Questions, answered honestly.

Fallback is a four-stage mechanical filter for fresh water. It filters out bacteria, protozoa, sand, silt, mud and the sediment that makes water cloudy.

It doesn't remove viruses, dissolved chemicals, heavy metals or salt, so it isn't for seawater or water you think has chemical contamination. If you're unsure about a source, test it with our water test kit or boil it first.

No. Your own sip pulls water up through the filter. There's nothing to charge, pump or plug in.

8.3 inches end to end. It fits a pocket, glovebox, go-bag or kitchen drawer, and clips to a bag with the included carabiner.

The filter straw with lanyard, a collapsible water pouch, an extension straw, a backflush syringe and 2 carabiners.

Pull both caps off, put the intake end in fresh water (or fill the pouch and screw it on), and sip slowly through the mouthpiece. Water passes through all four stages on the way up.

Fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, rain barrels and stored tap water. Not seawater, and not water you suspect has chemicals in it.

After each use, push clean water back through it with the backflush syringe, let it air-dry, cap both ends and put it away. That keeps it ready for next time.

Store it dry. Once it's been used and has water inside, keep it from freezing, because ice can damage the filter membrane. In freezing weather, carry a used straw in an inside pocket.

It depends on how dirty the water is. Backflushing after each use keeps it flowing. When it gets hard to sip even after a backflush, it's time for a new one.

Standard shipping is $5.99 and express is $7.99. Orders over $100 ship free.

Orders leave our warehouse within 3 to 5 business days, and standard delivery usually takes 7 to 14 days after that. You'll get a tracking link by email as soon as it ships.

For the best chance with standard shipping, order by December 3. Holiday carrier delays can still happen, so earlier is better.

An optional $6.98 add-on. If your package is lost, stolen or damaged in transit, email us your order number and we'll ship a free replacement. No carrier claim needed.

Every order has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not happy for any reason? Email us within 30 days of delivery and we'll refund you.

Email fallbackwater@gmail.com with your order number and a photo within 30 days of delivery, and we'll send a replacement or a full refund.

Email us first and we'll send return instructions. Unused items in their original packaging can come back within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping on change-of-mind returns is paid by the customer.

An optional membership: free for 30 days, then $14.97 a month. Members get 20% off every reorder, free shipping on reorders, a free replacement straw every year, early access to sales and new gear, a locked-in rate, plus monthly readiness checks and priority support.

Anytime, from your account or by emailing fallbackwater@gmail.com.