System Squeezes Out Bottles Of Pure Water

Product: Oasis water purification system

Description: Weighing 6 ounces (add a couple of ounces once the filter unit is wet), the system packages a three-stage filter inside a 21-ounce sport bottle with a drinking nozzle.

Pro: PentaPure Oasis Portable water purification system offers pure water with a twist - you squeeze instead of pump. The filter removes or kills protozoa, bacteria and viruses making this system suitable for world travel. The coconut-based carbon third stage in the filter removes most unpleasant tastes, odors and some chemical contaminants from the water. The 3-micron first-stage cyst filter is replaceable and will filter up to 25 gallons of water depending on silt. The second-stage PentaCell (iodine resin) will treat up to 100 gallons of water and is also replaceable. It’s convenient as you simply fill the bottle with untreated water, screw on the cap and gently squeeze and sip.

Con: This system runs into trouble if the water source is merely a shallow stream or small pothole since filling the bottle will require a scooping with a cup. The combination filter/bottle is heavy. Half the volume of the 21-ounce bottle is taken up by the internal filter. You can’t use water flavorings.

Comments: Great for convenience when heading out on a dayhike or even when traveling abroad - now you can drink the tap water. However, for serious backcountry and emergency water filtration, opt for a pump or other water purification alternative that offers more volume.

Suggested Retail: $29.95 Company: WTC Industries, 14405 21st Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55447; 800 637-1244.