Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Microfilter – Transparent Housing, 0.2 Micron Filtration, 1L/min Output, 1,150L Capacity

bought this to have an extra filter on hand if needed. But haven't needed to replace our original filter yet. SO happy with this water filter. Filtering with our gravity system was a pain because it got clogged so easily- with this system even though we have to pump it's so fast and the water tastes absolutely amazing after. No funny taste. High quality product- we've now used it longer than our gravity system and it still functions like new. Great to be able to use for any purpose anywhere we go. Lightweight, small size, great for backpacking/ long hiking where you don't want to carry lots of water with you. Will be easy to install the extra filter when we need it.

I wanted a light-weight, transportable filter system for multi-day/night hiking and also as a backup, should power-outage stop household supply for long periods. I consider both purposes as serious issues, so I did considerable research and comparisons. For design, function, size, weight & perceived materials, I decided on the Katadyn Hiker Pro and very happy I did. It's very straight-forward to assemble without tools and usage is obvious. (I did read the instructions provided and suggest any buyer do likewise.) I took it and two clear-glass containers to a local river, which I don't swim in due the amount of green algae. I scooped one container with river water. The discoloration and expected contamination was obvious. Then drawing from the same location, the Katadyn Hiker Pro delivered totally clear, clean (according to the specifications) water. Returning home with the filtered water, visually, it appeared as clear as the tap water, but, to me, tasted better. (I don't know if it removes fluoride.) It's packed in my "go bag" ready for deployment. The construction and materials appear durable, so, with appropriate care, this unit should last a lifetime of hiking. Then, should you wear-it-out, that's money very-well-spend, and like me, you'd be delighted to buy replacement parts or a new complete unit. The filter is easily cleanable (without tools) and rated for 300 gallons before replacement. (Naturally, this may change, depending on the degradation of water drawn.) Should I draw 300 gallons, I'd be more than delighted to buy a new filter - offered as a spare/replacement part. Note: the first-time use amounted in white, cloudy water. I assume this has something to do with the filter material coating. This was concerning, but every use after the initial glass (test) container has been excellent.

This is the best water filter, I’m convinced. Have I only used one or two others? Sure. But this one is fast, easy to use, durable, and light weight. Comes with lots of different attachments so you can easily fill whatever you carry your water in. Filter has to be changed infrequently, and as long as you keep it clean they recommend a deep clean with solution just at the end of the season. My friend had this one and when I was building my own backpacking gear arsenal this was immediately the one I knew I wanted for myself.

The transaction through amazon was flawless and fast, as it usually is. This product is one of the smartest things in my opinion to have on hand in a vehicle, or even at home... just for a backup. Aint much out there more important than good safe drinking water. Katadyn makes a great reliable easy to use filter here. Good peace of mind to have on hand. I have not used these particular new filters, as these were purchased for backup replacements after hiking the Rockies with previous versions for the last 2 decades. Never had any issues with these as long as you don't let them freeze with water inside. Its great to not have to hike 12 miles up a mountain with enough water to stay a week. Take a collapsible five gallon jug, spend half hour at the creek when ya get there, and your set with safe easy drinking water.

My second Hiker Pro - the last one lasted about 100 trail days of pumping for two people, so about 300-400 gallons. Then the valve that actually lifts water into the filter somehow decided there was too much weight on it (hose was hanging into a creek below a log at full hose extension). The fact that this happened without any prior indication of pending failure is the only reason I am dropping a star from the review. I had just replaced the filter element (for 75 % of the cost of the whole filter) so I figured I'll get another one, given I had enough filter to go another 100+ days. Weight is acceptable. Pre filtering appears to keep most of the crud out of the mountain water I usually filter, so these things last a long time for me. Packs well, drains before packing with a few strokes. Can get to water in hard to reach places, and it's quite fast. Just a few minutes for two 1 liter bottles and a gallon water canteen for camp. I move too fast to want to rely on any gravity system and in the end these things are just a matter of hair. If you pack them, use them, or they are just dead weight. This one is easy, and combined with bottles that don't tip over makes a great filter system for me. That's what matters. I don't count ounces on things that are essential for daily trail living. It The pump shaft and filter are pretty easy to service - I keep it lubed and the pump will go smoothly. none of that was related to my last unit's failure. I assume it was just a flapper valve that let go, something you cannot service deep inside the plumbing between pump and filter housing. This unit shows the filter through clear plastic - not sure what that adds over the last model, but it can't hurt to see what goes on around the filter (e.g. water still in it). To get a 5 star review, the ridiculous filter cartridge price needs to come down, though. There's some pleated fiber material between two plastic ends - how can that be so expensive to make compared to the rest of the filter? The pricing of these filters in general is far too high for what they are. Clearly aimed at the recreation market. I'd like to one day find a filter that works like this unit but doesn't come with the recreational equipment markup.