A filter element includes at least first and second opposing pleated media sections and at least first and second support structures supporting, absent an inner liner, the at least first and second media sections and being layered between the at least first and second media sections. In another embodiment, the filter element includes a continuous construction of pleated media forming the first and second opposing pleated media sections, in which the pleats have portions of differing lengths, and a support structure within the interior volume supporting the first and second media sections. The filter element can be in the form of two racetracks, a V-pack, or two V-packs. The racetracks can be polygon shaped.