Katadyn Pocket Ceramic Hand Pump Water Filter

I have owned backpacking water filters over the last 35 years. I like the plastic pump filters by first aid and msr and still own one of each. The squeeze filters are light and convenient and I own a few but I just don't like or trust them as far as durability goes. The katadyn pocket filter is not the lightest filter on the market at close to two pounds, not actually smaller otr lighter than the msr either. What this filter has going for it from my point of view is the extream build quality and durability. No plastic barbs to break off, no plastic parts in any critical area other than the body / tube and even that part is well made and actually overbuilt. With a 13000 gallon ceramic filter life if I get even half of that I will be happy. I see no inherent issues with this filter that other filters don't have. In freezing weather you will need to protect the filter from freezing. Any ceramic filter regardless of the brand will have an issue with freezing. One downside on that note is you will not be putting this filter in your pants pocket or jacket pocket. But again you can't pocket carry the first aid or msr filters either. No ceramic filter will eliminate viruses, if viruses are an issue you will need to chemically treat the water or boil over a flame. I added the charcoal katadyn add on filter to reduce the off taste of river water. Not totally necessary but a nice addition to this filter as it fits into the standard carry pouch with no problems. The ability to filter water is critical in my outdoor endeavors and I feel confident that this filter will last a lifetime.

Purchased this item through Amazon while in Iraq. I couldn't be more pleased with what arrived. Save a quick buck on a cheeper solution, risk your health and safety with less capable products, or purchase a waranteed item that is tested and utilized by the life-saving organizations of the world? I don't like chintzy things. If I buy something it needs to last. The Katadyn is not only made and waranteed to last, but it does so in a way that also provides the consumer with almost a lifetime of use from a single filter (depending on usage patterns). For $100 more than the next guy is asking you're geting 8 times the volume of safe, drinkable water, from a single filter. My biggest concern in Iraq was the supply of safe water on longer missions, or in the event of an emergency. We're well provided out there with the necessities, but it is nice to be prepaired. Things happen. What I had in my pack was something that on more than one occassion I was able to use in the Tigris, at some of the waddis and some of the rainwater runnoffs for longer missions. The Tigris is higly polluted from factory and farm runoff...among other things, but I was able to fill a camelback without an ounce of concern for my health. There's a learning curve to using the device, and there are videos showing proper techniques. Cross contamination is the name of the game...keeping the unfiltered elements away from the filtered ones. Katadyn makes a point of this in the manual, and provides a carry case that aids in seperating the components. Thje device is solid and sturdy. The handle and end caps are metal and designed to be used by positing the filter upright on a solid surface. Care and maintenance is easy, and as long as you follow the directions to avoid cross contamination you will continue to pump thousands of liters of safe drinking water. If you're worried about the price, consider what you are buying. A life saving product needs to last, even if it's only for a hobby. You are much more likely to misuse a cheaper product by trying to filter sketchy water beyond the filter's capacity.. and unfortunately the only way you will know is when you become ill. The Katadyn has a massive filter life, along with a handy gauge to let you know when it's time to replace the filter (although few will ever need to do this unless they're working for one of the humanitarian organizations). It's sturdy, it's tough, it's made by people who understand that safety should not be compromised for a few dollars or ease of use. If you buy a Katadyn, you're buying quality and ease of mind. I HIGHLY reccomend this product to all readers of this review.

I'll start off by repeating what everyone has already said. This is a virtually perfect filtration system. Robust beyond belief, rugged, reliable, and makes pod scum water into filtered tap water. Now, on to my real reason for this review. I have a Camelbak. I want to use my Katadyn Pocket with my Camelbak. I have a massive backpack strapped on, and my camelbak is stuffed deep somewhere safe in my pack. To filter I must drop pack, dig into my pack, and pull out the Camelbak before I can even begin to filter water. To solve this, I simply bought *TWO* of these HydroLink Filter Adapter . I cut my camelbak tube about a foot from the bite valve, and placed the main shutoff valve on the line section coming from the bladder. I attached the male portion of the hydrolink adapter to the 1 foot section of tube attached to the bite valve. After this i took my katadyn clean water tube and attached the other male hydrolink section to it. Everything is secured with 2 zip ties on each of the 3 portions of this hydrolink system since the tubes aren't as snug as I would like them to be. You should have one female hydrolink adapter piece and 2 bite valve male pieces left over when everything is complete. I didn't want to sacrifice the flexibility and ergonomic 90 degree angle that the original bite valve comes with.(As you'll notice the hydrolink adapter is all straight and rigid from the bite valve to the tube) So in this way, I don't have to sacrifice flexibility and ease of use just to use my Katadyn without pulling the pack off my back. Using this modified system I can now leave my camelbak in my pack and simply hit the shutoff valve on the hydrolink adapter. Disconnect the bite valve tube and set it aside. Then attach my Katadyn pocket directly to the hydrolink adapter socket on my camelbak and filter straight from the water source. The whole process takes a fraction of the time, and allows me to drink more when I'm thirsty, rather than when I feel like taking my pack down.

I have started gathering some preparedness equipment for any type of emergency. On top of everybody's list is water filtration/purification. After doing some research on the different types of water filtration I decided to go with the Katadyn pocket water filter for my backpack. The build on this is far superior to any other that I have seen. It is a comfort to know that I will have access to clean water. Saying that there was one and only one concern about this filter that got me to thinking about a companion for this microfilter, "Viruses" Right now here in the U.S. Viruses are not to much of a concern so I don't think it is to much of a problem but who know what might happen in the future. I have a different system for my home and trailer that would not really work to well for my backpack. Its a new product called the "Aqua Pail. It filters and purifies all toxins and viruses out of any type of water including "sewer water" to make it safe to drink. They come in different sizes for the home and camping but even their smallest one would be inconvenient to hang from a backpack. I went to their website and contacted them with an idea that I had. I asked them that if I purchased their smallest Aqua Pail and opened it and transferred the media and meshs into a plastic water bottle so that It would be more backpack friendly would it still work? They called me back and told me that they are designing one that is for use with backpacks and should be out for sale by December. I have not seen it yet but I plan to purchase two. One for me and one for my Daughters family. The Katadyn's 13,000 gallon filter life is far superior to the aqua pails but I am going to hang one on each side of my backpack and use the aqua pail when the water is suspect. I am not trying to influence you on what to buy. I want everybody to be aware of this water filtration/purifier. I love this Katadyn and its going to be my main water filter. To be extra safe I will use it first to filter the water then through the aqua pail to kill any viruses that might be in the water. For me the inconvenience of adding another step and carrying more weight to having safe drinking water is worth it. Especially when your life depends on it. Be Safe everybody..

This product arrived quickly and undamaged. My wife and I like to hike and camp. As such, we often encounter the need to refresh/refill our camelbacks (water pouches) or water storage apparatuses in very remote places. This product does a great job at delivering a safe feed of water to our bag and water apparatuses. The only down fall is the water transfer is slow and the ceramic filter needs cleaned often (perhaps just a factor of water supply). However, for now, this product fits our every need and is relatively light weight, which is important when hiking long distances. The only down side that we might face is in the winter months. Logically, this product needs to be kept above freezing at all times or you will risk any moisture left in the filter's pore to freeze, expand, and thus crack your ceramic filter, rendering it useless. As such, perhaps carrying it close to your warm back in a frame-pack while hiking is a great idea, we just have not figured it out a method for camping since you wouldn't want to carrying it on your person at all times. Just a little fuel for thought. In either case, this product is great for our Spring, Summer, and Fall trips when boiling water for sterilization is not an option. On a side note, though we do trust this filters abilities, we still boil the water when camping via we have the means to easily do so and there is no reason to take a chance in that case. However, for our current needs, this product works great. We hope this review helps.

In 1980, this thing was $180 at REI. After a bad experience with the Lifesaver LS6000 last year, I finally pulled the trigger for the Katadyn Pocket. This review compares my experience using the Katadyn Pocket Micro/external carbon cartridge/Steripen Classic as a system vs the Lifesaver LS6000/4000 water purifier. I won't spend much time on the external carbon cartridge and Steripen here because they will be reviewed separately with links to them at the end of this review. Use this review to supplement what others are saying. I originally chose the Lifesaver LS6000 (also now available through Amazon) over the Katadyn for a remote Arizona camping trip because it was a PURIFIER rather than just a filter. The LS6000 (LS4000 is the same technology, just smaller capacity) seemed like it would be more convenient because in actual operation, it is essentially a single, self contained collector/water bottle with an integrated activated carbon filter. But after a frustrating 1 week experience with the LS6000 putting GALLONS of water through trying to get rid of a cheap plastic taste, I finally returned it to the distributor. I paid return shipping for the privilege of testing the LS6000 and I still wasn't going to have a filter for my trip. Not too happy about that. While it was probably filtering to the 15NM spec, more than 13 times the filtering power of the Katadyn (200NM), it just didn't hold up to the video claims that the water produced tasted like bottled water. That was my only real beef with the LS6000. See my review under the LS6000. The backup plan was to order the Swiss made Katadyn Pocket Microfilter, along with the Katadyn activated carbon filter cartridge and the Steripen Classic...all at fantastic sale prices + free super saver shipping at Amazon. The Pocket retails for $289 and I paid $189 with free super saver shipping. Source the Eneloop batteries for the Steripen from whom you choose, but they are the only batteries I recommend for the Steripen. It took 8 months to get everything together but the batteries taking advantage of Amazon's best discounts. With the 2 hoses (intake/output) plus the charcoal filter cartridge and Steripen, this system becomes a bit more of a project to filter and purify water than the Lifesaver. But, I have to say that that in terms of water that was just pure joy to drink, this busier (and initially pricier) setup was superior to the simpler Lifesaver system. I was also into this combination for about $313 for everything ready for the wilderness vs $179 for the LS6000 on Amazon. Another downside of the Katadyn is that after you are done with it, it's a little busier to put away. It's a good idea to remove the hoses, carbon cartridge taking care to put the output hose (along with the carbon cartridge) in a separate ziplock bag to prevent cross contamination. The covers for the hose connection ports should be installed, also to prevent cross contamination. It all fits in the Katadyn's pouch. If you used the Steripen, too, then you should dry it off, recap it and return it to its ventilated neoprene pouch. With the Lifesaver, you just close the teat, snap the cap back over the teat and put the bottle back in your pack. Using the Katadyn with the Steripen- Much of what I've read points to treating for viruses in pristine free running North American waters possibly being overkill. In clear running mountain streams I probably wouldn't bother with the Steripen as the Pocket alone probably will take care of the "bugs" that would be found under those conditions and the carbon cartridge will do its job to provide the fresh clean taste you might expect. However, the closer you get to high use areas by people and animals, the more I would look at some way of dealing with the potential for viruses, e.g., Steripen. Treating with the Steripen takes about 90 seconds for 1 liter of water and 48 seconds for 16 oz. The LS6000 removes viruses during the filtering process without the need for any further treatments. I would be cautious drawing water from sources where boats with fossil fuel motors operate no matter which filter system is used.. I tested the output of the Katadyn without its optional carbon filter under the same conditions as the LS6000 and found the water also had an off taste, most likely imparted by the ceramic filter. The taste wasn't the same or as offensive as the LS6000 with its integrated activated carbon filter, but you could still pick up that the Katadyn's output was "off". I put the Katadyn activated carbon filter on the end of the output hose, pumped a new cup of water and VOILA(!), the water was PERFECT! **************IMPORTANT UPDATE 5/12/2010************ Re: Off taste in Katadyn Pocket Microfilter-- After reading reports of others obtaining the fresh clean water taste WITHOUT an activated carbon filter, I pursued this a little further. After drying the filter for a few days, I reassembled everything and tried again, except this time NO CARBON FILTER. After pumping 12 oz of water through the dry filter into a measuring cup, there was NO OFF TASTE AT ALL. Referring to the user guide it says to flush .5L (~1 pt) of water through the filter before 1st use, .2L (~7 oz) before each use thereafter and 1L (~1 qt) after having air dried the filter for long term storage. As reported in this update, I had pumped only 12oz of water through the dry filter. It would seem that if an off taste is occurring, it can managed by flushing the filter before filling the container. Will look at this further and update this review again. However, the carbon filter might still be needed to remove mossy or fishy tastes from streams, etc. The original review continues below. So far I have tested the Katadyn with our hauled tap water, from our rain barrel system (not available for the LS6000 test) and then on to the (brown) spring streams of the Kaibab National Forest, natural standing water "tanks" in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and the nicely flowing waters of the Upper Verde River. While the rain barrel water tasted like the tar from our asphalt shingle roof, water filtered from the other sources with the Katadyn/carbon cartridge was a pleasure to drink (used the Steripen in ALL of these waters!). The LS6000 had no follow-on testing because I couldn't produce satisfactory results from our hauled water source. The output hose for the Katadyn has a spring loaded clip that attaches nicely to my canteen, cup, or most any other container. When using the Pocket with the activated carbon filter, an extra length of tubing is recommended from the output of the carbon filter if it does not fit stably onto your water container. Empty containers with narrow bases can be a little squirrelly to fill. With the Lifesaver, you just unscrew the bottom, submerge, replace the bottom, pump a few times, and open the teat and drink. Putting it back in your pack is a snap. You can also use the LS6000 to fill containers by opening the teat and aiming the pressurized stream accordingly. My Katadyn was supplied with an "O" ringed hose adapter for filling camelpacks. Using the Katadyn, even without the optional carbon cartridge, is a bit of work for only a 12 oz drinking cup of water. Once you pull this device out of its pouch, connect the hoses and set up the water container, it is best to fill at least 1 32 oz Nalgene bottle, canteen, etc. plus the containers of others in the group. In the wilderness, I would probably want to remove the Katadyn's ceramic cartridge and air dry it every 3-4 days. I also like to blow out the carbon cartridge and dry it as much as possible. I have not had to clean the ceramic cartridge, even after the tar tasting water of the rain barrel. The LS6000 cartridge is a little busier to remove and dry. The integrated activated carbon filter of the LS6000 should probably be left alone unless you are going to replace it. Probably wouldn't bother drying the LS6000 until returning home. The Lifesaver, because of its teat system, is more of a personal water bottle (kind of like your toothbrush is personal). The teat is designed to be pulled open with your teeth. The LS6000 will become more work in water sources where you are unable to submerge the entire bottle to collect water. Worst case, you have to resort to a smaller scoop, dig or use the supplied sponge to soak up water and squeeze it into the bottle. The LS6000's cartridge can be backwashed, but looks to be a chore. With the Katadyn, I was still able to pump from sources that were only 1 inch deep. As long as you can submerge it, the Lifesaver system gets you collecting water and drinking in seconds while you could still be connecting hoses on the Katadyn. The Lifesaver will be more work to fill containers. Another minor concern I have with the Lifesaver is that if you neglect to secure the cap for the teat or if its seal deteriorates, you could contaminate it when you submerge it in a water source. With the Pocket, the intake and output hoses are separated substantially, minimizing the potential for cross-contamination. The Katadyn also comes with port caps that should be installed prior to putting it away. Remove the output hose and cap the output port first, then the intake. As far as maintenance goes, the Lifesaver seemed a little busier to maintain than than the Katadyn. There's really not much to do with the Katadyn if you draw water from clean sources. Clean the ceramic cartridge if it gets harder to pump and use the supplied gauge to measure the diameter of the ceramic if you are cleaning it a lot. Lube the 'O' ring on the pump with the supplied silicone, when necessary. You can download the servicing instructions for both prior to purchase. I certainly recommend that in the course of your decision making process. If you want to look at the economics of one over the other, have at it. I would project that for the usual hiker/wilderness trekker in North American or Alpine hiker in Europe, the initial outlay for the Katadyn would be a once in a lifetime investment as long as you didn't break the ceramic filter. With the Lifesaver, you are likely to need to buy at least 1 replacement filter plus the activated carbon filter replacements. But you will buy SEVEN TOTAL Lifesaver cartridges over the life of the LS6000 to purify 13,000 gallons of water that the Pocket treats to a lesser degree. Add to that the costs of activated carbon filters for both. The Katadyn cartridge should be recharged with activated carbon after about 60 gallons. Replace the Lifesaver's carbon insert at ~66 gallons. The LS6000 uses a replaceable insert. The Katadyn's optional carbon cartridge can be recharged with packets of fine activated carbon. Also keep in mind that without the Steripen (~$70) plus the cost of Eneloop batteries or some other means of purification, you won't have purification as you do with the Lifesaver system. You will likely use 6 more Steripen bulbs if you choose to go the extra step and PURIFY all 13000 gallons (not likely). The Sterpien bulb replacements are performed at the factory and will run ~$35 that includes shipping both ways. Add a few dollars to replace rechargeable Eneloops to that picture. The LS6000 replacement cartridges are around $120 with free shipping. The reality of reaching the 13,000 gallon mark for most of us is probably not too likely. Bottom line- In my opinion, money is not likely to make that much of a difference. If you can afford one, you can most likely afford the other. We are near retirement on a fixed income. I would have kept the LS6000 and likely never would have gone to this Katadyn combination had the LS6000 water tasted better. Even with a cost comparison, many are very likely to make their decision based on other factors. If you want the convenience of getting PURIFIED water with a single integrated unit from almost any source you are willing to put your hand in to submerge it...and can put up with the prospect of shallow water sources that pose possible water collection issues coupled with output water that fell WAY short of the "bottled water taste" claim for me, go for one of the Lifesaver bottles. If they have cured that very offensive taste issue, the LS series Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle might be the way to go. Also see Lifesaver Bottle Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Carbon Inserts (4-pk) and Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Cartridge . If you don't mind some extra work with a beautifully and solidly constructed Swiss classic, non integrated carbon filter Katadyn Carbon Cartridge and hose setup and the activity associated with returning everything to its pouch to obtain just short of "purified" but very good tasting drinking water under most wilderness conditions in North America, choose the decades time tested Katadyn Pocket with the optional activated carbon cartridge. Spring for the SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier if you want the added insurance in dealing with viruses using AA batteries. Both systems have their weaknesses for potentially expensive damage by freezing or mishandling. Neither will remove dissolved minerals and salts. An intriguing thought is a device with Lifesaver purification capability and Katadyn Pocket functionality. I am sticking with the Katadyn setup even though it's busier and a bit more to schlep with the extra 2 components to purify and get better tasting water. I rate it 5 stars with the activated carbon filter and 4 stars on its own for its slight off taste. ********UPDATE 5/29/201********** re: OFF TASTING WATER--- I have increased the rating on this device to 4 1/2 stars without the activated carbon filter. If you follow the directions in the Katadyn user guide for flushing the filter, you will get perfectly clean tasting water every time.

I previously owned a Katadyn Hiker Pro Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter and a Katadyn Vario Katadyn Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter . Both had small plastic parts break in the middle of extended wilderness trips. For the Hiker, the input barb broke off and for the Vario the pump axis broke. I cannot say that I am hard on my equipment but tools that are made for the outdoors should withstand the occasional bump. Fortunately, the vendor took both itmes back for a full refund. I decided to invest a bit more in a filter that I would not have to worry about and sprang for the Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter . I am not disappointed with my purchase. I have used it during several canoe trips to the BWCA and Canadian wilderness and can confirm that it performs beautifully. All parts that could possibly break are stainless steel, the only part that is not is a sturdy, somewhat resilient plastic sleeve protecting the ceramic filter element. I disagree with the reviewer who claimed that this is the filter's week spot. Aluminum dents when abused and even stainless steel can have thread damage if it falls on or scrapes against a hard surface. The only way I could see the plastic sleeve damaged is while the filter is apart for cleaning. At that time, the filter element would be at much greater risk of damage than the plastic sleeve. It is about three times as expensive as the Vario, but from the fact sheet you should get 25 times the filter capacity (2,000 liters for Vario vs. 50,000 liters for the Pocket). It should pay for itself! Last but not least: I really liked the ergonomics of the Vario, especially with a plastic bottle attached to the bottom. I find the Pocket even better, it works like an old-fashioned bicycle pump. Conclusion: this will be the last filter I will have to buy.

I have been on various expeditions, extended-hunts and camps, and no matter where I go, the Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is in my backpack! Yes, it is PRICEY...but the quality is clearly apparent the moment you get it out of the pack. It is VERY well made, and by using a ceramic monolithic stone filter, you don't have to worry about needing to buy more elements, or wondering exactly what is getting through to your water supply! I don't care where in the world you are, this filter works WELL! The paperwork says it filters down to .2 microns in particle size...which is everything but viruses. Simple, just pump filter your water...and if you think your water supply is virus-compromised, then boil the filtered water to eliminate viruses too. Easy! The package is very nice, including the tote-bag, the pick-up (which includes a mesh rough-filter bobble-head), the out-flow hose, the cleaning kit and the instructions. The monolithic ceramic stone can be cleaned...and is good for 10,000-13,000 gallons, if used properly (that's a person's lifetime water supply, nearly!) You may see the other filters, and might want to go with them. Good luck. I don't trust ANYTHING but the Katadyn Pocket. It is smaller than a shaving bag, fits in my backpack, and I trust the filter to give me clean clear water...every time.

After doing a large amount of research I decided on this filter. When you pick it up you can feel the quality, and the filtration is great. It is slightly more weight than I’d like to have added to my backpack but the thing is I have no doubts that it’ll work and work quickly every time I need it and so that’s a sacrifice worth making My only disappointment was that it didn’t clip onto my hydra pack very well. However I then saw amazon also carries a carbon filter which has an adapter, so I bought that and now this filter fits well and seems perfect to me

Sin duda. Es un filtro. Muy caro pero no hay nada mejor excelente para expediciones o uso muy frecuente la única parte de plástico (lo demas acero inox) es muy resistente

Very robust and well made. Once the Appocalypse arrives...I will give you more feedback...ha ha

This is an expensive purchase, but it is incredibly sturdy and definitely high quality. The filter life is many times longer than cheaper options, so what you spend on this model you will save over time in not having to buy replacement filters. Versatile, as it does not require you to have a nalgene bottle to use it; any container will work.

De fácil operación pero muy seguro para el agua que bebes