I’m trying to make an in-line filter – “trying” being the optional word.
After reading a variety of literature which suggested it, my intent was to hook a SweetWater Silt Stopper filter to a Seychelle filter and connect them both on a hydration tube system connected to my Nalgene canteen. I’d still be treating with Aqua Mira.
I ran into several problems when I tried to make this concept a reality. First, I couldn’t find any Nalgene or aftermarket accessories which had a hydration tube that would connect to the wide mouth cap. Thinking I had a novel idea, I contacted Nalgene who informed me that they had already produced threaded caps with the hydration tube, but discontinued them. After an abundance of whining and groveling, Nalgene was kind enough to send me one which they were otherwise going to throw out.
Once I got the Nalgene cap/tube combo, I split the tube and connected both filters. Right from the start, everything started leaking. It was also a complete pain to suck any water through the tube and required entirely too much effort to get a simple drink of water. I also wasn’t sure which method would work best – having the canteen upside down with the water putting pressure on the cap or having the canteen right side up with a straw going to the bottom. In my frustration and attempts to tighten, relocate, adjust, etc., I broke the end of the Seychelle which connected to the tube.
At this point, I’m pretty much ready to give up, but I know there are entirely too many BPL engineers and wanna-be engineers who likely constructed similar apparatuses with little to no fuss. With that said, I’m humbly throwing myself to the masses in seek of help to remedy this problem. My biggest questions are (1) how can I connect the filter(s) tightly without using a metal/screw corset which would likely puncture it and scratch me in the process, and (2) am I doing something wrong to cause such difficulty in getting water out (right side up, upside down, priming the system, etc.)? The Seychelle is in the trash and I don’t think I’ll order another, so this question is principally for the SweetWater Silt Stopper and any other suggestions that may come up.
Thanks.
