Finding The Best Katadyn Water Filter - Katadyn Filters Review

The katadyn water filter reviewed for those searching for a camping and backpacking water filter that's efficient and performs well on the field, including the Katadyn pocket water filter and Katadyn hiker pro.

About The Katadyn Water Filter

Katadyn water filters are rated as one of the top backpacking and camping water filters by the Swiss company Katadyn.

Katadyn filters amongst other water purification systems have been produced by Katadyn for over 80yrs for outdoor enthusiasts, army units, and various international relief agencies.

Katadyn also supply Trek n Eat freeze dried foods and the popular Optimus backpacking camp stoves within the Katadyn group.

Many outdoor enthusiasts class a Katadyn water filter as a necessary piece of survival kit, whilst others, out of preference, use a filter to reduce backpack weight on the trail, from lessening the amount of water to be carried.

Whats The Best Katadyn Water Filter ?

Katadyn Hiker - Katadyn Hiker Pro

The Katadyn hiker is the best all round choice of Katadyn filters, that's lightweight with a simple design that's easy to use.

The Katadyn hiker pro has added a removable filter protector that extends cartridge life, also quick connect fittings makes installing and removing hoses easier and an additional hydration connector for fitting to hydration packs.

The Katadyn hiker is hassle free that can make filtering second nature, with a 1 minute flow rate, and filtering 750 liters (198.12 gallons) of water, dependant on the quality of water.

Some consumers have stated the cartridge does not last as long as 750 liters as advertised, although I wonder how they counted. This is also advertised based on what condition the to be filtered is in. In short, the dirtier, the less time a filter will last, and we thought it ws rocket science.

The Tech stuff: Anti-clog pleated cartridge requiring no cleaning, filters protozoan cysts and bacterial down to 0.3 micron with activated carbon granulate to reduce bad tastes, odours etc. Also pleated cartridge allows pumping to be easier. In truth, should keep all out apart from viruses.

The Katadyn hiker costs approx $60 and the hiker pro less than $80, although extra costs incur for replacement cartridges of approx $40. Weighs 11 oz and most reviews give high ratings as a backpacking water filter for 1-2 or more users.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

The Katadyn pocket water microfilter is a robust filtering device from the Katadyn endurance range designed to last, under heavy usage for a considerable length of time with a metal body (shell) and ceramic filter.

The silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa. The Katadyn pocket is the only water filter with a 20 year warranty, that can cause less grief for the money invested.

The flow rate is 1 litre per minute, and will filter up to 50'000 litres of water, depending on water quality. That takes some usage to deplete...

The Katadyn pocket water filter is for outdoor enthusiasts that prefer a solid dependable long lasting filter rather than considering weight and the initial investment of approx $290.

The filter lasts much longer than the hiker filter that saves money long term, that's worth considering if you plan to use a backpacking filter for lengthy trips.

Quite heavy at 20 ozs and owners all agree the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter has no issue viable for complaints or disadvantages. Primarily weight and costs will determine decision making.

Katadyn Vario

The Katadyn vario water filter is a super fast filter that produces 2 litres of safe drinking water, per minute.

The cartridge cleans up 1875 litres of water depending on the water quality. In pretty dirty water conditions, a ceramic disc can be switched into place to extend the life of the carbon filter cartridge, making the Katadyn vario water filter, cost efficient .

The 0.3 micron high surface area pleated glassfiber microfilter removes water-borne bacteria and cysts. Replaceable carbon core reduces chemicals, pesticides, and bad taste in the water. An adapter base attaches directly to water bottles, or an output hose can be used to fill hydration systems or larger containers.

This Katadyn filter also has a replaceable carbon core that keeps water tasting fresh; reduces chemicals, odours, and toxins throughout the life of the cartridge.

You will need to take care of this a little more than other filters and use the maintenance advice carefully, because some consumers have had issues that other buyers overcome by following the maintenance manual.

The Katadyn vario consists of three filter levels: A high-performance glass fibre filter, a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted individually, according to the cloudiness of the water, and active charcoal for eliminating odours. If the water is extremely cloudy, the ceramic pre-filter can be fitted in a moment in order to extend the service life of the glass fibre filter, and this is what makes this Katadyn water different from the rest.

Weighs 15 oz, and reasonably priced for a backpacking camping filter at approx $80. For those that want a variable output system to prolong filter life and do not need the costs, durability and weight of the rugged Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, then this may be a viable option .

Finally; Buying a Katadyn Water Filter

Many outdoor stores stock Katdyn filters, although some may stock the Katadyn hiker pro or Katadyn pocket water filter and not the mini filter, combi or other types.

Below are other Katadyn filters available.