Katadyn BeFree Replacement Filter
This replacement Katadyn BeFree filter works with all BeFree filter systems, including bottles and gravity bags, to give you the freedom to drink anytime, anywhere by filtering water to EPA standards.
- Filters up to 2 liters of water per minute
- Easy to clean: simply shake or swish to remove debris
- 0.1 micron microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms, removing protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%) to EPA standards
- Tested to 1,000 liters; individual results will depend on water quality
Imported.
View the Katadyn BeFree Product LineView all Katadyn Replacement Water Filters| Best Use | Hiking Backpacking |
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Best squeeze filter there is
I used Katadyn filters for the majority of my AT thru hike and am SO glad I switched to this from aquamira drops. Purifying drops do nothing to get the grit & leaves & sand out of water when it comes from a sketchy source haha- the BeFree takes care of all of that. I had the same filter bag for the whole trail, and went through 2 filter tops- each lasting at least 700 miles/about 2 months. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to store. Giardia can suck it!
Easy and Versatile
Great filter, works as advertised. Just scoop and sip out on the trail (I use it with a Stash 750), or pair it up with the Seeker for setting up base camp. Either way, no more valuable trail time filtering water... Even though the Sawyer is rated to filter more, chances are you'll lose or break either before reaching their rated capacity (that's my story, sawyer broke even though I babied that thing, and the bags were a pain to fill at the stream). By far, this is a much more refined solution to your backcountry water needs. Before my first use, I flushed it with a couple liters of tap, didn't notice any plastic taste.
Filters clogs after long-term storage and use
It's a good system when it works. I've used it for a 1000 miles on the AT and it worked everyday, but after long term storage it clogs if you don't clean it properly. I have 2 bee free filters which i had in long term storage, when i took them out to test and prepare for a BP trip, they clogged...., I called katadyne and they told me to leave them soaking in filtered water over night, and they worked the next day, so i dried them out and stored them, fast forward 3 weeks, when i tried testing them again, they clogged. I called katadyne again, and they said to try soaking them overnight in one liter of water and one teaspoon of white vinegar, which i did, and now both are working. NOTE: The trick is after a long trip, soak the filter in one liter of distilled water with one teaspoon of white vinegar, and dry it thoroughly, by removing the white cap to dry.
Top Notch!
I am an avid thru-hiker, been using this filter in conjunction with multiple compatible Hydrapak reservoirs for the last few years now with great success and this is how I am making it last: After filling my reservoirs on the trail I swish the filter as hard as I can in the water source for at least a full minute no matter how clean the water looks and then I run about a quarter liter of clean (already filtered water) through it, then shake off excess water before stowing away in my pack. After returning home I run a full liter of bleach water through it and let it air dry. It’s been a game changer for me. I have two new ones sitting in my garage in case they stop producing it or the if the first one fails but I haven’t had to open the packages yet!
Good system, weak filter
Had used pumps in the past and was excited about the gravity upgrade...I have been left wondering if these were designed to barely be used in case of emergency??? We do week-long wilderness canoe trips. Given the nature of our trips we rarely had noticeable sediment. We were filtering "clean" water and it only worked for 1 trip supplying just 2 people. After doing the proper care it ended up detracting significantly from our next trip when to our surprise, it didn't work and we wasted a ridiculous amount of time waiting for our bottles to fill. I thought we had hit the volume limit but when I checked we weren't even close.
BeFree filter
I struggled to use my first purchase of this filter. It was difficult getting a decent flow (slower than my Sawyer Mini) REI replaced it and the new one is amazing. Thanks REI! The flow rate is unbelievable. I can filter a half liter in just seconds. I also purchased a 3 liter Hydrapak collapsible and I have used both on two separate overnight ers, and am impressed with both. The flow rate is much better than a Sawyer squeeze. This would be a great purchase for a thru hiker, section hiker and obviously for those of us who only get out for short treks now and then. I have only used the new filter once since it was replaced and it worked flawlessly. Be aware that the filter will not fit standard plastic water bottles like Smart Water.
No good long term-clogs
I now have 3 of these filters and all are clogged. We are light duty and use these 2-3 times a year. No matter what rinsing instructions you follow e.g. distilled water, white vinigar, bleach, shake rinse, dry and store the result is the same. I love the simplicity of the product but would not rely on it. trusting that after just a few weekend trips a year they clog. The replacement filters are not inexpensive either.
Convenient EDC filter
This is a great option for regular travel, roll up the flexible bag and pack it. If where you end up, the city water doesn't taste great, no need for buying water the whole trip. Fill it drink it and roll it back up. Would love to see Katadyn sell the clear cap separately. That part does not have the same durability as the bottle and filter. Personally, I alternate my filters, letting them dry out between uses. But, eventually, the clear cap will break again before the filter and bottle do. I don't see where that failure point would make it reliable in the back country as an only filter source and bottle. It's a back up, or civilized travel option over bottled water.
Great at first, but didn't last 1000 litres.
We used the BeFree for 3 weeks backpacking on the Appalachian Trail this summer, and filtered water for 3 people. The water we filtered was clear and from springs (Virginia) and streams (Maine). It was amazing for the first week and we all loved it. The second week it seemed to slow down, although I was hoping that I was imagining this. By the end of the third week it was barely flowing at all. We swished the filter regularly, several times a day, to clean it. I think I will buy a new filter and give it another try. Hopefully this one will last better.
Fast, easy filtering
This is my new favorite filter! It is available with a 600ml bottle, but I already had a few Hydrapak Softflasks (500ml and 750ml), so I got just the filter to use it with those flasks. It fits them perfectly (I've seen one report of leaking with the Softflasks, but I have had no problem myself). What makes this so great is how quick the flow rate is. Much faster than a Sawyer mini. You can drink straight from the filter with almost no effort. Or, use it like the Sawyer mini or squeeze to filter into another vessel. It filters fast enough that you don't even need to squeeze. Or you can apply a little pressure to speed things along. So, quickly fill up and drink while you hike. Once you get to camp, things get even better if you combine this with the Hydrapak Seeker, also available from REI. This filter fits that bottle perfectly, and because the flow rate is so fast, you can use it as a gravity filter. That makes for the best of both worlds, in my book. This is shaping up to be my favorite new piece of gear.