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 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 effectiveness:	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 8 cm).
Advertised weight:	11 oz (310 g).
Advertised length of each hose:	36 in (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).

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 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.  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.

Long Term Testing Results:

For a complete description of my initial impressions and field testing, please read my Initial Report and my Field Report .

I used the Hiker on two additional occasions.  The first outing took me to the Hawley Creek drainage near Leadore, Idaho during the last week of September 2004 for a multi-day trip.  We had a base camp near Hawley Creek and did day hikes from that location of 2-5 miles (3-8 km) per day.  The elevation was approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 m).  The weather was warm during most days and cool during the evenings and early mornings.  I filtered water from both Hawley Creek and Quaken Asp Creek.  Both are small creeks containing clear, cold, fast moving water.  Both creeks are the major water source for elk, deer, antelope, big horn sheep, beaver and a host of other local wildlife.  Both creeks are also utilized by cattle grazing on bordering BLM land.  As previously reported, the water I filtered from both creeks was clear and free of floaters.  I did not use a pre-filter separate from the one on the Hiker.  This was the first time I had used the filter since cleaning it and initially there was a slight chlorine taste to the water.  That disappeared with the next usage.  Otherwise, the water tasted great and had no odor.  The pump was easy to use and I did not experience any problems with clogging or any other maintenance issues.  I typically filled two Nalgene bottles with each use.  I carried the Hiker in a day pack with limited capacity but its compact size made it easy to pack and carry.

The second trip was on October 22-23, 2005 near the Salt Creek drainage which is approximately 5 miles (8 km) east of  Leadore, Idaho and a couple of ridges north of Hawley Creek.  The elevation was approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 m).  This time, we experienced a recent snow storm and the weather was cold with frequent snow flurries.  I filtered my water from a small creek (name unknown).  The water, as is usual for Idaho, was cold, fast moving and clear.  Again, this drainage is frequented by elk, deer, bear, coyote, fox, and numerous other wild life.  We even heard, and saw the tracks from, a pair of wolves.  My experience with the Hiker on this occasion was similar to the last.  I had no problems of any kind.  Upon my return home, since I didn't plan to use the Hiker again for several months, I took it through the recommended cleaning 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 any 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 Hiker has been a pleasure to use.  I like its compact size and weight.  I believe I still like the pump handle on my other filters but because I can't really articulate a good reason, that is probably only because I started out with and used that type pump on my filters for many years.  The top pump design is easy to use and has given me no problems thus far.  As reported, the quality of water has been exceptional but I have had very good water to work with each time I used the Hiker.  Given my initial experience with the Hiker (numerous uses with varying sizes and types of containers), I have not been able to keep track of how much water has actually been filtered through the Hiker--but it has been a lot.  As of yet, I have not noticed any difficulty with the pumping action which is the signal that the filter is reaching its capacity.  I have not noticed any abnormal wear or tear on the Hiker or its attachments.  Like other filters of this type, it takes a little time to set up, pump and put away the Hiker.  Is it less convenient than just drinking right from the water source?  Yes.

However, on one of my outings to Table Rock (near the Grand Teton), we were coming down the mountain and came across a group going up.  They were stopped at a small spring and were drinking directly from the spring without filtering the water.  I stopped and proceeded to use my filter.  One of the individuals pointed out that I really didn't need to do that because they had never had any problems drinking the water in this spring.  I simply responded, "There are just too many bad things in the water these days for me to take any chances with any water source, especially when it is so quick and easy to make sure it is clean."  I have friends who have taken chances and, as a result, have gone through the treatment for Giardia.  They will tell you that it is not worth the few minutes it takes to filter the water.  Like most of us, I also have friends who have taken chances and not had a problem drinking unfiltered water--that used to be the norm.  My personal opinion is that today with products like the Hiker and with invisible, bad things in most of our water sources, it is just simply not worth the risk to drink unfiltered water.  Clearly Katadyn's Hiker makes it easier for us to choose to use a filter.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

I have had about 39 years of hiking, camping and backpacking experience; my father took me camping/backpacking as often as possible. I have camped, hiked, or backpacked at least monthly during the last seven years. Most of my camping occurs in the southeastern Idaho area but spills over into western Montana and western Wyoming. The elevations of the areas I frequent generally range from 5,500 feet (1.600 m) to 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea level. Winters sometimes reach -20° Fahrenheit (-29° Celsius). Snow depths vary greatly but are generally over 10-12 feet (3-4 m). Summers are typically dry and warm with day-time temperatures ranging from 80° to the upper 90° Fahrenheit range (27° to 32° Celsius).

My thanks to BGT and Katadyn for allowing me the opportunity to test the Hiker.

Michael Wheiler