Initial Report

Katadyn Hiker PRO Microfilter

Initial Report

Tester Biographical Information:

Name: Ken Bigelow
Age: 26
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
Date: September 2, 2005

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

Product Description & Initial Impressions:

The Katadyn Hiker PRO Microfilter is advertised as a compact and easy to operate water treatment device for removing bacteria, protozoa and cysts (but not viruses) from water sources. It is designed to be low maintenance and meets EPA purifier standards for bacteria and protozoa. The manufacturer claims that the filter can treat "approximately 1 quart (1 Liter)/minute with 48 easy strokes" using the 0.3 micron pleated glassfiber technology.

The Hiker PRO comes with:

Water microfilter with anti clog microfilter cartridge
Two quick connect hose sets
Hydration connector
Intake hose with modular prefilter (strainer, weight & foam floater)
Output hose with universal bottle adaptor
Deluxe carry bag
Re-sealable bag for storing output hose and bottle adapter
Silicone lubricant
A small sponge

Katadyn Hiker PRO Microfilter Contents

The Hiker PRO microfilter requires some assembly prior to using. While some of it is intuitive, there are some items I needed the instructions for help. The first step I took in assembling the microfilter was to place the input hose through the cylindrical foam floater. The foam floater allows the user to adjust the depth of the intake hose in the water source. Then I attached one end of the hose to the top of the strainer, which I covered with the weight. The strainer prevents larger sized particles from entering (and quickly clogging) the filter, while the weight helps the intake hose remain underwater. The instructions suggest using the silicone lubricant to help connect the input hose to the strainer and weight. I did not do this and had to apply a great deal of pressure, but I did manage to connect these items together. The instructions indicate that the weight is optional, but do not specify the advantages or using or not using it. I will likely use it throughout the test period unless it causes problems.

The numerous connector fittings provide multiple options for the output water to go. The output hose can be attached directly to the bottle adaptor, which is then connected to a canteen. Other options include using the connectors to hook the output hose to either a hydration bladder or the drink hose of a hydration bladder. These options should allow for quick and easy replenishment of water supplies while hiking. These features are fairly unique to the Katadyn Microfilter and I look forward to trying them out. I intend to describe these options more thoroughly in my field and long term report after becoming more familiar with them.

Attaching the hoses to the filter is an easy process. The input hose attaches the bottom of the filter through the provided connectors. One connector attaches to the end of input hose opposite the strainer, while the other is located at the base of the pump handle. The word "IN" appears next to the filter's connector making it hard to miss. "OUT" is located on the top of the filter next to the output barb, which is where the output hose is attached. The other end of the output hose connects to either a hydration bladder (by using the connectors) or to a bottle adaptor (which fits onto a canteen). A red plastic cap covers the output barb when the filter is not in use. Both hoses (identical in length and diameter) attach onto the filter with only minor effort required, while done in the confines of my home. Attaching the hoses could prove to be more difficult in cold, wet conditions when I am tired. I will definitely keep an eye on the ease of use in the field for the hose attachments.

After attaching the hoses to the filter the pump handle can be moved up and down and water will be transferred from the water source, through the filter media and into either a canteen or hydration bladder. The water should then be ready to drink. The manufacturer recommends pumping around one liter of water through the filter prior to using it for the first time. This is done in order to flush any carbon dust from the system. The carbon dust may discolor the filter water, but that is suppose to be normal. The instructions also suggest flushing between five to ten strokes of water through the filter prior to each use. This is done to remove any water that has been sitting in the filter that will most likely have a stale taste to it.

Testing Location:

For the rest of the summer and during early fall I plan on hiking the High Uintas Wilderness, the Wasatch Mountains or Fish Lake National Forest at least once a week. In late fall I plan on retreating to the deserts and hope to hit Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument before the test period is over. The terrain will vary greatly and will include wet and muddy corridors, slickrock, steep and rocky terrain as well as plain old dirt paths. Temperatures should range from 30 F (-1 C) to 90 F (32 C). I will likely see all types of weather ranging from heavy rain to sunny. The elevations experienced should be between 4,000 feet (1,220 m) and 10,000 feet (3,048 m).

Testing Plan:

I intend to test the water filter every time I go backpacking and occasionally when I go hiking. I will bring it along on every trip whether I use it or not. I always travel near questionable water sources and hate using fuel to boil water. I also am rather impatient and do not wish to wait for tablets to treat the water. Plus they leave a foul taste to the water that I find almost intolerable. Filtering my drinking water is the perfect solution. Less fuel means less weight, which is always a good thing in my book. Filtering also allows me to drink relatively cool water quickly. I do not have to wait for it to cool from boiling or wait for tablet treatment to kick in while the water sits in the warming sun for half an hour or longer. In other words, filtering water quenches my thirst faster and better than the other treatment methods I have used. Filtering makes the backcountry more enjoyable.

Over the course of the test period I will be filtering water in both the desert and the mountains. In the desert I frequently encounter standing water that often has a metallic or unusual taste to it. In the mountains I typically get my drinking water from streams or creeks, but the amount of animals and hikers that pass through the water every day leave the water quality suspicious at best. This means somewhere along the line I am probably going to find contaminated water and will see if the filter prevents me from becoming ill. I will be filtering water directly into my Camelbak hydration bladder and at least two different kinds of canteens (Nalgene and GSI). This will allow me the opportunity to test out the connector fittings of the Katadyn Hiker Pro. While backpacking I intend to fill up multiple canteens at least once a day. This should help me test the manufacturer’s output claim. Frequent use will also allow me to test the pump handle's comfort level.

Throughout the test period I hope to answer numerous questions I have about the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter:

Is the filter easy to assemble and operate in the field?
Will the filter remove enough bacteria so I will not become ill from drinking backcountry water?
Will the filter remove or add any unusual taste or smell from the 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?
Is the manufacturer’s claimed output of 1 quart (1 liter) per minute with 48 strokes per minute achievable?
After multiple uses will the output substantially decrease?
Will the filter be affected by freezing temperatures?
Does pumping cause any cramps or discomfort in my hands or arms?
Will the hydration connector fit my Camelbak hydration bladder?
Will the quick connect fittings conform to different types of canteens?
Is the Katadyn Hiker Pro Filter easy to pack and store in my backpack?
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

Reviews > Water Treatment > Filters > Katadyn Hiker Pro > Ken Bigelow > Initial Report

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