The First Need easily surpasses the competition because it is the only water "purifier" certified to federal standards that requires NO chemicals to remove all three types of waterborne contaminants:

cysts (like Giardia and Cryptosporidia) bacteria viruses The First Need also accomplishes its purification with a single pass through and no guessing about additional settling times. It's the quality portable system chosen and depended upon by the military and professional outdoors people who demand the very best. General Ecology's First NeedŽ system removes cysts, bacteria, viruses and viral toxins in a single pass.

Effective against cryptosporidia, bacteria, and viruses
unmatched in removing harmful chemicals
Direct Connect to Nalgene bottles
Sanitary cover to protect outlet
Longer tubing
Rugged comfortable handle
Greater capacity and fastest flow of all Self-cleaning prefilter and gravity assist system. No iodine needed!


First Need is the only non-chemical portable certified to instantly remove bacteria, Cryptosporidia and viruses to FEDERAL EPA "PURIFICATION" standards.

It's Quick, Easy, and Convenient!

Connects directly to most trail and bike bottles

Big, comfortable handle

Long, non-kink inlet hose

Fastest pumping rate of all - 1.8 quarts/minute

Backwashable with 25% more capacity

Purifies naturally, instantly and ecologically

No chemicals, hold time or double pumping required

Self-cleaning prefilter/adjustable float FREE with unit

Integral sanitary cover and nylon tote bag

Pump or use gravity feed connections - FREE with unit

No brushing, scraping or contact with pathogens

IMPORTANT NOTE: General Ecology's First NeedŽ microfilter carries an absolute rating of 0.4 microns---even finer than public health requirements world wide. This means no waterborne enteric disease bacteria should pass through. Compare this with other products that will state their "average", "approximate", or "nominal" micron retention ratings, or do not specify absolute. Tighter retentions such as 0.2, even when absolute, do not contribute additional safety, only additional effort to operate and reduced capacity