Katadyn BeFree SECRET HACK - filter easier and faster

My coupon code at Backcountry 👉🏻 DAN15
KATADYN BEFREE
CNOC VECTO (fits the BeFree) amzn.to/39g8sV4
AQUA CLIP bit.ly/3fdyzOF
HIGH SIDE COFFEE bit.ly/3eWT1CF
Full Gear List With Individual Weights and Links 👉🏻 bit.ly/3cOzCTi
INSECT REPELLENT (individual packets) amzn.to/2Yq6zjt
DOWN JACKET bit.ly/3aISSR9
TENT
SLEEP PAD I USE
FAVORITE LUNCHES bit.ly/3aKamNG
BACKPACK
MED KIT
RAIN JACKET
CHAIR bit.ly/3eecrD1
NECK GAITER bit.ly/2WVkZZK
QUILT I USE ugqoutdoor.com...
FAVORITE LUNCHES bit.ly/3aKamNG
SLEEPING BAG I USE bit.ly/31ybFeT
PILLOW amzn.to/2X8POIp
COOK POT amzn.to/2TV1wnH
DITTY BAG partners.hillto...
FOOD BAG partners.hillto...
STOVE amzn.to/2DGl75E
SPORK amzn.to/2CPV9em
LIP SAVER amzn.to/2sY1Ztr
FOOTPRINT amzn.to/2ItFtU2
DIRTY WATER BAG amzn.to/2JTBdMM
WATER FILTER amzn.to/2NhadGD
BATTERY BANK amzn.to/2H4wJkz
TOOTHBRUSH zpacks.com/pro...
KNIFE amzn.to/2VkhVqw
FIRE STARTER amzn.to/2VgBP5O
HEADLAMP amzn.to/2wiTD4C
GPS amzn.to/2E3VTht
WATER BOTTLE HOLDER zpacks.com/pro...
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📷MY CAMERA GEAR📷
MAIN CAMERA amzn.to/2UJ6IQi
MAIN LENS amzn.to/2sysGVC
VLOGGING LENS amzn.to/2TyvS1K
ND FILTER amzn.to/2DR26wM
ZOOM LENS amzn.to/2XWeOCf
GIMBAL amzn.to/2Lm38VK
TRAIL MIC amzn.to/2FGD9Gj
TALKING HEAD MIC amzn.to/2CrjsPt
TRIPOD (FULL SIZE) amzn.to/2u9iQhj
TRIPOD (SMALL) amzn.to/2DOaf55
DRONE amzn.to/2Ug7nHu
CAMERA CLIP FOR BACKPACK amzn.to/2VjlihB

[@dandeleona4760]

"Did it really clean my water?" That's exactly what I wondered. I worked nearly 50 years in dialysis using these filters to clean blood so the idea wasn't foreign to me when outdoor tech started using the medical technology to filter water. But the flow was SO fast, I was suspicious of construction. What concerned me is whether there was potting material under the cap. Without it, the fibers may be close enough to be crammed together but raw water would still leak around the individual fibers into drinking water. So of course, I had to dismantle it and take a closer look with a penlight to see if we were being bamboozled. Nope. Construction fits the tech. We can indeed sleep the sleep of the reassured.

[@dandeleona4760]

Be careful of knockoffs tho because there was one I found on AMZ that did not appear to have potting resin and the filter had a pressure fitting, not a screw on filter. That's a problem.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks for investigating and sharing this info.

[@decryptthestory861]

I saw a video of someone using one and looking at the water under a microscope (before and after) it worked incredibly well. Very impressive filter for the size

[@Dylan-jq7hu]

Are people sterilising the filtered water as well? Or people are not worrying about bacteria/viruses?

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

@@Dylan-jq7hu .. depends where you are ...in the US , not usually .. out of US ,, ALWAYS .. Can also get a Purifying pump ..

[@kristymoore7052]

Last year my son brought one on a trip and while I was 1/4 of the way patiently filtering water through my sawyer into my smart bottle, he had filled both of his and my second bottle. I purchased one when I got home and then they were Xmas gifts for the rest of the family. CNoc now has a bag you can thread the katadyn to. Water filter/storage solved. I love that thing.

[@jacoporossi6528]

I'm from Italy and the more i listen to you and the more i would like to keep listening to you, to your adventures and your awesome experience! Keep pushing like this man!

[@creedm3040]

Great video. I like my BeFree as well. I used it all last Fall and Winter with only one glitch. Between trips that were 2 or 3 weeks apart flow rate was terrible until the 2nd day. I e-mailed Katadyn and they responded within an hour. She said to fill the bag with tap water a day in advance to prime the filter. I just left it full of water in the dish drainer. When it dries out in storage the filter needs to rehydrate. It has worked wonderful since. Best!

[@denisesarazin6753]

I’m curious about Katadyn’s recommendation. I though tap water was bad for it.

[@urgamecshk]

​@@denisesarazin6753why would you ever think that

[@fastcircuit]

I've had two sawyer squeeze filters fail me on the trail, I went to the Befree year and half ago, soooooo much better. Better weight, flow rate, and no need to backflush (just shake and dump)!

[@iamrachelolsen]

I’ve had this for years as a casual camper thanks to my local outdoor shop but felt like maybe I had the wrong thing since everyone is about the Sawyer Squeeze. Thanks for the info and AquaClip tip!!

[@gravy9587]

I was using that setup until six months ago. Now I use the 2 liter Hydrapak bag which stands nicely in my packs side pocket. In conjunction with that I use a 700ml smart water bottle in a shoulder strap pocket. I leave the filter on the 2 liter bag and fill the 700ml bottle as needed . Not quite 3 liters of storage but it is plenty for me living and hiking in the North east. Eliminates the need for two water bottles and works great. rt water bottle

[@sambonnecroy3215]

Completely agree Dan! BeFree filter is the best I've ever used, and I'm so happy I switched.

[@callmygolfshot8292]

Thanks for sharing I am a Sawyer Mini User but its bag is trash and carrying a water bottle with its screw-on is a no-go. clipping this to the front of a backpack is awesome solves so many issues.

[@Bassray]

Finally find Aquaclip to carry Befree by your video!! Thanks!

[@jamesplyler9892]

I switched to the Katadyn this year also and am using it with the Hydrapak Seeker 2l. The flow rate is fantastic, and you don't have to put a ton of effort into filtering water, works well for me!

[@christihenderson5836]

I have also left the sawyer squeeze behind in favor of the katadyn filter. I also bought the cnoc vecto bag that works with this filter. Game changer!

[@jstephenf9546]

The blue fitting that you are screwing onto the CNOC bag will also screw onto the top of the Katadyn. Attach a short length of hose and a bite valve to that fitting and you don’t even have to remove it from your shoulder strap to drink.

[@navelaviator18]

Thanks for the vid! If I'm base camping with others, I use my gravity filter in camp. I don't attach the end of the hose to any bottle, instead I have a little on/off valve that allows me to fill any container from it. It's so convenient to have 6L of water in camp for cooking, dishes, filling bottles etc. I will probably always bring a gravity filter with me unless I'm thru-hiking or by myself. That said, the one thing that gravity filters don't do well is filtering water on the go. Setting it up, filling it, waiting for it to filter/fill bottles... it is a process. It's so much nicer to stop for lunch, fill up bottles quickly and move on. A BeFree is now always coming with me as well.

[@lilianedecoste7312]

Thank you! I have the Katadyne BeFree and was wondering if I would buy a water clip, not knowing if it would fit on it!!! I now have the answer. And I am pretty sure you know that you can use the Katadyne filter on orther HydraPack soft flasks!

[@blazercage]

I been taking with me dehydrated water for years on my hikes. When I need to drink my dehydrated water I just add a little bit of water and boom I have water again :).

[@joospis]

What’s great about dehydrated water is that you can hydrate it with just a little bit of hydrated dehydrated water. That way you only need to bring water to hydrate your dehydrated water that you can then use to hydrate more dehydrated water and then you can use that to hydrate more dehydrated water, assuming you don’t drink it of course.

[@justyouraveragejoe7359]

Hey Dan, just ordered the Katadyn filter,( had a REI gift card). Cool clip idea. You are my go to for camping gear. All the products I have purchased using your expertise have been great. Thanks for your time Dan.

[@DigIntoGaming]

One filter is great, but two is better! Always have a backup for every thing.

[@mannyontrailPCT]

Have it use it AND still have my Sawyer Squeeze. After 25 Liters on the Katadyn, the flow slowed significantly. But with constant shaking, with bladder attached, flow comes back (not as well as when new). I do like it, but when it comes to water...I like it CLEAN (never want to chance getting sick). So, yeah...my luxury item is dual filtration! I double filter and carry both filters. I KNOW, but don't care, love them both. If water is from a clean, clear and cold spring source, I use ONLY the Katadyn! When source is questionable, I filter from Katadyn bladder, into a Smart water bottle, then thru my Sawyer Squeeze and Guaranteed...CLEAN water. Overkill? Perhaps...but that's just me! 😁😎

[@DanBecker]

I’ve never had water that was too clean! You should bottle it and sell it on trail! 🤣

[@mannyontrailPCT]

@@DanBecker With your endorsement, definitely! The price just increased 50%!!!😎👍🏼

[@stephen6134]

Thanks for the tip. I just ordered the aqua clip.

[@wackygochoco2009]

I filter for one to ten people. I like the Squeeze for that. I just scale up the dirty bag. With Hydrapak and MSR Dromedary, you have quite a few options for larger capacity filtering. You can thread the Sawyer hardware to the Katadyn front end and pair with a Hydrapak Seeker to run as a gravity system as well.

[@NancyandMako]

Excited I just ordered one Dan and I found the clip on slacks thx again for great video!!!

[@Medickep]

But Dan, your sawyer squeeze connects directly to you CNOC bag! You can also use the included adapter to connect the filter to a smart water bottle!😊

[@paddle_hike]

For those who say that Katadyn clog...yes, the trick is to sit them in a glass of (demineralized water) no minerals (important) for about 15-30 minutes and it will work like a new one ... I've done this TONS of time. Always worked :)

[@rgmALC]

Like just let it sit in distilled water? Or swish it around in it?

[@paddle_hike]

@@rgmALC i just drop it in the glass... but no minerals... minerals like tap water will clog it

[@paddle_hike]

@@randyletourneau3430 river and lake works fine.... not the best but it's not as bad as TAP water.... I use river water on the trail and shake it.... does the trick... it won't clog "on the trail" it will when it sits at home drying.... so soak it before the trip and it's fine :)

[@leeennddaa853]

@@randyletourneau3430 I took mine out the second time I ever used it and saw the flow rate was WAY reduced from the first time I used it. I have a 3L bag and I left it up hanging in the campsite overnight as everyone's "water cooler" that they'd periodically go and refill their Nalgenes with. I noticed that leaving the bag full of water to be filtered and having the filter left wet overnight GREATLY helped the flow rate the next day. I used fresh stream water; it worked fine!

[@ldavis4428]

I bought the XA Water Filter and compatible Salomon collapsible water bottles. Wide mouths. This water filter is structured like the BeFree. I was very happy with how quickly and easily my new filter worked during our backpacking trip. I was able to easily attach one of the water bottles to my backpack strap, lean down, and take a quick drink. I didn't even have to pull it off of the backpack. That being said, that bottle is only 16 oz. I hope that little connector piece will connect to my bottles. So far, very happy with this system.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Hey Dan you might like the hydra pack seeker 3Liter long collapsible water bottle! The kaytadyn befree fits right onto it. Your clip might even fit on it. Its pretty much a large version of the bag it comes with. I have seen a few other people using it too and it works great! Just a heads up! Stay safe! Hike on!

[@1wetpaint]

Got one. Works great in camp.

[@tb12fire27]

I have been using that for years now. Glad you switched . It confort me in the idea taht it was the good choice ^^ And yes i confirm, CNOC has a bag for the katadyn filter

[@TrojanHombre1]

The BeFree works great until it doesn’t. As others have mentioned, it works great when you first get it, but it never flows the same after you store it dry. The other issue is that the bag is soft, and is prone to developing pinhole leaks. You are playing fast and dangerous if you carry that thing around on the outside of your pack, because unlike the Sawyer, it doesn’t couple with standard water bottle openings. If the bag fails on a trip, then you have no way to use it with another bottle or bag unless you buy a Hydrapack bag. I really loved the features of the BeFree when I first got it (i.e. flow rate, light weight, unclogging ease, etc.) Unfortunately, I have learned the hard way that I can’t rely on this filter for my most important trips. Even with it’s obvious flaws, I still trust the Sawyer Squeeze more when it really counts.

[@kristymoore7052]

Troy Timothy hmmm, I’ve had mine for awhile and though the flow takes a bit longer when you use it on the 1st trip of the season, it quickly returns to its usual good flow rate.

[@BackcountryForward]

My flow rate totally slowed down after only one season to less than my sawyer MINI (after 3 years of use I might add)! I agree... not reliable. I still want to use this on my upcoming Thru-hike for all the obvious reasons.. but I'm more and more leaning towards the Sawyer Squeeze.

[@Mr_J_J]

Okay bring a couple Katadyn MicroPur MP1 tablets with you.

[@SnoringVids]

Work around is buying the larger beefier bag. The filler is so inexpensive compared to other models you can just buy a new one if it eventually runs slow

[@DigIntoGaming]

You can 3d print adapters for the Katadyn so you can use it with any bottle(S) you want

[@pauldoan8391]

3 years ago a guy stopped at a creek on a trail on the Pacific ocean he pulled out this water bottle filled it up and drank I questioned him about it he told me it was a filter I couldn't believe it , I bought 2 of these . I then thru away my MSR water pump that clogged all the time never looked back best water filter ever

[@garrycollins3415]

Good filter. I have both. Everything you do with the BeFree you can do with the Squeeze. Same set up.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Welcome to the club! Now go get yourself a Hydrapak Seeker and you'll never go back. The seeker comes in 2, 3 and 4 liter. They are great. Great review!!

[@erikjeter2147]

I carry the 3L, flies up to nothing and fills both my bottles and I carry the extra to use to filter and cook with if I'm close to stopping.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

@@erikjeter2147 I just picked up my 2nd 3L for my son. I've had the 1st one for 5 yrs and it's tough. On the new one, they've even made that material thicker! This setup is a no brainer. I'm serious, there is no going back to anything else if you use this combo!

[@erikjeter2147]

@@ColemanOutdoors completely agree!!

[@sweetdreamergirl82]

That was going to be my recommendation too. I love having the Hydrapak ready to go when I get to camp and if I need to I can stick it in my pack full without worrying.

[@ericsidolmind]

Love mine. I even got the insulated sleeve for my Seeker 3L. Just helps keep it cool, or warm longer.

[@larrykay6606]

Thanks for the tip. Gonna pick up the BeFree 1 liter and aquaclip combo and use it on my next day hike up Whitney this season. Always looking to shed some weight and this seems like a good setup since there is plenty of water sources on the way up to the peak. No need to carry 4 liters of water weight!

[@MikekiM1212]

I’ve had a few of the BeFree filters.. they are prone to clogging if you store them dry. I gave up on them a few years ago.. great flow rate until it's not.

[@sweetdreamergirl82]

I had that issue and then I realized if I fill the bag and let the filter sit in it for 20 min (the day before I need it) that it works fine again. A glass of water works too.

[@MikekiM1212]

@@sweetdreamergirl82 I leave mine soaking in a container of water with a teaspoon of One Step cleanser. However, the fact that I need to be concerned with this makes a tough choice for backcountry use. I have switched to Aquamira and AquaTabs as my goto. Yeah, I have wait a few minutes while the AM does it's job, but it is fool-proof and worry free..

[@leeennddaa853]

@@sweetdreamergirl82 Thanks for the tip!! I noticed the first time I took mine out, it filtered GREAT with amazing flow rate, and then the second trip... not so much. But after it sat "wet" for a little bit on that second trip and I went to filter more, it was back to the usual great flow rate. I think you're totally right about this trick!

[@kennyvairin2484]

@@sweetdreamergirl82 I tried that, warm water, scub the end with baking soda, store in the fridge wet. Nothing seemed to work with mine and one of my backpacking posse had the same problem.

[@Christian_Prepper]

@@MikekiM1212 *what does it mean to store a filter "dry"? Thanks?*

[@paulf6321]

Really enjoy your channel Dan! What I like most about it, and why I like it more so than other channels, is the humor amd light-heartedness. Many KZbinrs are just to darn serious, and that makes them bland, for me anyway. Your videos are very informative yet fun to watch. Keep it up!

[@johnlhigh]

Great Vid! I've been using the befree 3 LTR for 3 years now. Just bought a new filter for a backup. I tied a piece of para-cord to one end and hang it from a tree. Viola! Gravity filter...

[@Sturmer69]

Been using it for years, it works great, the best flowrate of them all. Just keep the filter moist once in a while, which should not be a problem if your hike frequently. Cleaning is also super simple, just shake it in the stream.

[@Cujo..]

By the way, thank you for the review on your UGQ sleeping quilt. I ordered my custom quilt and should be getting on Monday and the customer service at UGQ is amazing

[@CraigRogerBaumgart]

Can second this. Emailed the owner about the 6 week lead time. My section hike kicks off in 5 weeks. He emailed back and said he'd tag it and have it shipped a week before we leave! Amazing!

[@Cujo..]

@@CraigRogerBaumgart they definitely are amazing, I wanted a patch that reminded me of my doggie and making it even more personal, the owner said to mail it to him and he would sew it one. You have an amazing hike

[@vice4134]

One of the best videos on Katadyn Befree review!

[@HuckOutdoors]

I remember in Utah how amazed you were at the flow rate of the Befree. That flow rate is why it's my go to filter.

[@cesarvazquez1180]

I have a Platypus Gravity filter, but on my Yosemite trip I saw many people using the Kadadyn filter. I think I'm going to keep it on my radar for when I need a replacement.

[@claudec2588]

Thanks for this video. I've purchased both items. I was using Versa Flow as an attachment to my water bottle and also a second one as an inline filter from my backpacks water bladder. But this looks so much more convenient especially since I can clip it to a more convenient place on my shoulder strap as opposed as you indicated reaching around to the backpacks pocket or asking someone else to get it out for me. Thanks again.

[@hikingtochange7589]

You do realize that you can screw the Sawyer squeeze onto the top of your water bottle and drink straight from the filter? Use your aqua clip with it as well.

[@henrysutton8148]

It could be a sponsor

[@TheTrailDancer]

Yup!

[@leeennddaa853]

I'd think that the Sawyer Squeeze on top of a water bottle & then clipped to a shoulder strap would literally be so tall that it'd start to whack ya in the face, don't ya think?

[@hikingtochange7589]

Linda Eubanks I’ve not had that problem myself. I suppose it would depend on your rig.

[@jamesmontavon850]

I carry a 500 ml smartwater bottle on my shoulder with a sawyer filter so that it's not crazy tall, and have my 1l bottle(s) in my side pouch

[@OutdoorTherapy2020]

I’ve been using the katadyn for a year now...and I would never go back when going solo.

[@BackcountryForward]

I used to love my Katadyn, but then I found it slowed down after one season. I'd be curious to see how yours holds up after another year!

[@OutdoorTherapy2020]

@@BackcountryForward It will slow down, like any filter, but for all the pros, to me it’s worth it :)

[@nicktombs1876]

I have many, many filters including several Sawyers, and the Katadyn in this film, but the best one of the lot is my first need filter, it has a charcoal filter that filters 100% of everything including any discoloration including dyes. This filter is used by emergency services when they go to places like Haiti after the earthquake, it has its own handpump for a decent flow rate, the only setback is you need a new filter every 500 gallons, you ought to try it, good bit of kit.

[@tomcappy3956]

I made the switch from the Grayl to the BeFree two years ago. Best decision.

[@michaelharris4503]

I like the convenience of this filter. However, one should be aware before purchasing that the thread (43mm) on the befree filter is not super compatible with other bottles. This makes it problematic if you lose the bag part . You can’t strap the filter onto any old bottle/ bag which makes the filter useless if you do lose or damage the original bag/bottle . The positive is that you can use the hydra pack bottles as replacement bottle/bags. I purchased the 2 liter hydra pack bag as my water storage for dry spells and if I lose the 1 liter bag, I’ve got my “spare” 2 liter bag just in case. The 2 liter bag weighs next to nothing so it’s not a big sacrifice.

[@williamskellyr]

and the Hydrapack bag is guaranteed not to fail/leak. Get a pin hole, they'll replace it, NQA. The Katadyn Bag ... (good luck!)

[@lostnwater]

I put 3 pin holes in my bladder on one trip. I still like it though

[@martinerhard8447]

Isnt it 42mm?

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@@williamskellyr Hydrapak makes the bag for Katadyn. It has their name right on it.

[@5857521ManitobaInc]

I purchased this filter two years ago used exactly 3 times before it started developing pinhole press that would leak water. The good news is I have a larger different brand collapsible water container with exactly the same size lid that I can use, but the katadyne bag that came with the filter does not stand up to being stored for a season much less being used

[@jmoore7482]

PCT Thru hiker here. BeFree flow rate will rapidly slow down if using it for weeks. It is convenient though, I would carry an extra filter cartridge.

[@totoroben]

I found a clippy strap for water bottles on Amazon. Came in a three pack. Worked great on my hike

[@johnframpton9643]

You can make your Sawyer setup easier by ditching the tube and putting the filter directly on the bag. It can still be used as a gravity also. I also agree though the BeFree is simpler. One less moving part just take the filter off fill it, screw filter back on closes it up!

[@BurtReynoldstash]

All the eggs in one basket springs to mind. Bag gets a hole in it. Game over Sawyer is much more versatile, squeeze it, gravity set up and forget about it. Your squeeze set up is a bit over the top, all the pipes & stuff. Mine is cnoc bag, squeeze and then the blue collar and a smart water bottle. Simple

[@lydiasmith6755]

Hi! I appreciate your reviews, and your entertaining "style"! I've had nothing but trouble in the field with the BeFree. It's great for about the first two days, and then it just dribbles. I've tried every kind of "field fix" suggested, with no good results. I take it home and soak it in vinegar for awhile, and it flows much better. I'm careful to collect water that's as clean as humanly possible to collect, but after several experiences of having it clog up and having to use purification tablets on extended trips, I'm frankly frustrated. I like the flexible bladder construction of the thing, and how fast it flows when it works. Any suggestions, oh wise one?

[@hansentt]

A few guys had these on my last trip. I brought my steripen. The water in the Uinta national forest typically doesn't taste bad so the steripen has been good. This trip was different. I couldn't find good water so I was left either drinking water that didn't taste good or using a drink mix. Luckily some of the other dudes let me bum some water off them. I'm convinced the befree is the best. So fast, so convenient.

[@wgray8231]

7:40 "they look different sizes" wait until you hear about how volume is calculated

[@jodydeamer9418]

your personality lends itself well to your videos, very enjoyable

[@geraldreeves9264]

There’s a reason the Katadyn flows quickly. It’s letting more organisms through. Their own technical specs confirm this. It’s percentage of pathogen removal is several logs inferior to the Sawyer Squeeze. ‘Logs’ are basically how many ‘9’s make up the percentage such as %99.99 would equal 4 logs. The Sawyer filters more. You might think that another ‘9’ or two couldn’t make a difference, but it certainly could when you’re measuring pathogens in parts per billion. Ask yourself, is saving a minute or two a day on filtering water worth getting diarrhea (or worse) in the backcountry?

[@angeljmadrid]

They make a GRAVITY VERSION TOO! I have it it works great! Comes with a tube too. It's 3 liters and works great for a group

[@debraonthego3960]

I love my be free!! I even got the 3L bag as well. It’s a WAY better system than the sawyer and doesn’t have the seal leak issues ! Love love it.

[@evanbarrett2072]

Just bought one of these a few weeks ago but haven’t used it yet. Can’t wait.

[@nickramirez2995]

This video is about firepower vs mobility. The first filter is your firepower it can filter for large groups. The second filter is your mobility. Single person ease of use which makes it convenient to use. Having to filter systems is better then one. The saying goes in the army 2 is 1 and 1 is none. I like that you will carry both systems. 7 oz is not heavy. But I'm not a ultra light guy. So I'm not afraid of weight.

[@KB1HQS]

I used the BeFree on the Long Trail and it worked well. Replaced my Sawyer filter. Good Times.

[@abduld]

hey man. your videos have been really helpful to me in the past month or so especially while researching gear. thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@clayb.6077]

If you ever wanted a filter that does .01 microns instead of the .1 there is one called the survivor filter and it's like a small hand pump with 3 stage filtration and you can put the first stage filter that at the end of the tubing directly in the water source . the company is really nice. I also love katedyn products especially the Optimus stoves . my favorite is the Polaris .

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

I really liked mine, but had an issue with substantial reduction in flow rate after cleaning and storing. Could have been related to tap water. Currently back to my Sawyer/cnoc setup.

[@leeennddaa853]

Commenter above (sweetdreamergirl82) said to soak it in water for about 20 min before your next camping/hiking trip and it should help the flow rate. I can attest, after leaving the filter wet on my last camping trip, the flow rate was MUCH better in the morning vs when I tried to use it the day before. Try it out!

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

@@leeennddaa853 thank you. I'll give it a try (and bring a backup option)

[@thehikingcucumber3410]

Same here. Went through the same thing. Also, why doesn’t Dan just squeeze his sawyer? You don’t need to drip it, it can also squeeze...

[@anygivenweekend1193]

Must be the way filters are going. I have a Lifestraw Flex. Very similar but more versatile. The filter can screw straight on to a standard water bottle and can also be used as an in line filter for a bladder.

[@Brettbrack]

Great video. The filter is great. Yet,, the cons of this filter are the Hydrapak bag it comes with. Over time it will develop pinholes leaks. In addition the CNOC bag is better due to the ease of filling over the Hydrapak bag.

[@rangerdoc1029]

My local BassPro shops has coffee bags. Love them. So much better than instant.

[@dennisknight7025]

My Be Free came with a pinhole in the 1 L bag. Rather than send it back I bought a 3 L Hydrapak which also fits the filter and it is fabulous. I've heard others make the same complaint and come up with the same solution. Katadyn needs to know about this hack.

[@kohort1]

I think you have the gravity attachments upside down. Didn't the Sawyer screw straight to the cnoc as normal, then the tube attached between that and the bottle.

[@louiscorcoran1622]

Hey Dan, nerd fact of the day: there are 1000 microns in 1 millimeter. So the sawyer squeeze (and the Katadyn BeFree) filters particles that, if aligned side to side, would take 10,000 particles to make 1 millimeter. Cheers, A fellow Wisconsinite.

[@-Anjel]

Americans realizing the metric system....

[@kennyvairin2484]

Had problems with my Katadyn. Worked great when I first got it and I cleaned and dried it after each trip. However, after a couple of trips the flow rate became so slow it was pretty useless. I disassembled it, cleaned and scrubbed but still had problems. Any suggestions to get that flow rate back up would be welcome. Enjoy your channel! And now that I read the rest of the comments, it appears I am not alone in this. Touch base after a few months of using and let us know if you have the same problem or what you did to avoid it. Thanks again.

[@1wetpaint]

Update. Apparently my filter read the review and decided to make a better effort to work again. So, the flow rate is better and I keep it in the fridge full of water. Film at 11..

[@victorf5404]

If you wait 5-10 minutes after filling the bag, then the soaked filter will have a much better flow rate.

[@memathews]

Each pre-trip includes an overnight soak for my Sawyer so it's primed to have a good flow. Even just a week between trips seems to lower the flow rate.

[@denisesarazin6753]

What water do you use to soak it?

[@TheTrailDancer]

Hey bro... further hack... you can pair the filter up with a HyrdaPak Seeker 2L bottle. They are way better than the one that comes with the filter. Been using this filter for a long time!!! 😬

[@Zebrababsi]

I used this filtration system and loved it. I

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Most towns have a wallmart which has a sawyer and all gas stations have plastic bottles , there's your answer for the long term

[@christophermagera8643]

I can see everyone if finally coming around to the BeFree. When I first researched filters, I could not conceive why someone would buy the (albeit awesome) Sawyer Squeeze over all the advantages of the BeFree.

[@jmoe32310]

My thing with Sawyer it can go on other bottles. Katadyn can't. What's your take on that I was thinking about switching to katadyn even tho I just bought a new Sawyer

[@TheNypenfan]

Jason Mosier totally agree. I think the befree does make a lot of sense for a day trip or a day at the stare park.

[@dustyc324]

First filter is a 3L be free. I was going to buy a sawyer, took a gamble. First trip, the well was turned on that day and water was rusty orange. Filter cleaned it fine. I brought two 1.5L bottles and could carry 3L in the filter bag if needed. so far no complaints or any reason to try an alternative.

[@chrislrob]

I've been trying to figure out another filtration system for my upcoming trip on the Centennial Trail in South Dakota. Like you, I"ve been seeing them, but they just didn't click for me. But you've sold me. Ordering one this week!

[@corporaterobotslave400]

You should do yourself a favor and check out Seychelle water filters. They have squeeze bottles, even canteen style, and the Extreme filter removes everything including radiation. They have military contracts. Best water filtration imo.

[@stevenpeterson8444]

wait, why not just screw the Sawyer directly onto the Vecto? and why gravity? why not just Squeeze it through? works for me.

[@tylerbrewer5842]

I was triggered by this the whole video as well

[@johnframpton9643]

Agreed he makes the Sawyer seem more difficult that it is. With that though the BeFree is simpler as you fill it and put the filter back on and it’s closed up. With the Sawyer you have to remove the filter close the bag, open the other end, close the mouth, then put the filter on the 28mm end. The BeFree is so simple, fill close filter

[@darrenstrecker5221]

Steven Peterson- just did that a few days ago on a trip. Fill the Vecto, screw the Sawyer to the Vecto, used the double female adapter and screwed the Life water bottle to the filter and squeezed; takes no more than 20-30 sec. And I can put the water bottle in the side pouch of my pack, something you can't do with the BeFree it has to be clipped to the sternum strap (no thanks!) And where do you put your second BeFee if you want to carry 2L of water?

[@minysmith9043]

Ya missed the "squeeze" part in the name?

[@DanBecker]

Yep I’ve used it that way several times. Probably for the first couple years I had it actually. Worked great. But I went to the gravity system for convenience and for the fact that I hiked with kids and needed to filter several liters at one time. Made for less work squeezing. I just would sit back and let gravity do the work.

[@michaelabraham3094]

If the close cap breaks off your BeFree, the nipple style cap from smartwater bottles is almost identical.

[@skel_6548]

Dan, We follow you on KZbin and we are fans. Saw your last post regarding the Katadyn Water Filter, and have another hack for you. Hydrapak makes the Seeker series water bag that can be dipped into a water source, filled, then the Katadyn Filter threads to it. I bought a 3l Hydrapak so my trips to the water hole are few. Keep up the good work. Jim Allen

[@chadbrooks9763]

So now its a coffee war between Kyle and Dan

[@KyleHatesHiking]

lmao

[@rickg7235]

Just ordered one. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@m_hibbs]

I just use a hydrapak 750 softflask with a beFree filter and it fits in my hip belt pocket, or if I'm trail running i just cinch it to my hydration belt. I never have to stop for more than about a minute to refill my bottles and keep moving.

[@RobFarrell17]

The BeFree was a game-changer for my solo kit.

[@deborahhill3105]

Hey, Katadyn, Dan. Want your vid to come up in the searches. I always enjoy your info!

[@tomm5256]

I totally trusted you that it held one liter.

[@donreinholz8121]

That is a good and fast filtering system. Where do you buy those bottle clips at?

[@ChrisProuse]

Great tip Dan! Thanks for sharing :)

[@CloverHikes]

I love my BeFree. You can get a CNOC bag that fits it as well.

[@scottpiner2149]

The High Side coffee looks nice. I have been putting my coffee in Melitta tea filter bags and dipping the exact same way. No more need for the coffee press.

[@scottpiner2149]

C K Great question. I do not hike for a week so that’s not an issue for me. I just pack it out.

[@maconthelt6963]

Katadyn befree comes in various sizes up to 3 liters and also has a gravity feed system. Anyone claiming the sawyer can filter water as fast even squeezing the water through has never used both, there is no comparison in speed of filtering, katadyn hands down is at least twice as fast if not faster and has the same filtering micron range.

[@mjlcc55]

You can buy the BeFree filter and a Cnoc 2l bag right now at Cnoc's website for only $40. I just got mine and can't wait to use it. (I do not represent either company)

[@jtatgenhorst6]

When is gear going to be back in stock? Clip idea looks great but it seems like the bag sloshing around by your chest would be annoying. I'm still willing to try it...when it's in stock!

[@reddottx]

Can't stand stuff hanging on the front. Pack deal breaker for me if I can't reach a water bottle while walking. Just not a fan of the soft water bottle. To each their own.

[@wellseasonedhiker]

How do you feel about the BeFree at this point Dan? I just got off the trail (Sierra... clean water - right?) and it was abysmal. Admittedly I'm about 100 liters into my filter but I'm down to about 3-5 minutes to painfully squeeze out a liter. Has your opinion changed? Mine has.

[@NL-in1eq]

It looks so cool, I want to use it as a daily bottle in my homeoffice ;)

[@chrismoses7445]

With the SS and Vecto setup, I've eliminated the hose. The connected setup inline is: Carabiner if desired...+(1) Vecto bag (2) SS (3) Coupler (4a) Water bottle (4b) 2nd Vecto bag. You do not need to worry about the height of a branch you may hang the bag from a tree as the bottle or bag can freely hang. I've used this setup with a lot of success. @danbecker

[@TMK1089]

The befree filter fits on hydrapak bladders and collapsible water bottles. I would definitely check out the Hydrapak products

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Not a hiker...yet...but gonna give this a try for our day trips. Thanks!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I haven't used any of the Katadyn filtration systems and it seems to be much easier than the Sawyers, Grayl and Vapur systems I presently use, often switching to fit the needs for weight, space, etc. I'll have to check it out. Thanks, Dan. The Vapur is a similar concept, however, the filter is almost as long as the bag itself. After use I would like to roll the bag and store it out of the way but the filter does not allow me to do that. By buying a second bag (sans filter) that allowed me to roll the empty bag and stash it in my pack.