to match. Please get your team of engineers to address this.
You should avoid sewage water at all costs. But even filtered sewage water using carbon would not have a good taste/smell. Pumping clean water through the filter should take care of any residual odors. A best practice in this scenario would be to pump approximately 1 gallon of clean water through the filter, and then use chlorine to clean the filter per our standard filter cleaning/sterilization instructions.
Too bad the Guardian is totally unreliable. So many reviews of hikers commenting on either the piston breaking or the seal on the bottom leaking. Great filter, bad quality control.
