SHOT Show 2016: CamelBak Makes Strides in Water Purification

At AUSA 2015, CamelBak exhibited a compact new water purification device depicted as the Microbiological Advanced Purification System (M.A.P.S.), which connects to the base of CamelBak Maximum Gear bladders, while the drinking tube connects to the top of the device. M.A.P.S. turns dirty, stagnant water into clean, drinking water, CamelBak says, minimising operator time at water sources. Suction from the drinking tube (at drink pressure less than 3psi [21 kPa]) pulls the water through a special membrane that removes debris, as well as bacteria (6-log reduction [99.9999%]), viruses (4-log reduction [99.99%]), and cysts (3-log reduction [99.9%]). According to CamelBak officials at AUSA 2015, this is done via microbiological purification greater than NSF Protocol P248 levels in both Type 1 and Type 3 challenge water conditions, reducing turbidity to less than 1.0 NTU.

M.A.P.S. installs between the reservoir and drink tube (left), uses an integrated microbulb (middle) for easy flushing and performing FIT. Its internal design maximises filter surface area and water flowrate (right).

M.A.P.S. patented Field Integrity Test (FIT) quickly confirms continued efficacy without special equipment, and it is highly resistant to damage resulting from freezing temperatures when emptied according to instructions (M.A.P.S. passes testing to MIL-STD 810G Method 524). The device can operate at 4-60°C, and can be stored at -30° to 70°C. It is compatible with all CamelBak ANTIDOTE Reservoirs and the USMC Hydration Bladder System NSN 8465-01-600-7956.

M.A.P.S. weighs about 145g and is scheduled to be released this spring.