Katadyn Water Filters Reviews

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter MSR MiniWorks EX Filter Katadyn Micro Filter Water Bottle Katadyn Vario Water Filter

Pocket Water Microfilter

Heavy-duty users may be more interested in the Katadyn Pocket water microfilter. The Pocket features rugged metal construction that enables Katadyn to offer a 20-year warranty.

It uses a ceramic filter with silver impregnation that eliminates microorganisms down to 0.2 microns in size, and which can handle 13,000 gallons of water before it is exhausted. An activated charcoal extension filter is also available if you need to purify your water even further.

The hand-pumped Pocket can process a quart of water a minute. At 20 ounces and 10 inches long, it is somewhat bulkier than comparable filters, but offers reliability in exchange.

Exstream Purifier Bottle

For light use, Katadyn offers the Exstream Purifier Bottle, a molded plastic drinking bottle with an integrated water filter. It holds 28 ounces, and the filter is good for about 26 gallons' worth before needing to be replaced. The filter has been registered with the EPA, and improves water taste while removing microorganisms and parasites.

The bottle's advantages are in its light weight, only 13 ounces empty, and ease of use. This makes it a useful substitute for a standard water bottle for short hiking or camping trips, or while traveling. The filter does not require pumping, although it does need some hand strength to squeeze the water through the filter.

The Exstream Purifier Bottle is available in a variety of colors. The Extstream XR model is even lighter, weighing seven ounces empty.

Hiker Microfilter

Katadyn also makes the popular Hiker microfilter for more long-distance hikes in back-country areas. It is compatible with most hydration bladders on the market, and includes a bottle adapter that can fit almost all available hiking bottles.Using a hand pump, the Hiker can filter up to a quart of water each minute, making it most useful for a single hiker or a pair.

The filter needs to be replaced after processing 200 gallons, but does not require maintenance between replacements. The filter includes an activated carbon core to clean bad-tasting impurities from the water, and also filters out microorganisms including cryptosporidia and giardia.

Best of all, the Hiker weighs only 11 ounces, so it's easy to pack and carry. The Hiker Pro version includes a filter protector and improved, easier to use input and output hoses.