Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
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List Price: Our Price: $299.39 You Save: $70.56 (19%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $264.97 (click here) Category: Sports See more product details |
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Description of Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
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.Water treatment products are in high demand for outdoor enthusiasts, international travelers, and relief agencies. Few are better for long-lasting continuous use, however, than the Katadyn Pocket water microfilter. Made of heavy-duty materials, the Pocket features a silver-impregnated ceramic element that's effective against bacteria and protozoa even in extreme conditions. Unlike disposable filters, the ceramic element can be cleaned several times, even in the field. More importantly, the element filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns (0.0002mm), producing clear, drinkable water no matter where in the world you are. The pump also includes an improved, round pump handle for better ergonomics and an outlet hose that attaches to water containers with a single clip.
The Pocket hails from Katadyn's Endurance series, a high-quality line of filters that produce up to 100 times more water than standard water filters. The Pocket is so tough, in fact, that it's the first choice for extreme adventurers like Mike Horn. Plus, it's the only water filter with a 20-year warranty. Other features include a measuring gauge that indicates when you should change the filtering element, a cushioned base that makes it easy to pump on all surfaces, a prefilter, and a carrying bag.
Why Water Filtration Is Important
The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 80 percent of all travel diseases to contaminated drinking water. Drinking water contains three groups of pathogenic microorganisms: viruses, such as hepatitis A, Norwalk virus, or poliovirus; bacteria, like e-coli, salmonella, and cholera; and protozoans, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. Tap water and ice cubes are usually the culprits when traveling, but even bottled water can be questionable. The backcountry is also a source of waterborne illness. A pristine stream may be safe one day and contaminated the next, as microorganisms stemming from human and animal waste are typically spread by rain and runoff. As a result, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends treating water from every source in the backcountry.
Specifications:
- Usage: 1 to 4 people
- Capacity: 13,000 gallons
- Dimensions: 2.4 by 10 inches
- Output: 1 quart per minute
- Technology: 0.2-micron ceramic depth filter (cleanable)
- Weight: 20 ounces
The Switzerland-based Katadyn has been producing high-quality portable water systems since 1928. Katadyn products are used by militaries, health organizations, and outdoor adventurers worldwide, making it the global leader in portable water treatment. With subsidiaries in the U.S., Germany, France, and Singapore, Katadyn products are used wherever safe drinking water isn't available, whether for travel, camping, or humanitarian applications.
Sports reviews of Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
Customer Review: The Best Water Filter Period!
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
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 13,000 gallons and 1.5 cents a gallon for each gallon after 13,000. 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!!
Customer Review: The M1A1 Abrams of water filters!
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
We deferred buying this filter solely because of the initial price. There was always some 'other' gear we needed or that needed repairing before we could spend nearly $300. I have to admit, putting off the purchase was shear stupidity. I suffered the use of various tablets, potions, and low-end filters for years. I probably spent the cost of three Katadyn Pocket filters on those lesser methods. Or, I humped water, at 8 lbs/gal, and expended my savings in sweat and worrying about water conservation in remote, arid places.
I have not yet used this device. But I cannot wait to do so.
I took it apart according to the instructions and inspected it. Then, I did a shake-down run using household water. Nothing would be worse than failing to test a vital piece of equipment until it gets to the field for the first time! It functions well and is solidly built. But, it is also a pretty precision piece of gear and is not moron-proof. Drop the ceramic and it is toast. To avoid this, do not disassemble without taking care not to drop, damage, or lose the parts.
But for any person comfortable with living under harsh conditions, the use and care of the filter will be a breeze. If I were to be hypercritical, I would say it is a bit heavy. But it is a whole lot lighter than a gallon of water.
One area Katadyn could improve on is the carrying case. Although the filter is well-built, the case offers no protection in a fall or if a pack were dropped in an emergency. I purchased a padded water bottle carrier (Cheaper-Than-Dirt Item #MOLLE-741). While wrapping the filter in spare clothing would give protection, the case fits the filter well, is padded, AND has a nice exterior pocket in which to carry the accessories as well as a bottle of Polar-Pure, a charcoal after-filter, and extra charcoal. All of my water-processing gear is all in one place, saving me the trouble of digging around in the pack when water is short. I also carry a spare bite-valve for my hydration pack in the pouch.
Do NOT be as foolish as I was. Do NOT put off buying this and mistakenly believe it is 'too much money' to spend on one item. It is worth the price.
Customer Review: Katadyn Pocket + Camelbak = Ultimate Mobility
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: This will be the last filter you will ever have to buy
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I previously owned a Katadyn Hiker Pro Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter and a Katadyn VarioKatadyn 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.
Customer Review: The Classic, Reliable Water Filter You Can Trust To Drink From
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
The Katadyn pocket has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability. It is one of the pricier filters but is also rated to pump much more water than its competitors. The Katadyn pocket isn't light (20 oz), but the better competitor pumps are also about 16 oz., so this isn't too much heavier. Some of the others pump a little faster, but they are usually 0.3 micron filters, whereas this is a superior 0.2 micron filter. The Katydin pocket is also the only pump with a lifetime warranty (excluding wear of the ceramic filter).
If you search the web, you'll find a lot of reports of the $75 pumps eventually breaking, especially plastic handles. If you have to replace them (or their short-lived filters), you've already well into what it would cost to buy a Katadyn Pocket. This thing is pretty damn tough, and the only way to break it would be to take it apart and drop the inner ceramic filter.
I've found it easy to use, though you need to hold it upright to keep water flowing. During 8 years of trips through the Sierra Nevada, Utah, New Hampshire, and Wyoming this filter has never disappointed.
General tips to extend the lifetime of any water filter:
1) Use running water from streams/rivers whenever possible
2) Position the floater so that water inflow comes from the top of the stream and not the bottom (where a lot of sediment stirs about)
3) Rubber band a coffee filter around the prefilter to keep particulate matter out.
4) After pumping, unscrew the filter and drain the excess water. This filter is silver-impregnated though, to prevent microbial growth.
If you want to keep your packing weight down, carry your water in collapsible water bladders instead of thick plastic bottles. You can buy a cheap adapter so that water is pumped from the filter right into the water bladder. If you search around the web you can find the Katydin Pocket for around 180 or less. I tend to pack light and have lots of fancy lightweight gear, but I am serious about my water sources and don't plan to compromise on this beauty.