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Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Katadyn Brand: Katadyn Model: 8014531 Color: Gray Product features: - Convenient filter for 1 to 2 persons while hiking or camping
- Removable filter protector extends cartridge life in challenging conditions
- Compact design and easy operation--fits in any backpack or travel bag
- Allows direct attachment to drink tube (1/4" ID) of hydration
- Additional hydration connector fitting for quick filling of hydration packs
Sports reviews of Katadyn Hiker PRO Water MicrofilterCustomer Review: The PRO model is well worth it! Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Like many in the market for a packable water filter, you might be wondering if the difference between Katadyn's Hiker and Hiker Pro are worth the price difference. Stop wondering and buy the PRO model--it's worth the relatively minor difference in price.
THE ADDED BENEFITS
First, you get a reusable sleeve filter that sits on the inside, and helps reduce filter-related wear on the main filter cartridge. It effectively extends the life of your filter cartridge, especially if you'll be filtering water with lots of suspended sediment.
The second added benefit came as a real surprise to me--quick release connectors for the intake and output hoses. They are not installed by default out of the box, but a few moments with the instructions and my pocket knife had them in place quickly. They made packing and unpacking the filter much easier than on other models that require you to seat the hoses onto a nipple each time.
A COUPLE OF MINOR NEGATIVES
Once the quick-connect ends were installed, the one on the output hose is open and exposed to the fill line when packed in the bag. It would have been nice for Katadyn to have incldued a rubber cap or something similar to reduce the risk of any contamination of that output hose. The rest of the output hose gets stored in a zipper storage bag, but that's the next (and only other) negative I'll address.
The zipper storage bag for the output hose did not prove very durable at all. It broke at one of the seams on the third packing or so. Thankfully, I had some extra zipper bags with me (an old Scout always remembers that motto--"Be Prepared!"), so no harm was done. Had I not had them with me, I would have needed to find some other way of keeping the intake and output hoses apart--likely by placing the output hose in our food bag/barrel.
ONE TIP
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A very useful tip for any of these filters is this: carry along a few coffee filters and rubber bands (or o-rings). If you place one on the outside of the intake housing, with the rubber band holding it in place, you effectively create a pre-filter that helps keep some of the bigger particles from ever getting into the filter, thereby further extending the cartridge life. If the coffe-filter pre-filter ever gets too mucky, you just replace it with another (and pack out the old one).
OVERALL, you'll find owning a Katadyn Hiker PRO to be one of the best purchases you'll ever make if you like to spend any time in wilderness areas, or as a nice additiona to your family's emergency supply kit (in case of flood or other situation whereby the local water supply becomes contaminated).
Description of Katadyn Hiker PRO Water MicrofilterNew high performance version of the Katadyn Hiker. Combines both light, fast and easy to use with field cleability. Very lightweight at only 11oz! The best-selling Katadyn Hiker just got better with the Hiker Pro Microfilter. The lightweight and easy-to-use design make the Hiker/Hiker Pro the best choice for all-around use. The unique, pleated cartridge design provides fast and easy pumping, and it's convenient and handy for 1-2 persons while hiking or trekking. The Hiker Pro adds the following features to the original Hiker: - Removable filter protector extends cartridge life in challenging conditions
- Quick connect fittings make installation and removal of input and output hoses easy
- Allows direct attachment to drink tube (1/4" ID) of hydration
- Additional hydration connector fitting for quick filling of hydration packs
Key Features: - Long lasting AntiClog pleated cartridge requires no maintenance or cleaning
- Very large filter surface for fast output
- Easy to use because of minimal resistance whilst pumping
- Active carbon core reduces unpleasant tastes and odors from the water
- Small pre-filter on in-hose protects filter cartridge life in turbid water
- Compact design and easy operation--fits in any backpack or travel bag
- Easy Fill Bottle Adaptor attaches directly to a drinking bottle
Activated carbon is used for its ability to reduce harmful organic and inorganic substances in the water. It removes unpleasant tastes, odors, chlorine, pesticides (lindane, DDT) and trihalomethanes (THMs). These substances adhere to the large surface area of the activated carbon. Activated carbon granulate cannot be regenerated. Feature Detail: - Technology: AntiClog Technology with 0.3 micron glassfiber and activated carbon granulate
- Output: ca. 1 liters/minute
- Cartridge Capacity: Up to 750 l (depending on water quality)
- Weight: ca. 310 g
- Size: 7.6 x 16.5 x 6.1 cm (3 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches)
- Includes: Prefilter, bottle adapter and carry bag
Why Treat Water? A crystal-clear stream or lake usually contains microorganisms that can make you sick. Water contaminants like protozoa, bacteria and viruses, can cause serious illness. Optimize your travel preparation and use a portable drinking water system from Katadyn. About Katadyn Katadyn of Switzerland has been producing high quality portable water systems since 1928. Their history has been one of innovation and durability. Katadyn products are used by militaries, health organizations and outdoor adventurers world-wide. No other water system provides higher quality or longer lasting performance. Katadyn is the global leader in portable water treatment. With subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, France, and Singapore; Katadyn develops, produces and distributes high quality products which are used whenever safe drinking water isn't available--for travel, camping and humanitarian operations.
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