Katadyn

Hiker Water Microfilter

Solid but failed- might be operator issue.

105 miles on TMB, tour mount blanc, pumping water for 3. The “hiker” held up until the last day (9 days backpacking). I’m not 100% sure it was not me, or the glacier water I was pumping. It’s amazing how the taste of the water is maintained while keeping us safe. The pump side of the filter got some reside or dirt and we went from easily filling multiple Nalgene bottles in less then 5 min., to filling one every 5 min. That aside I would have done more research on expected capability and duration of trip. Many on the trail were using the single soft bottle / filter top from same company. Looks convenient, except for cooking etc. Overall I would use the product again, just be better prepared and educated.

Worth a little extra bulk for extreme efficiency and durability. When I was growing up, my Dad had one of these - it’s probably as old as I am and still works great (super easy to replace the filter at recommended intervals). Excited to carry on the legacy with my own now.

Another convert.

Can’t be beat- simple, easy, my young kids were able to master and use quickly.

Issue with leaking around seal.

I have had slow leaks around the seal from the beginning of use. I reached out to Katadyne, and they sent me a new housing and recommended I don’t over-tighten (the tightening does not take significant force before bottoming out) and lubricating the o-ring, but the issue continues. This makes me think it is an issue with the design. The product is still workable, but as one might guess, filtering water is already a two or three handed operation, so also trying to make sure the leaking part, which is untreated water, doesn’t leak onto something you’re trying to keep clean, is an annoyance. I’ve reached out to Katadyne again to see if they will replace the hiker housing with hiker pro, which I hope is more stiff (my guess as to why is leaks).

Leaks

Bulky, leaks (support will tell you not to screw the filter on too hard, but I've tried to adjust it at every increment imaginable without success) and pumping kind of becomes a chore. This type of filter does really well in shallow water sources compared to some other compact filters, but not typically necessary in most situations. Will try my luck with Sawyer next. Also seems to require an annoying amount of maintenance.

Water filtration

Love my Katadyn Hiker water filter. Super easy to use!

Great product

Absolutely love this product. Used it handful of times on some backpacking trips. I love how it connects right to the bladder when I want to use that connection and also connects right to Nalgene. Easy to use and doesn’t take very long to fill up whatever you’re using to carry your water. Lightweight and easy to pack. Seems fairly durable and haven’t run into any problems with that. Highly suggest.

This is a great product and doesn't take up much space. Comes in a handy bag to keep it all together. Easy to use. I have only tested it at home and haven't used it on the trail yet. But the water tasted great and I am so excited for its first trip to the woods this summer.

Been a great product. Has held up and is very easy to use/clean. Definitely the best filter I've owned.

I love the versatility of the filter. With the bobber, you can set it so it sinks below the algea/surface debris. Although it's not the most compact, I like how quickly I can fill my bladder and assist my other group members.