How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier

The lightweight, reliable and easy-to-use design makes the Katadyn Hiker microfilter a great choice for backpacking and trekking.
Imported.
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Filter Type | Pump |
Filter Medium | Pleated 0.2 micron glassfiber/carbon core |
Removes/Destroys | Protozoa And Bacteria |
Pump Force | 8 pounds |
Pump Strokes per Liter | 48 |
Output | 1 liters per minute |
Housing Material | ABS plastic |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 6.5 x 3 x 2.4 inches |
Weight | 11 ounces |
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This filter is great. I've had it for five or so years, replaced the filter once, and I've never had a problem. I don't think it makes much sense to spend much more money on a "better" filter - this one pumps fast enough to keep you on the trail, and is fairly small and light. If you need to filter water for many people or need something ultralight, this isn't your best option. But if you don't like iodine and bleach, I'd recommend it.
I had a Hiker Pro for about 9 years, and loved it. I had to replace it after the handle snapped, so I went and picked up the Hiker (Hiker Pro was out of stock). The filter worked well on my first backpacking trip, but then on the second trip, a four-day excursion into the wilderness, the unit broke and was unusable. The inlet hose connection snapped during regular filtering use. This was so disappointing and frustrating. I can't believe this unit is so poorly made that it could break so soon.
I bought this filter 18 years ago for a trip to the Boundary Waters. I like cold water and hate waiting for tablets to work, so this was the way to go. This filter has pumped 100's of gallons of water for me and my friends over the years from the Boundary Waters, PA, CO, ME and probably many other places I've inhabited since it was new! I'm so glad they still make filters for it. That's actually why I'm writing this review, I'm online tonight buying another cartridge for it. This pump will give you a work out, and if the water is silty/murky wrap a bandana or piece of cloth around the acorn. When you get home pull it apart dry everything out and you will have many years of great use!
I purchased this filter as a smaller unit than the "guide" water filter that I use with large groups. Within 6 months the nipple that the inlet hose attached to broke. The only saving grace is that we were able to submerge the bottom of the filter to replenish our water. REI gladly replaced it but before I had a chance to use it my friend who had the same filter experienced the same failure. I returned mine and upgraded to the pro version. The pro version has a quick disconnect for the inlet hose so it doesn't suffer from the stresses of removing and installing the hose. Going on 5 years of regular use and would recommend the upgraded version to anyone!
This thing is great for larger groups. If I'm backpacking with more than two people I always tell them to ditch their squeeze filters and just share this thing and it is always the right decision. I love my Sawyer squeeze, but this thing kicks it out of the park. The ease of use, the flow rate, the fact that I can drop the tube into water instead of filling up bags and scrambling into a creek, the lever vs having my hands cramp squeezing a bag, and the fact that I have never had one clog up, even with brown water, all beat the ultralight competition. Only downside is it weighs 4x as much.
For the money not a bad filtration system. Bought to replace my old Pur system for a four day Devils river kayak trip. The pump worked well but beware. Treat this pump with kid gloves. The pump housing is thin and the inlet nipple can easily break off from the pump. Also do not screw the filter cartridge in too tight or it will leak past the o-ring. (I machined a plastic cap to protect mine) Again for the price not a bad pump but take care when storing in your pack, drybag etc...
Initially, I was very impressed with the simplicity of this filter (and price). As I went to break everything down and put it back in the pack, I noticed a plastic nipple in the end of the hose I had just disconnected - it was the nipple for the inlet and it had broken off the filter upon removing the hose, rendering the filter useless. Fortunately, this was a "trial run" a week before a long hike, but if I had been in the backcountry, this would have been a major problem. I expect that REI will exchange it and I will definitely use extreme caution from here on, but I'll also always carry a backup method of purification.
This is my favorite filter!! It really fits my style of camping/hiking/backpacking very well. When we get to a water source and the whole crew needs to fill up, this thing cranks out filtered water ready to drink! It's got a great flow rate with the pump, no need to wait on a gravity fed filter and you can fill up everyone's bottle just a lot more conveniently than smaller options out there in my opinion. This is not really an ultralight filter but I don't think weight is an issue at all. It does take up a bit more pack room than other filters, again, worth the space to me. Water is important and I think this filter is worth its weight and space to bring with you on the trail!
I use this product on multi-day backpacking trips on the Appalacian trail, for myself and my two sons.On these same trips a freind had the MSR brand filter.For the amount of exertion needed, the Katadin hiker produced more water and was physically easier to use than the MSR. My freind borrowed the Katin hiker and the next week he bought the Katadin hiker.I also found the Katadin easy to disassemble and clean. The reason my freind bought the MSR is that he was told the replacement O-rings can be found at any hardware store,where as the Katadins parts arent standard size. Although Im not sure that this is true or not.
Bought this for a 3 day river trip. Everyone brought a filter but ended up using mine. Worked wonderfully.