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Product Description
The most rugged, longest lasting microfilter available. Chosen by the U.S. military and expeditions due to it's extreme durability and dependability. For those who want the best.
Feature
- Pocket water filter designed four outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers
- Filter's silver-impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa
- Filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns to produce clear, drinkable water
- Round pump handle for easy pumping; outlet hose attaches to containers with clip
- Measures 2.4 by 10 inches; 1-quart-per-minute output; lifetime warranty
CustomerReviews
It took 30 years for me to pull the trigger on this
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.
The Best Water Filter Period!
Its very rare to come across a piece of equipment that is in a category all its own with absolutely no competition whatsoever. The Katadyn Microfilter is an example of just such a product. Sure there are a lot of different options out there in regards to portable water filtration but none of them come close to matching what the Katadyn Microfilter gives you. This is the best portable water filter on the market period and its so head and shoulders above everything else out there that it really is in a class all by itself.
So, with that being the case, why do a lot of people choose to go with some of the other models available? Well, a lot of people dont see the need to spend almost 300 dollars on a water filter especially when they can get a very good portable system for around 1/3 the cost of the Katadyn Microfilter. Well here in lies the ironic aspect to this water filter. While it is certainly the most expensive out of the gate, it actually winds up saving you a considerable amount of money over the life of the filter. The filter in the Katadyn Microfilter is good for 13,000 gallons. That means you dont have to replace the filter until you have run 13,000 gallons through it. The vast majority of portable water filters can only run around 500 before you have to replace the filter and replacement filters aren't cheap. When you add up the cost of those filters you begin to see just how much money this filter saves you in the long run. Lets say we buy a different model and change the filter every 500 gallons. You would simply multiply the cost of a single replacement filter by 26 to get the price it would cost to run 13,000 gallons through the unit. Ill save you some time, it will be expensive and the price of the Katadyn will seem extremely cheap by comparison.
You should now be starting to realize just what an amazing deal this filter really is. Not only is it the best filter but its also the cheapest when you factor in the price of replacement filters over the life of other portable units. Its important to note that a replacement filter for the Katadyn costs around 175.00 so the cost per gallon actually goes down on the next 13,000 gallons you put through it. Basically, at the full MSRP, the first 13,000 gallons you put through the Katadyn will cost you about 2.4 cents a gallon and each additional 13,000 gallons will cost you about 1.5 cents a gallon. Of course the Katadyn Microfilter comes with a lifetime warranty so if for any reason your unit stops working, simply send it in and they will either fix it or replace it with a brand new one.
There are no doubt some people out there who simply dont travel that much hence will never even come close to filtering 13,000 gallons. I wont argue that this is a legitimate point in regards to making a case for buying a cheaper, replaceable filter unit. With that being said the Katadyn makes an outstanding emergency water unit hence I would recommend people buy this filter even if they dont plan on putting a lot of water through it. It gives you the peace of mind knowing that you have a filter that can give you clean drinking water for a very long period of time, if need be. I actually own 2 of these units myself as I use one for traveling/camping and I have one in my "worst case scenario kit" that I keep stored in my basement. If an emergency ever comes up where water is effected, I have my Katadyn.
As for the unit itself. It Measures 2.4 inches by 10 inches, Weighs 20 ounces, and can filter a quart of water per minute. I have had my travel unit for well over 5 years and have put over 5,000 gallons through it and its still running like it was brand new. This is impressive as my unit has seen quite a bit of abuse.
The bottom line - This is hand down the best portable water filter available and if someone tries telling you different then they either have no clue what they are talking about or work for a competing water filter company. This filter may appear to be more expensive than other water filter systems but it only appears that way. Once you factor in the cost of replacement filters it becomes clear that this filter actually saves you a considerable amount of money over the life of the filter. The best way to compare price is to look at price per gallon. A typical system that uses 500 gallon replacement filters cost about 8-10 cents a gallon. Again the Katadyn costs 2.4 cents a gallon for the first 12,000 gallons and 1.5 cents a gallon for each gallon after 12,000. Buying the Katadyn is simply a no brainer to those that do the math.
If only deciding between brands was always this easy!
Highly, and I do mean HIGHLY, recommended.
5 Stars!!
Breakable
I bought this for survival when no drinkable water is available. I saw comments before that this is unbreakable. It is not true. Most parts are aluminium but the casing is really just flimsy plastic. If this could be converted to an aluminium sleeve, then this will be the best you ever get. I drop the filter by accident and the casing had a small chip. You think you can trust this thing for survival? I am now thinking of machining my own steel casing to replace this sleeve. So much for 200+ bucks.
Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
Great Product - I would recommend it after doing lots of research. It's one of the better products out there and has a lifetime warranty from Katadyn against defects in materials and workmanship.
From the Pamphlet:
"Your Katadyn Pocket Microfilter comes with a lifetime warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Should your Katadyn Pocket prove defective within that period from the date of purchase, return it to the Katadyn retailer from who it was purchased...Please retain your purchase receipt as proof of date purchase..." so be sure to keep your receipt somewhere safe (just in case)
It comes with two hoses (one input hose and one output in it's own bag to prevent cross-contamination), two green scrubbing pads, a measuring device to let you measure when you need to replace the ceramic filter, lubricant and two replacement o-rings (one in one size, and another in smaller size (which I have yet to figure out where it goes)), and a bottle "spring-clip" which allows you to hook the hose to a bottle or reservoir. Make sure you put the "bottle-clip" on the hose before you put the plastic cap on as I had a bit of an adventure getting it on. It comes in a carrying-case to keep it all together.
After reading the instructions you will discover that you need to do an initial pumping to get the "ceramic dust" out of the system. After doing that I taste-tested the water and there was no funky taste or smell. It was crystal clear and had no odor whatsoever.
I own this product and would would highly recommend putting it high on my consideration list if I were shopping for a water-filter.
Katdyn for life!
Amazing filter. Solid construction, takes a beating and just keeps pumping. It's a tool so it does take some care and feeding on occasion but I expect I'll be using this filter for 20 years... it's just that solid.
More Info: Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
More Info: Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
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