Katadyn Hiker Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

Though pump filters have gotten much less fashionable lately, we nonetheless think about the Katadyn Hiker a very good choice for individuals who desire pumping over squeezing. One in every of our gear testers selected the Hiker as their primary filtering methodology on the AT due to its sturdiness, effectiveness, and ease of use.

Identical to the remainder of the filters on the checklist of our favourites, the Hiker is adequate in eradicating just about all dangerous micro organism and protozoa from backcountry ingesting water. Moreover, the pre-filter removes massive particulates earlier than reaching the filter, and the activated-carbon core eliminates poisonous chemical compounds and pesticides to additional improve water high quality.

The filter is easy to function because of its ergonomic design and even simpler to scrub. The detachable filter cartridge makes thorough discipline upkeep easy and will be totally changed when it reaches the tip of its lifespan.

Though it’s a bit costlier than different choices and its filter doesn’t final the longest, the Hiker is completely fitted to teams and anybody who prefers a pump setup.

How We Examined

We’ve relied on this filter for 1000’s of miles, together with a thru-hike of the Appalachian Path. From clear river water to silty sources and even our selfmade concoction of mud and sand, we examined this filter within the hardest situations conceivable.

Water High quality

The Katadyn Hiker produces clear, fresh-tasting water by a three-step course of. The pre-filter captures particles bigger than 150 microns earlier than it reaches the tiny 0.2-micron pores. These pores bodily take away practically all remaining particles, protozoa, and micro organism, together with Giardia, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and extra. Lastly, the filter’s activated carbon core absorbs chemical compounds and pesticides to reinforce the water’s style.

Most filters are sufficient to take away dangerous micro organism, however the carbon core enhances water high quality much more. We discover a slight enchancment within the water’s style, and it affords additional peace of thoughts when tenting in areas with previous mining exercise or lively agriculture, the place chemical compounds may need leached into water sources.

Ease of Use

This pump filter requires a bit extra setup than a squeeze filter or purification tablets, however it finally gives better versatility. The pump generates sufficient suction to attract water from even the shallowest sources the place scooping is troublesome or inconceivable. We have been in a position to pump water from sources as shallow as ⅛ inch. Because of this, the Hiker might be a sensible choice if you happen to anticipate to come across determined water sources in your journey. 

One downside is the a number of items and meeting wanted for every filter session. It’s not as fast as attaching a squeeze filter to the tip of a water bottle, however it solely takes a couple of minute to unpack, assemble, and begin pumping.

The hoses included with the filter are versatile and lengthy sufficient for many conditions, however we discovered the enter aspect tends to leak and pop off sometimes. 

The filter works greatest with a wide-mouth plastic bottle, like a Nalgene, as a result of its completely becoming attachment. Nevertheless, the output hose can simply be inserted into virtually any water container and is appropriate with most backpack hydration bladders.

Therapy Time

The movement charge of the Katadyn Hiker varies relying on how rapidly you pump it, however we discovered it usually produces a liter in a couple of minute or much less. In sensible phrases, roughly 46 pumps can clear water from a comparatively clear supply. 

One liter per minute makes the Hiker filter one of many quickest on our checklist, considerably sooner than chemical therapies that take 20 minutes or extra. The principle benefit is that after the filter is ready up at a water supply, you may pump for a complete group without having to refill any soiled containers. 

Whereas the pre-filter is adequate to catch massive particulates, the principle filter can nonetheless clog with silt, considerably decreasing the movement charge.

Weight

It’s robust to compete with fashionable ultralight squeeze filters that weigh just some ounces, however for an ergonomic, easy-to-use pump filter, the Hiker is comparatively light-weight.

Weighing about 13 ounces, the Hiker Filter is way lighter than the 1.5-pound MSR Guardian however nonetheless over 5 instances as heavy as the favored Sawyer Squeeze. Its compatibility with a Nalgene bottle additionally promotes utilizing heavier ingesting vessels.

The advantages of the additional weight are the Hiker’s sturdiness, ease of use, easy discipline upkeep, and replaceable filter cartridges or activated-carbon core. The Hiker can be uniquely suited to function the one filter for a complete group.

The Hiker neatly packs away in its included carrying case and even has a devoted bag for the output hose to maintain it free from contaminants.

Upkeep & Longevity

The Katadyn Hiker Filter contains a easy design that’s simple to scrub and preserve. The outer housing unscrews to disclose the filter inside, which will be changed in seconds.

The filters have an estimated lifespan of about 1000 liters, after which a brand new cartridge will be inserted to utterly renew the gadget. An preliminary funding within the Hiker Filter gives you with a filtering gadget that can final primarily so long as filter replacements can be found. 

The filter can be cleaned within the discipline. After clogging the filter till its movement charge was decreased to a trickle, we have been in a position to take away the filter, completely rinse it, and restore it to about 90% of its unique movement charge.

Like different hole fiber filters, freezing temperatures can harm the filter. Happily, solely the replaceable half is affected, not the whole system unit.

Ought to You Purchase the Katadyn Hiker?

The Katadyn Hiker Filter is ideal for teams or anybody on the lookout for a pump filter that can final a lifetime with replaceable filter cartridges. Its filtering capabilities are greater than sufficient for many backcountry water sources, and the activated-carbon core provides an additional stage of purity.

The Hiker is easy to make use of with fast meeting and an ergonomic pumping course of, particularly when used with a Nalgene bottle. Though the filter cartridges have a comparatively brief lifespan, it’s simple to completely clear the filter within the discipline to increase its life till you may exchange the cartridge.

The Katadyn is a comparatively important funding in comparison with different ultralight choices, however with correct care, its primary physique ought to final virtually a lifetime. For teams or anybody backpacking in areas the place dependable water sources are restricted, the Hiker stays a robust choice.

What Different Water Filters Ought to You Contemplate?

Take a look at our full information to backpacking water filters for filters which can be much like the Katadyn Hiker.

MSR Guardian Evaluation: The Guardian is a pump filter much like the Hiker. Nevertheless, the Guardian affords a really quick movement charge of roughly 2.5 liters per minute and might filter out viruses.

MSR Trailshot: The Trailshot combines the flexibility of a pump filter and a straw filter. It has a mouthpiece to filter water immediately into your mouth and a hand pump for drawing water from even the shallowest sources. 

Platypus GravityWorks Evaluation: In the event you’re on the lookout for a group-friendly choice however wish to keep away from taking up the duty of pumping for everybody, think about the Platypus GravityWorks. It options a big bladder and an environment friendly gravity system for hands-free, high-capacity filtration.