Katadyn Pocket Filter

There is no water filter that can compare to this model Katadyn. I have used the predecessor model of this one since 1969, just replaced filters a few times. It is the only truly field-serviceable model available, and tests better versus the specs than anything else in actual field conditions. Don't waste money on other filters that break, lose their power over time, or go out of style. The engineering changes on this one are great...mushroom handle, clip, better spout and bottom, scotchBrite versus brush, etc. Otherwise, the guts are the same for decades, and for good reason...nothing comes close. I've used it on trips of 22 days in Bangladesh 42 days in the LaConde Jungle, 65 days in the Peten, and 120 days in Hondouras, plus over a thousand nights in the Rockies with no trouble. Mud puddles come clean. I use the Katadyn everywhere but the rare times when I need a true purifier, such as when in the polluted Khlongs (read: sewers) of Southern Thailand, where Hep A,B,and C are present, necessitating a true purifier. Then I am forced to go to General Ecology's First Need (don't know why BC does not carry these!).

One review cited problems with it retaining water...if you pump it four times in the air after you're finished filtering, it clears fully. It maintains its flow rate if you clean it better than any other. A backpacking essential, a world-travel essential, well worth the money.

It seems the 2003 model of the pocket filter no longer comes with a brush, but is supplied with two green scratch pads. It also comes with a tube of silicon grease and a spare small "O" ring. The bottom of the filter is now flat so that it can be firmly placed on the ground or other surface without trying to balance it on a narrow bottom plate. Another improvement is in the output nozzle. It screws into the top plate and will allow a tube to be run to the container. A metel clip is provided to secure the end of the tube to the lip of a container so it will not "flop around" during pumping. Lastly, the handle has been re-engineered into a mushroom shape which allows much more comfort while pumping. No more "T" handle!
At 13,000 gallons capacity per filter, the average owner will never see the day when it must be replaced, unless it is broken. The unit is built to last a lifetime, and comes with a lifetime warrenty, but weighs in at 20 oz.
As an active duty U.S. Marine, this is the model of choice for uncompromising performance, durability, and maintainability in a field environment.

This is simply the best filter out there, in terms of durability, capacity, and effectiveness. It is also extremely heavy and not at all compact, but I would choose it any day over the smaller and less durable Katadyns or any other brand. As an added measure against chemical impurities (which are not filtered by the ceramic element), I use the StopTop from my old Pur Scout on the output hose. The StopTop uses activated carbon/charcoal in a manner similar to Brita or Pur pitcher filters to statically absorb certain chemicals (additionally, the StopTop perfectly fits wide-mouth Nalgene bottles). Apparently, Pur stopped shipping the StopTops with their filters because the charcoal also interfered with the purifying iodine, making the main filter less effective. I don't know if the Katadyn would have the same problem, since the filter is silver-impregnated ceramic, but it sure is convenient. Take note that the instructions are a little misleading about cleaning, since apparently the handled cleaning brush is no longer included. Instead they provide large scrubby pads to clean the filter. Highly recommended.

The sturdiest filter out there and it really doesn't weigh that much more than the better filters that cost $70-80. It is rated to 13,000 gallons- much, much more than its competition. By the time you've replaced a filter once or twice on the competition you could have bought this beauty. Search around the internet, you'll find lots of stories about the problems of other filters, even the plastic breaking. Tips to prolong the life of these things: 1) Use a rubber band to secure a coffee filter around the intake filter (to remove large sediment); 2) Use running water from streams/rivers when possible; 3) Using the floatation device, withdraw water from near the top rather than the river/lakebed, where a lot of sediment is stirred up.

After buying, trying, breaking and returning the lightest, the very light and the pretty light "plastic" water filters, I decided to go with quality over weight savings. This is not a lightweight filter. However, it is the BEST filter when you must have clean, safe drinking water. It is a breeze to use and to maintain. I just used mine for a month straight and had NO problems and did not have to clean it once. It's hard to spend so much $$ on a water filter when less expensive options are out there but trust me, this is an investment you WON'T REGRET because it may very well be the last water filter you buy - it's that good.

The Katadyn Pocket filter is very solid and I'm confident it will give me
years of good use (probably a lifetime). After about 50 liters it became
quite hard to pump, even though the water seemed pretty low in sediment.
This was a noticeably sooner than other filters I've used (especially the
far-cheaper PUR Hiker). Also, the filter does not appear to have all the
parts described in the directions (notably the cleaning brush --- only
brillo-type pads were included). I fear that the absence of the brush may
have led me to clean slightly more aggressively than is optimal, scratching
the ceramic element in a few places.

The best $200 I ever invested! Really, we put this baby to the test in some nasty looking water on our 4-day backpacking trip and it performed wonderfully. I'm only giving one word of warning here; you will notice a slight filtered taste to the water, but nothing that is not worth drinking. Never got sick off the water, thanks to this little baby. It's fairly lightweight too which is a real plus. Buy this one if you don't want to worry about what you're drinking on your next trip.

All of my friends have different models than me such as: the MSR mini works, hiker, water works, and the katadyn mini. Everytime we go out they MAKE me bring mine. It is the most bombproof filter I have ever seen all aluminum construction, new and improved handle, and insane filter life!!! I would have to say the output on this filter is the best I have seen I can fill up a three liter hydromina bag in about 10 min. I would recommend this filter to anyone.

The pocket filter is great, but heavy. I have used at least six other filters and broke them all. This one can not be beat for capacity and durability. The weight is worth good water and this particular filter could easily be the only one taken with a small to large group. I wont carry anything else except maybe micro pur tabs when the water quality is known to be good already.