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Extract Filter Review: A Water Purifier for Purists
The new Extract Filter eliminates the need to carry a standalone water purifier by integrating directly into the Specialized water bottle you already own. We’ve been testing a pre-production version ahead of their Indiegogo launch, and you can find our Extract Filter review with Indiegogo campaign details here…
Every now and again, I’ll come across a product and think, “Why hasn’t someone thought of this sooner?” That’s exactly what was on my mind when Ben Kawalec reached out last month with news of his business, Extract. Extract is a new water filter that integrates seamlessly with standard Specialized water bottles (the bottles that most shops and brands use), fitting directly between the bottle and the standard cap. Ben explained that the reasoning for designing the filter was because most bottle-style filters weren’t ideal for biking. In his eyes, they either don’t fit in a bottle cage, use straws that require sucking, or weigh a lot. While there are some options that we’ve found functional for bikepacking, including the Grayl filter and the Hydrapak Seeker/Flux, the idea of a plug-n-play filter designed for standard water bottles was intriguing.
The Extract filter’s design is brilliantly simple. It’s an in-line filter that has threads on the bottom to thread onto any Specialized bottle and a second set of threads on the top to accept a standard Specialized cap. It uses a three-stage filtration process to ensure safe drinking water, removing 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, and 99.95% of cysts, as well as heavy metals, particulates, and chemicals. This includes Rotavirus, Norovirus, Hepatitis A, E.Coli, Salmonella, Dysentery, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and amoebae.
The filter uses a three-step process. First, electroabsorption works like a magnet to grab onto contaminants as they pass through. There are nano fibers that generate a positive charge when wet, attracting negatively charged contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. According to Extract, this technology allows for the filters to have a much higher flow rate compared to other methods. The second step uses activated charcoal to absorb contaminants such as chemicals and heavy metals while also improving the taste of the water. The third and final step is a mechanical filter, catching larger contaminates like such as sediment or microplastics.
The filter itself has no moving parts and weighs a scant 53 grams (1.9 ounces). It’s the same diameter as a Specialized bottle (about 2.75″ wide) and adds only 1″ between the bottle and cap. Using the Extract filter is as simple as you might expect. The idea is that the filter lives on the bottom of the standard bottle cap, and you just need to remove them, fill the bottle in a creek, lake, or other water source, replace the filter and cap, and continue on your way. You can drink directly from the bottle as you normally would or squeeze the filtered water into a pot or bladder.
There is some significant resistance and a decreased flow rate because of the filter, but it wasn’t enough to frustrate me during my testing. It requires a good squeeze to create enough flow to drink from and is a big change for anyone who regularly uses Specialized bottles. I compared a standard bottle’s flow rate to the Extract filter side-by-side and the flow rate is approximately half as slow. The normal bottle emptied in around 20 seconds, while the Extract-equipped bottle was still about half full and required about twice the force to create a steady flow. I can only assume that will decrease over time as the filter gets dirty, and Extract hasn’t shared any info about how to clean it or if you can. According to Extract, the filter has a lifespan of around 150 liters, depending on the quality of water being filtered. Replacements cost $30 each, which is right on trend with other small squeeze-style water filters. Unlike hollow fiber membrane filters (like those from Lifestraw or Sawyer) the Extract filter cannot be backwashed. They recommend cleaning it with tap water to remove sediment on the outside, but not to use soap.
The Extract filter is compatible with all Specialized bottles, including their 2nd GEN 21 & 24 oz, Purist 22 and 26 oz, Hydroflo, Team, and Chromatek bottles. It is designed to pair up with their lids, which includes the Specialized MOFLO 2.0, FIXY, Watergate, FIXY 2.0, and OMNI lids. The only real unknown at this point is if their claims of the filter lasting 150 liters is accurate, so I’ll be sure to keep on experimenting with it this winter to see how it holds up.
Extract’s Indiegogo campaign is live now, giving folks the ability to help them produce the first run of filters with the bonus of discounted price. The standard price for the filter is $30 without a bottle and $40 with one. Indiegogo prices are $25 and $30, respectively. There’s also the option to purchase two filters for $45 and two filters + two bottles for $60. The plastic housing is made in China, where the filter is assembled, and the filtration media is made in the U.S.
Pros
- Integrates into a standard Specialized bottle
- Low-profile and lightweight
- Affordable
- Filters out all the nasty stuff
Cons
- Considerably decreases flow rate
- 150 liter lifespan isn’t great
- Cannot be backwashed
- Material: BPA-free ABS Plastic
- Weight: 53 grams (1.9 ounces)
- Place of Manufacture: China/USA
- Price: $30 USD (filter only)
- Manufacturer’s Details: ExtractFilter.com
Wrap Up
When Ben Kawalec of Extract got in touch a month ago, I was sold on the concept of a filter that threads directly into a standard Specialized bottle. Truth be told, I prefer to drink out of Purist bottles over bladders, soft flasks, and other types of squeeze bottles. Plus, most brands have a customized version, including my local cycling association, so it’s an easy way to represent wherever I end up riding. While this is more of a first look than a long-term review, I’m impressed by the overall design and functionality of the Extract Filter. While there’s a noticeable decrease in flow rate, it filters water and goes relatively unnoticed for anyone who likes the simplicity of Specialized bottles. Head over to ExtractFilter.com to learn more or check out their Indiegogo campaign to support the project.
Further Reading
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