Reviews > Water Treatment > Filters > Katadyn Hiker Water Filter > Michael Wheiler > Initial Report

KATADYN HIKER MICROFILTER
INITIAL REPORT
By Michael Wheiler
July 17, 2004

COMPANY INFORMATION:

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

Katadyn of Switzerland claims to have been producing high quality portable water systems since 1928. According to the company, "No other water system provides higher quality or longer-lasting performance."

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 INFORMATION:

I received the Katadyn Hiker on July 2, 2004. The box containing the Hiker was undamaged and all of its contents were in undamaged condition. I received all of the components which were advertised to come with the Hiker:

Microfilter (Model No. 8013629)

Anticlog microfilter cartridge (Model No. 8013630)

Intake hose with modular pre-filter (required set-up) for removing large elements from the water source

Output hose

Universal bottle adapter

Universal hydration bladder adapter

"Deluxe" carrying bag with field tips sewn into tag on the inside

Clear plastic zip-lock type storage bag for the output hose (to prevent contamination by intake hose during storage)

Instruction booklet (six pages) and a single page instruction sheet for intake hose assembly and hydration adapter

Small (3 g /0.10 oz) tube of silicone lubricant for use in inserting hoses onto connectors and adapters into hoses

The set-up instructions were simple and easy to follow. Because I had previous experience using a water filter, set-up could have been accomplished easily without the aid of instructions. Diagrams with the written instructions were very helpful in understanding the written set-up instructions and components of the Hiker. The modular pre-filter consists of two parts--(1) a black plastic weight and (2) a black plastic strainer that is inserted up through the bottom of the weight, through a hole in the top of the weight and into the intake hose.

The strainer barb can be seen through the clear plastic intake tube. A touch of the silicone lubricant makes inserting the strainer into the intake hose much easier. The adjustable black foam float is positioned just above the modular pre-filter.

The molded plastic housing on the Hiker is ribbed to assist in gripping the pump with one hand. The bladder adapter attaches to the output hose instead of the bottle adapter and then the thicker end with the "O" ring plugs into the output barb on the hydration bladder. The design of the Hiker is a top pump style where the water is moved through the filter by pulling and pushing the pump handle in and out of the filter housing. The input barb at the bottom of the housing has a built-in pressure relief valve and there is a check valve inside the housing. As assembled, the Hiker was what I expected after having viewed the company web site.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS FROM MANUFACTURER:

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 Giardia 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).

The following are advertising claims made by Katadyn regarding the Hiker:

- High water output per stroke.
- Compact lightweight design.
- Outdoor market's number one selling microfilter.
- More people rely on Katadyn's Backcountry Series products than any other brand.
- The favorite choice for all-around use.

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" by (1) filling a liter container with tap water and adding 2 tablets of Micropur Purification or 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 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.

Katadyn also provided the following field performance tips:

1. If the handle is hard to push, lubricate the pump handle o-ring with silicone lubricant.
2. If the unit pumps easily but no water flows, make sure the pre-filter is submerged, that the hoses are not blocked or pinched, and that the check valve is clean.
3. Rinse the pre-filter in water to remove any particles that may be caught in the strainer. For a more thorough cleaning remove the pre-filter from the input hose and clean with water and a soft brush.
4. To prevent the possibility of cross contamination, store the output hose and adapters separately in the re-sealable bag inside the storage bag.
5. After filling the water container(s), continue pumping to remove remaining water from the pump body.
6. Before each use, flush and discard a small amount (5-10 strokes) of water to remove any stale taste.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS AND TESTING:

As previously mentioned, set-up was easy for me. However, the written instructions were well done and contained drawings and diagrams that would assist a first time user in set-up and use. By my measurements, I found the following:

1. Weight as measured on a Neopost SE27 digital postal scale: 15.1 oz/428 g.
2. Height and width: 6.25 in x 3 in (16 cm x 8 cm).
3. Output hose length: 37 in/94 cm.
4. Input hose length: 36.5 in/93 cm.
5. Storage bag: 8.5 in x 6 in 22 cm x 15 cm.
6. Wide end of hydration bladder adapter (end with "o"-ring): slightly less than 0.5 in/1.3 cm.
7. Top of water bottle adapter (end into which the output hose connects): 2.5 in/6 cm.
8. Bottom of water bottle adapter at it's smallest diameter: 2 in/5 cm.

After initially setting-up the Hiker, I followed Katadyn's recommendations and pumped approximately one quart/liter of tap water through the filter. As indicated by Katadyn, I noticed that first an almost black colored water came out of the filter followed by white colored water. There was only a small amount of colored water and then the water came out clear. This flushing is designed to remove harmless carbon dust from the filter. The top pump was easy to use and produced a fairly forceful stream of water through the output hose--enough so that the hose jumped with each full pump.

The float was adjusted so as to keep the pre-filter off the bottom of the sink and appeared to work well in the non-moving water. The water bottle adapter fit well into my water bottle and I was able to place approximately 12 oz (0.35 l) into the bottle with 12 up and down pumps of the handle. Pulling the pump handle up or out of the housing appears to draw water out of the water source and pushing the handle down or into the housing forced the water through the filter/output hose and into the water container. All of the mechanisms on the Hiker appeared to work properly. The filtered tap water from my private well did not taste or smell different after going through the filtering process.

TESTING STRATEGY:

I have already carried the Hiker 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 for the 10 mile (17 km) round-trip.

On July 14, 2004, I used the Hiker to treat water near the headwaters of Warm River. I will report on my experiences with the Hiker on these two occasions in my Field Report. I also plan to take the Hiker with me on a three-day backpack trip later this month into Union Falls in Yellowstone National Park by way of Beckler Ranger Station (South Boundary Trail). I will use the Hiker in August during our family reunion hiking trip near Stanley Lake in the Sawtooth Range. In September, I will carry the Hiker with me into Hawley Creek near Leadore, Idaho.

During each of these trips I plan to test 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?
* 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?

There is nothing I enjoy more than a thirst quenching drink from an ice cold spring or high mountain stream after a long, hot day on the trail. Given the concerns about any water source these days, I prefer to filter all of my water and I will put the Hiker to the test on each of these outings. During the trip to Union Falls, we are taking a fair number of youth with us and I will be responsible for making sure they are drinking filtered/treated water. As such, I anticipate that the Hiker will get a serious workout on that trip.

ADDITIONAL TESTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Experience:

I have about 37 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.
 

Reviews > Water Treatment > Filters > Katadyn Hiker Water Filter > Michael Wheiler > Initial Report