Tester Biographical Information:

Name: Ken Bigelow
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 9” (1.8 m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Email: krb84108 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA

Backpacking Background:

I was first dragged on a backpacking trip eight years ago and have been addicted to it ever since. My adventures vary in length from a weekend to over two weeks. I am slowly shifting my backpacking style to a light-weight approach. I recently upgraded to using a hammock in order to reduce weight. From spring through fall I typically backpack in the mountains or desert, while in winter I often go snowshoeing. I typically see a wide variety of climates ranging from 10 F (-12 C) with snow to 90 F (32 C) and sunny with just about everything in between.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Katadyn
Website: http://www.katadyn.com
Listed Weight: 11 oz (312 g)
Listed Filter Height: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
Listed Hose Lengths: 36 in (91 cm)
Measured Weight: 8.2 oz (232 g) Filter alone, 13.8 oz (391 g) overall kit
Measured Filter Height: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
Measured Hose Lengths: 36 in (91 cm)
MSRP: $70 US

Field Conditions:

So far in the test period, I have taken trips to the Canyonlands National Park, the Wasatch Mountains, the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and the Uinta Mountains. The terrain has varied greatly and has included wet and muddy corridors, slickrock, steep and rocky terrain, canyon washes, river wading and plain old dirt paths. Temperatures have ranged from 30 F (-1 C) to 95 F (35 C). I have seen all types of weather ranging from light snow, heavy rain and hail to sunny. The elevations experienced have been between 4,000 feet (1,220 m) and 11,000 feet (3,353 m).

Product Performance:

The manufacturer claims that the filter has an output of one quart or one liter per minute. After testing the filter I believe that this claim is conservative. Twice I had a friend time me filling up one liter of water using the filter and recorded times of 45 and 40 seconds respectively. When performing the test I kept a fairly moderate pace and did not have to rush (after all I had been hiking all day). It should be noted that these timed tests I performed were when filter was clean and new. It was not one that has seen years of use and was close to clogging with debris. The smooth action of the pump appears to be very ergonomic. I am able to keep pumping at a pretty consistent pace even when filling up my 100 oz (3L) hydration bladder. No cramping or discomfort has yet to occur in my hands, wrists or arms while using the Hiker PRO.

The filter has been easy to both assemble and operate in the field. Putting it together takes very little time, but I am yet to test this in horrible weather. It also breaks down to store in its carrying bag without any trouble. The carrying bag helps keep all the components together and simplifies packing the filter in my backpack. I will say that some of the contents that came with the kit will only be used to change filters and therefore, usually stay at home. These include the sponge, the silicone lubricant and spare connector fittings. I can also leave the bottle adapter at home if I use my Camelbak bladder for water storage.

The Katadyn Hiker PRO has successfully removed an unusual smell from one of my water sources. In the Wasatch Mountain I filtered water from a small pond that had a rather foul odor. Algae lined the pond and plant life was abundant inside as well. I'm sure there was something either living or dying in the water as the smell was powerful. The potency brought back memories of my college apartment shortly after my roommates and I had eaten Mexican food. After filling the canteens I vacated the area before attempting to quench my thirst. I sniffed the purified water and detected no aroma. This was a good sign. My first sip was swift. I tasted nothing unusual, which was another good sign. I then felt comfortable enough to pound down a few gulps before continuing on my way.

Connecting to Water Containers:

One of the unique abilities of the Katadyn Hiker PRO is its compatibility with water containers. The output hose can be placed directly in any water container, but does tend to float up and out of water containers such as empty Gatorade bottles. The output hose can also be connected to the universal bottle adapter (which fits multiple styles of canteens) for easy filling. This eliminates the floating hose problem altogether. So far I have used the bottle adapter with both GSI and Nalgene canteens. The adapter slides into the mouth of the bottles allowing me to use both hands for pumping. It does fit the canteens slightly different. When I slide in the bottle adapter on the Nalgene, it stays in place and I am free to pump away. When I use it on the GSI canteen, the adapter does not lock down and can potentially come off when filtering. I have to keep a close eye on the attachment when filling the GSI bottle. This is not hard to do and I use a finger to hold the adapter on, but it is annoying at times.

Nalgene Canteen with Universal Bottle Adapter GSI Canteen with Universal Bottle Adapter

The feature I enjoy the most on the Hiker PRO is the connection to hydration bladders. The manufacturer offers two different methods for filtering water into hydration bladders. The first involves attaching the white "male" connector to the output hose and inserting it directly into the bladder. The instructions say "This will match with many popular hydration systems", but it does not properly fit my Camelbak bladder. I may just misunderstand the directions, but I fail to see how. I even tried to insert the blue "female" connector into my bladder, but it did not fit either. This direct connection to the bladder would (as far as I see) requires access to the bladder's body so it would be necessary to remove the bladder from my pack in order to fill it.

The second option still has the output hose connecting to the white connector, but does not connect to the body of the bladder. Instead, the bite valve is removed from the bladder's drink hose and a blue "female" connector substituted in its place. The white connector slides into the blue and is locked in place. Pumping the Hiker PRO then pushes filtered water through the drink hose and into the body of the bladder. This procedure means I can fill my bladder without having to remove it from my pack.

While backpacking this saves a considerable amount of time and trouble. I normally have to remove a ton of gear just to take the bladder out of my backpack. I then have to unscrew the lid, fill up the bladder with water, screw the lid back on (spilling some water in the process), put it back into my pack and finally reload all of my gear. With the "Quick Connect" fittings I only have to remove a mouthpiece, plug in the filter's output hose and pump away. Even with my daypack this saves time and is more convenient. I truly love this method for filling up my bladder, it makes my life so much easier.

Connection to Hydration Bladder's Drink Hose

Connector Fittings

It should be noted that the manufacturer's instructions show the drink hose being cut a couple of inches above the bite valve and the blue "female" connector installed permanently into the drink hose. A blue "male" connector is then attached to the short section of hose with the bite valve. This would allow me to just detach the short section of the drink hose and insert the filter's output hose in order to filter water. I see no reason to permanently alter my bladders in such a way. Removing the bite valve is a fast, easy process that requires the same amount of effort as separating two connectors. Hence no time or energy is conserved. Additionally, if multiple people are using the same filter to fill up their bladders then they would be unable to properly perform the recommended process unless they all purchase a set of connector fittings and alter their hydration bladders accordingly. This all seems a little excessive to me, but that's just my opinion.

Testing Plan:

I still expect to go backpacking in Zion National Park in the next month. I also intend to backpack in the Wasatch (or possibly Uinta) Mountains in December and will travel to Bryce Canyon before the test period is over. I will continue to bring the Hiker PRO along on my dayhikes as well. I fully expect winter condition in both Bryce Canyon and in the Wasatch Mountains. This should expose the filter to substantially colder temperatures. Also I will probably end up assembling the filter in less than ideal weather conditions.

For the remaining test period I hope to answer a few more questions I have about the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter:

Will the filter remove enough bacteria so I will not become ill from drinking backcountry water?
Does the filter media become clogged easily?
How long does the filter really last before it needs replacing?
Is the filter easy to replace?
Will the removable filter protector prevent dirt, debris and small bugs from clogging the filter?
The manufacturer claims, “No cleaning is required”. Is this claim true?
Is there any maintenance required after using the filter?
After multiple uses will the output substantially decrease?
Will the filter be affected by freezing temperatures?
Will it be easily damaged by loose gear or will it need its own special compartment?
Will the hoses puncture easily and need to be repaired or replaced?
Will the filter prove to be better than boiling or using tablets to treat drinking water?
Will the hoses easily attach to the filter in poor weather conditions?

I would like to thank Katadyn and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to participate in testing the Hiker Pro Water Filter.

Read more reviews of Katadyn gear
Read more gear reviews by Ken Bigelow

Field Report

All material on this site is the exclusive property of BackpackGearTest.org.
BackpackGearTest software copyright David Anderson