Aquamira Frontier Pro Gravity Flow Mode?

I think that when the Frontier Pro was spotlighted on BPL a few months ago, they talked about using it as a gravity filter by removing the bite valve to allow water to flow freely thru.

-Tony

I had this same question a short while back. When I got my Frontier Pro it didn't seem to me that the bite valve can be pulled off without breaking it, but in fact it is easy to remove. Just grab the rubber around the plastic stem, give a twist and pull; both pieces will pop right off. It is a simple pressure fit, held in place by the tension of the rubber outer sleeve.

Michael

For anyone using this configuration, what are your thoughts about it? I've been bouncing a few options in my head and buying a few different things along the way. I'm trying to find the optimal point between maximum protection and minimum weight. One side has to give to get more to the other.
Adding a viral filter to a hanging bag gravity filter makes it only marginally lighter than a hand pump filter, but still better protection. I'm thinking the Frontier Pro connected to a Platypus could act as a prefilter to an inline purifier, and still weigh less than my current ULA Amigo Pro. I like the idea of getting away from chemicals, but chemical treatment plus the Frontier Pro may be my lighest/best option. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Chris

My current method is combining chemicals with the Frontier Pro. For those who aren't paranoid about using chemicals, this set up allows you to use either Micropur or el cheapo household bleach or iodine. The chemical's job is to neutralize/kill viruses and bacteria while the filter traps the bigger and harder-to-kill protozoa — and removes any chemical taste. The Frontier Pro can be used as an inline filter, a "drinking straw" or a gravity filter.

Chris — how did your Sawyer try-out go?

Heh. It didn't.
I almost forgot about a friend's birthday party and doing a few other things yesterday. Today, I'm in detox mode and doing some chores around the house while cooking a pot of red sauce. Spaghetti tonight! Depending on how much energy I have later, I might spend some time out on the back porch. If so, I'll break out the filter. Otherwise it will probably be a few days. This week is looking to have me in the office for a few nights, so free time will be at a premium in the coming days. I feel a camping trip coming on next weekend!

Heh heh, I see. Detox, then spaghetti. Sounds like a good plan for a Sunday evening. :)

How about something informal and very unscientific due to my inability to give it top priority right now?
A quart of water was dumped into a ULA Amigo Pro gravity filter with the valve turned off. The Amigo was then hung from a hook normally holding one of my bird feeders. I then connected the purifier portion of a Sawyer SP135 to the end of the hose and placed a pitcher directly below it to catch the water. I did not pre-flush the purifier prior to use, as the manufacturer recommends.
Once the valve was turned on, it took between 18-20 minutes for the water to go from the bag to the pitcher.
I then applied the faucet adapter to the purifier and pre-flushed per recommendation. It was obvious there was still a lot of air in there. Once the stream looked steady, I reinstalled the purifier back to the end of the hose below the gravity bag, turned off the valve and poured the pitcher of water back into the bag.
Once the valve was opened, that same quart of water was in the pitcher in about 4 minutes.

Just as I expected — and as the Sawyer rep explained. Thanks for posting, and enjoy your new purifier.