Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

Product Information

Note: Use your better judgement when measuring. I have not had an issue with mine, but considering the gauge is made of plastic and may deform, be careful how you measure. Also, if you have used your filter extensively then you know when it needs to be replaced. Lastly, maintenance is very straightforward. You will need to take the whole system apart and rinse it with clean water when you get home. The second thing is that there have been way too many reports of this thing failing after one or two uses. You’re supposed to blow through the straw after drinking to keep it clean, but this really doesn’t do anything to help with the performance. Ceramic capacity depends on water quality. The dirtier the water the more often you will have to clean the element. This reduces the capacity of approx. 50,000L (13,000gal). The quality of your filtered water makes a difference… Katadyn initially filters micro organisms larger than 130µ, ultimately filtering all organisms larger than 0.2µ. This means that the quality of the water you've filtered will be competently potable and delicious.

When you’re traveling with more people, it’s better to consider getting a large gravity filter or pump filter which is designed to last a long time and supply water to multiple people. Of course, another option is for everyone to bring their own personal filter if you each have a specific preference. Its greatest strength is the hose and pump system that allows you to treat as much water as you need.

This makes it more strong than other hand pump operated outdoor water filters such as the Survivor Filter Pro. However, it’s easy to clean the filter even when you’re on the road and the ceramic is silver-impregnated which means that bacteria won’t start growing inside of it. As long as you keep the sediment clear, the Katadyn will continue to work just fine.

Top-quality, durable materials and a cleanable ceramic filter element so not only for clear water but also for cloudy water so can be used hundreds of times. You can also attach the filtration unit to bottles with a 63mm wide-mouth; if you don’t already have a bottle this size, you’ll need to buy one, but it is a nifty feature nonetheless. Another cool feature of the HyperFlow is a little pre-filter which is attached to the hose and floats near the surface of the water. This helps immensely to eliminate taking in extra sediment and contaminants which can clog the filter up much faster. It doesn’t have the easiest operation, and it is quite heavy to carry, but it can give you an endless supply of clean water whenever you need it, and it lasts for a lifetime.Everyone has a different comfort level for how much they carry with them. If you’re wanting a water filter for day trips or weekend hikes, something small and easily portable is more up your alley. Gravity systems—which use an inline filter—are best for groups, basecamping, or anytime you want to filter large quantities of water with minimal hands-on effort. Simply fill the dirty water bag, hook up the filter to the port or hose, and let gravity do the work. Some gravity systems have a separate “clean” reservoir to collect the water, while others dispense it straight into your vessel (or mouth) via a hose with an on/off valve. But gravity filters aren’t for everyone: they’re bulkier and heavier than most alternatives, and you’ll need a fairly good water supply to fill up your reservoir (pumps are better for shallow sources). Finally, gravity filters aren’t our first choice for on-the-go water treatment, as setting up the system can take some time, and you’ll need somewhere to hang it (something to keep in mind if you're headed above treeline). The Platypus GravityWorks is our favorite gravity filter Katadyn Filters are by far the best product on the market. They are fantastic solution to all your clean water needs and you know you are safe with them. We have used Katadyn pump filters all over the World and they are an invaluable piece of kit. The Sawyer Mini uses the same technology as the first Sawyer Filter system, except in miniature. You can use the filter as a squeeze system to filter water for later, or as a straw by attaching it to the top of most standard sized water bottles. I have also used the steripen as a stand alone system when I know that the water is not going to have chemicals or large contaminants, i.e. a fast flowing cold water mountain stream. I do have a high degree of confidence in this system, but also understand the limitations and points of failures (dead batteries, broken UV lamp, etc.).

Even with all the new technology being used to develop great water filters, it’s never a bad idea to consider a good-old reliable pump filter. The ceramic micro-strainer in the Katadyn will dutifully do its job to take out any protozoa and bacteria in the water. Further, the 0.2-micron ceramic filter can warrant freshwater supply even from the most vile, nauseating sources of water. This implies that even on treks where freshwater sources are scarce, the filter will provide you with life-saving water that is free from impurities like bacteria, protozoa, and sediments. Extremely impressed with this filter. As it is the only one I've used, my opinion is somewhat biased. The simplicity of the TrailShot is what makes it so great; simply place the hose into your water source and begin pumping either into your water bottle or directly into your mouth! Lastly, pumping water is simple. Your experience will be as similar as inflating the tires of your bicycle.

Easy Returns

I'm considering cutting the label from this case and employing a lighter case for storage and transport, possibly using a cuben fiber case? The Platypus GravityWorks filter has a 4 liter capacity, which is a good size for couples. Once you fill up the 4-liter dirty reservoir bag, set up the filter hose and your clean water will drip into the clean Platy bottle. Many travelers decide that having a filter is enough of a safety measure. However, as more and more affordable and easy-to-use purifiers are coming on the market, it might be worth investing in one of them.