COMPANY INFORMATION:

Manufacturer:
Katadyn
North American Web Site:
http://www.katadyn.com
International Web Site:
http://www.katadyn.ch

TESTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SUMMARY:

Name: Michael Wheiler
Gender: Male
Age: 48
Height: 5' 10" (1.8 m)
Weight: 175 lb (80 kg)
Location: Southeastern Idaho
E-mail: jmwlaw@ida.net

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

Microfiltration method:
107 sq in (690 sq cm) of pleated 0.3 micron glass fiber media with an activated carbon core for reducing unpleasant taste and odor.
Cartridge capacity:
200 gallons/750 liters depending upon water quality or when it becomes hard to pump.
Microfiltration system:
Meets industry standards for reduction of bacteria (99.9999%) and protozoan cysts like Guardia and Cryptospordium (99.9%).
Measurements:
6.5 in x 3 in (16.5 cm x 7.6 cm).
Weight (as advertised):
11 oz (310 g).
Advertised length of each hose:
36" (92 cm).
Filtered water output: 48 strokes per quart/liter or up to one quart/liter per minute.
MSRP:
$59.95 US (Replacement element: $29.95 US).

MY MEASUREMENTS:

Total weight:
15.1 oz/428 g
Height and width: 6.25 in x 3 in (16 cm x 8 cm)
Output hose length: 37 in/94 cm
Input hose length: 36.5 in/93 cm
Storage bag dimensions: 8.5 in x 6 in (22 cm x 15 cm)
Wide end of hydration bladder adapter (end with "o"-ring): slightly less than 0.5 in/1.3 cm
Top of water bottle adapter (end into which the output hose connects): 2.5 in/6 cm
Bottom of water bottle adapter at its smallest diameter: 2 in/5 cm

As previously reported, Katadyn acknowledges that this system will not eliminate viruses and recommends using an EPA approved chemical disinfectant with a two-step process. The company suggests that the user maintain the Hiker "after the trip is over" The pleated cartridge does not require cleaning. The user simply purchases a replacement cartridge when it reaches its capacity. Katadyn provides a one year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If a problem is encountered, the customer is advised to return the Hiker to the place of purchase along with the receipt as proof of the date of purchase.

FIELD TESTING:

For a complete description of my initial impressions and testing, please read my Initial Report. As previously mentioned, set-up was easy for me but the written instructions were well done and contained drawings and diagrams that would assist a first time user in set-up and use.

My first field use of the Hiker occurred on a 10 mile (17 km) round-trip hike to the top of Table Mountain near the Tetons. I ultimately did not need to use the Hiker on that trek as I and my hiking companions had sufficient water. However, the Hiker stowed easily in my pack for this day hike and added little to the overall weight of the pack. I was actually able to use the Hiker on my next field trip in July which was a 25 mile (40 km) bike trip from West Yellowstone, Montana to Big Springs near Island Park, Idaho. I was able to take water from near the headwaters of the Warm River. The water was clear and cold. It was also moving fairly constantly. I did not use a separate pre-filter. I filled several water containers belonging to Boy Scouts and myself during this one day trip. All of the filtered water was clear and free of floaters. The water tasted fine and had no odor. Use of the pump was easy and, in fact, when I was filling odd shaped water containers by myself, I was able to put the filter between my legs, hold the container with one hand and pump with the other hand. I did not experience any problems with clogging or any other maintenance type problems. The stream was moving fast enough that I had some trouble keeping the input hose with the float in the water. I ultimately had to place the float in some slower moving water where some large rocks in the river held it in place.

I next used the Hiker on a three-day, 32 mile (52 km) backpack trip in August into Union Falls in Yellowstone National Park by way of Beckler Ranger Station (the South Boundary Trail). During the trip to Union Falls, we had 18 young women and 5 adults with us and only one other adult leader thought about needing to drink filtered/treated water. The other leader and I gave our filters a serious workout. We filled all types and sizes of water containers-from empty plastic pop bottles to canteens to water bladders and Nalgene bottles. The Hiker worked flawlessly and the adapters made the job of filling these various containers easier. The water we filtered was clear and cold. Again, I did not need to use a pre-filter separate from the one on the Hiker. I had a similar problem with the float and the fast moving water. I used the same method of resolving that problem. As before, everyone raved about how clean, good the water tasted. I could see no objects floating in the filtered water. I had to admit, the water on this trip was especially good. It could have been the heavy packs, warm weather, and long days or it could have just been good water and a good filter.

My last use of the Hiker occurred in September during a 50 mile (81 km) bike trip from the West Entrance into Yellowstone Park to Old Faithful and back. I carried the Hiker in my bike saddle bags. The weather was cool and stormy. In fact, the wind was blowing so hard that when we were riding into the wind, it was difficult even coasting down hill! Given the temperatures, I only used the filter once to fill up my own water container. Everyone had plenty of water and one other leader carried a filter. My water came out of the Madison River. As in the two previous occasions, the water was clear, cold and fast moving. Animals in or near the water were plentiful-elk and buffalo especially. My use and experience was the same as reported above.

After these outings, I cleaned the Hiker using Katadyn's recommendations by (1) filling a liter container with tap water and adding 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ordinary household bleach; (2) placing the pre-filter into the solution; (3) pumping the entire amount of the solution through the filter into the sink; (4) removing the pre-filter and continuing to pump for another 5-10 strokes to remove remaining solution from the pump body and hoses; (5) removing the cartridge and allowing it to dry; and (6) wrapping the hoses around the housing and properly storing them in the storage bag. The process was easy and only took approximately ten minutes to complete.

Given the circumstances under which the Hiker has been used by me, I am unable to report as to how much water has been filtered through the Hiker to date. It has seen substantial use. However, the Hiker has not become hard to pump indicating that I have reached the filter's capacity. I have noticed no unpleasant taste or smell in the water filtered through the Hiker nor have I gotten sick from water filtered through the Hiker. It has been easy for me to fill many different types of water containers with the Hiker and its attachments. I have not yet had to use a separate pre-filter and I have not noticed any floaters in the filtered water. Katadyn's claim that it takes about 48 strokes per quart/liter also seems to be accurate. To date, I have not noticed any abnormal wear or tear on the Hiker. The output hose was stained by the charcoal that was expelled during my first use. As such, the hose looks dirty but it has been cleaned with water containing bleach. I can find no breaks or leaks in either the input or output hoses. The Hiker was not difficult to pack and took up no more room that any of my other water filters.

I am undecided as to the question of whether I prefer the side pump design over the top pump design. Both designs have benefits. I like being able to put the pump between my legs and use the top handle when necessary to fill odd sized water containers by myself. I believe I am able to pump more quickly and steadily with the side pump design. I will continue to ponder this issue during my long term testing.

LONG TERM TESTING STRATEGY:

Near the end of September, I will carry the Hiker with me into Hawley Creek near Leadore, Idaho. I will also be in the Hawley Creek area in October and will take the Hiker on that outing as well. My family and I are planning a cross-country ski trip into Harriman State Park in December and I will be looking for some open water to use the Hiker in then as well.

During each of these trips I plan to continue testing the following with regard to the Hiker:

* Ease of use: How easy is it to filter water through the Hiker and into my water bottle and/or hydration bladder? Will the adapters work well with my Nalgene water bottles and my hydration bladders? Does the float continue to work in moving water? How well does the pre-filter work and how often do I need to use an additional pre-filter?

* Water quality: How clear is the water filtered through the Hiker? Are there any floaters in the water after filtering? Does the Hiker filtered water have any unpleasant tastes or smells? Do I get sick from drinking water filtered through the Hiker? If I can find some more stagnant water, how does the Hiker handle this type of water?

* Water output: Are Katadyn's claims pertaining to water output accurate?

* Durability: Does ordinary use, exposure to hot or cold temperatures, or accidental falls onto rocks or other hard surfaces cause damage to the Hiker?

* Design: Do I like the top pump design as much as the side pump design of my other filters?

* Packability: Does the Hiker fit in the pack well with my other gear or does its size and shape make it difficult to pack? * Maintenance: How easy is the Hiker to maintain during and between trips?

* Cartridge capacity: In the types of water I will be filtering, how many quarts/liters of water can the Hiker filter before it becomes hard to pump?

ADDITIONAL TESTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Experience: I have about 38 years of hiking, camping and backpacking experience; my father was a professional Scouter and took us camping/backpacking as often as possible. For the past seven years, I was a Scoutmaster and camped, hiked or backpacked at least monthly-more frequently when possible (it really helps to have cool stuff that I "have to test!"). I plan to continue my monthly outings by camping with my family.

Current Area of Outdoor Use:

Most of my camping occurs in the southeastern Idaho area but spills over into western Wyoming (Grand Teton National Park) and western Montana. The elevations of the areas I frequent generally range from 5,500 feet (1.6 km) to 8,500 feet (2.6 km) above sea level. The weather in southeastern Idaho is fairly typical of a high desert plain. Winters are usually cold sometimes reaching -20° F (-29° C). Snow depths vary greatly but are generally over 10-12 feet (3-4 m) in most of the areas where we camp and snowshoe. Springs can be moderately wet and cold. Summers are typically dry and warm (80 to upper 90° F (27-32° C)) though this past summer we saw temperatures over 100° F (38° C) with only occasional thunderstorms. Fall weather is actually the best-crisp mornings, warm afternoons and cool evenings with little moisture. Backpacking Style: Until a couple of years ago, I would have been classified as a "traditional" backpacker. I am now in a transition stage with regard to my backpacking style. Ever since joining BackpackGearTest I have been learning about lightweight and ultra-lightweight backpacking styles. I also began to learn about lightweight backpacking gear. As a result, I am really trying to cut down on my total pack weight. I used to carry a pack weighing around 60 pounds (27 kg). I now carry a multi-day pack weighing around 40 pounds (18 kg) or less.