KATADYN BeFree FILTER | 7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

A water filter is a must in every backpack and on every trip if you ask me, today I review and go through 7 things you should know about the Katadyn BeFree filter. The review and tips is based on several years of experience using the filter and I hope you find them useful.
The Review covers everything from the basic of usage to technical specs and good accessories like the CNOC Vecto Bags. The review also go into how to use the filter, for the beginners. I hope you enjoy and please, if you have any questions just leave a comment.
For more info about the KATADYN BeFree Filter and CNOC, follow these links.
www.katadyngroup.com/int/en/8...
www.katadyngroup.com/int/en/8...

[@ketohiker7040]

Excellent. Thanks for taking the time.

[@andrewgraham5080]

Tjänare Robert. I purchased one on your advice and used it this weekend on the Isälsleden from Vindeln to Åmsele. Got to say I was really impressed, best water filter I’ve used by far.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Great trail and glad you liked the filter, actually trying out the Sawyer Squeeze just to see and learn about that one as well to be able to give my opinion and the difference between them. But the Katadyn has worked so well for me so not expecting the Sawyer to be any better, we’ll see 🙂

[@mindreader]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Great, glad I could help 🙂

[@RichardTomson]

Perfekt. Precis vad jag letade efter.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Kul att du fann infon du sökte 👍🏻🙂

[@grumpyuncle.]

Excellent video

[@roberthammenrudh]

Thanks a lot 🙏🏻🙂

[@poerqwa]

Hi Robert, I truly enjoy your videos and hope you bring a lot of content in the future. 2 questions: How is using the CNOC more of a contamination risk than using the Befree bag? I've used 2 CNOC bags and never had them leak on the top end. I did fold the CNOC closure the wrong way at the start so it leaked, is that what you mean? Good Luck with the channel.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Thanks a lot Marc and glad you like the content. 🙂 Regarding the CNOC bag there is only a risk, if you leave the filter attached when collecting the water. Then you might also dip the filter on the dirty water and that might leak into the tip of the filter and then it is contaminated. When using the BeFree original bags that is not a risk because you only have one opening, and therefor have to remove the filter before collecting the water. Regarding the leakage well, you can off course like you said close it the wrong way. But I also experienced some small leakage when closing it the correct way. Not a big problem but good to be aware of.

[@bencordes2899]

Very informative video. Thank you. Also like the hat. What brand is it?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi and Thanks 🙏🏻 🙂 the beanie is from a brand called Bula, but this specific one they don’t produce anymore. But they have a wide range of nice ones on their website. (bulabula.com but under reconstruction)

[@Joris390]

Hi Robert, thanks so much for this useful video. What about a filter for the outdoor which also protects against chemicals, notably fertiliser a pesticides. Kind regards, Joris

[@roberthammenrudh]

Glad you liked this video and yes, if you want a filter to also remove chemicals and fertiliser then choose one with a coal filter as well like the Grayl.

[@patrickgardner396]

Thanks for the video! I'm intrigued: could you please expand a little more on why you say you shouldn't keep the BeFree filter paired with a CNOC bag, beyond just when you're filtering, because it risks contamination? Is that because the CNOC bag is a different material from the original BeFree bladder, or another reason? Asking because I have both, and was planning to use my 3L CNOC bag as my primary dirty water bag, and keep the BeFree filter mated together with it rather than the original 1L bladder. Thanks!

[@roberthammenrudh]

First, thanks. 🙂 and regarding the contamination maybe I could have explained that a little bit better. I mean only, when collecting the water, then don’t have the. BeFree attached…then you have a risk for also dipping the BeFree in the dirty water and then if the cork is not sealed properly it can leak into the top of the filter. Otherwise no problem off course to leave it attached.

[@patrickgardner396]

@@roberthammenrudh Ah thanks for clarifying!! I see what you mean! From the video I thought you meant that, for some reason, if you choose to keep the filter and the CNOC together (for example, in your pack as you are moving) then there would be a risk of contamination. But I totally get what you mean now - definitely a good thing to look out for! Also, that was a great shout in the video about possible leakage if a full CNOC is not stored standing. I'm starting the PCT this weekend (over 1000 km of hot desert to cross to begin with) and got a CNOC 3L specifically for long water carries (can sometimes need to carry upwards of 7L at a time). Will be looking out for leakage. Thanks!!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Good we sorted that out and I wish you all the best ad good luck at the PCT…have a great hike 👍🏻🙂

[@jobvaneldijk4439]

Hi Robert, I have used a MSR TrailShot until recently a part broke making it hard to use. :( What I didn't like so much with the TrailShot was the way the water got a "plasticy" taste. How is the taste of the water from the BeFree?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Well…first, Hi Job ✋🏻 and no, been using the Katadyn over 3-4 years and can’t say it tastes anything in particular else than the taste of the water source. Don’t remove any taste but does not ad any either. So I think you will be fine! I will do some testing also with the sawyer this year and also a couple of Chinese brands and see…but so far, I am happy with the Katadyn!

[@fritzkramerkramer7855]

Hey robert, I am yet to actually use the Katadyn BeFree in the backcountry yet but when I run it through some sink water at home it comes out with a putride plastic smell. Is this normal? Thanks!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi well, it’s something I haven’t noticed myself. But sure, a new filter might leave a bit of taste… nothing to be worried about in my opinion.

[@beckylaramee8348]

Can you just use the bag that comes with it? Not sure why you would need another type of bag?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Well sure you can, nowadays you can buy it in 0.6l and 1 liger and if I remember correctly also a bigger version. But I bought the CNOC due to a bigger size (2L) and because it is easier to fill up because of the big opening.

[@blacksunshine7122]

Hi new subscriber here. One question pls. What would one do if the water source is so contaminated and dipping the bag into it contaminates the outside of the bag? I know this is an older video, so I hope you find my comment here thank you ☺️🌞

[@blacksunshine7122]

My bag is 6 liters

[@roberthammenrudh]

First, hi and welcome to the channel! 🙏🏻 thanks for subscribing! And yea, there is always a risk of contaminating other stuff from the bad->good water but one base to careful at all times. See to it that the bad water does not drip on the outer to the filter and to the clean water bottle. If you’re not sure, boil the water if for example the water source is really bad.

[@RiverstonestudiosVA]

I 3D printed an adapter for the katadyn so it fits on a regular water bottle. If you need one yell.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Well that sounds like a great idea 😀 I am at the moment trying out the Sawyer squeeze to find out the differences and see if it could be an alternative or not. So far…I don’t know 🤔 kind of missing my BeFree 😄 Would be interesting to try one of your adapters… but let me finish my little test with the Sawyer Squeeze first 🙂

[@RiverstonestudiosVA]

@@roberthammenrudh yes love the be free. I have a sawyer as a backup and the adapter I made for the Beefree. Hard for me to trust a bladder.

[@seakyle8320]

Kannst du den mal gegen den bauähnlichen aber viel billigeren Decathlon filter testen?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi 👋🏻 not speaking any German… only Swedish or English… but what I understand you are asking me to test the cheaper but similar filter from Decathlon. Good idea 👍🏻 will check it out and see if possible in the near future!

[@Olsson229]

Kan man inte dricka rakt ur katadyn be freen ? bra video för övrigt!

[@roberthammenrudh]

Ja men absolut, visst kan man det. Stora fördelen är ju att man kan batch filtrera men visst, dricka direkt går jättebra.

[@Olsson229]

@@roberthammenrudh ah härligt! Har precis beställt en som kommer imorogn :) Beställde på general prepper, där står det att även katadynen ska reducera kemikalier också, stämmer det?

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@Olsson229 njae det finns nog inga belägg för det påståendet 🤔 microorganismer och bakterier ner till 0.0001 mm.

[@thor.k.w.k7636]

Mine has a weird taste in the beginning is it normal?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Yes, I do believe it can happen and no worries, use it a couple of times and it will eventually go away!

[@user-fm9hi5wj2g]

Is it okay to filter and then boil water??

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi B, well, I don’t see a point doing that actually unless the water is really dirty and you want to have added safety! Either you filter or you boil 🤷🏼‍♂️ I prefer to filter my water both in camp and on the go.

[@michelferrin3716]

Hello --- Apparently there is a pre-filter that attaches to the lower end -- have you heard of this "pre-filter"?

[@roberthammenrudh]

Well yes but not for BeFree, only in combination with other brands like the Topland.

[@jenslundinbyh8845]

I have owned two beefree filters and both have had so poor flow it is almost unusable. I see good reviews i dont know if i have been unlucky with both. Been really disapointed with them.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi 👋🏻 and sorry to hear you’re having problems, I have had the same problems at times but often solved with the cleaning procedure I did an episode about. Se link below. The reason is a lot of impurities in the water clogging the filter and makes it useless, some lakes and streams is really challenging. The benefit of the Sawyer squeeze is you can back flush and maker the filter going again pretty easy, if it happens with the befree you might need to wait until you get home. As the full procedure below 👇 good luck! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZO1maRpbbJ3Zqcsi=WCx06OxgH-8UYZy0

[@turboduckhead6179]

I haven’t used mine in a couple of years and today it was very slow to filter water. And the water tasted a bit like perfume

[@roberthammenrudh]

Sorry to hear, but before you throw it away you can try this method 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZO1maRpbbJ3Zqcsi=4qgIyu65wXyR_lLJ

[@sessionlog8968]

My BeFree clogged and failed the integrity test after 1 year. I filtered about 100 liters of water with it. I'm disappointed.

[@roberthammenrudh]

Yea can happen with any filter, depends on the quality of the water being filtered. If not, it can help to “heat it up” in lukewarm water before swishing/cleaning.

[@sessionlog8968]

@@roberthammenrudh my friends have had Sawyer filters for many years and have never had any problems with them. i think the main problem is you can't do backwash. when I was buying the BeFree filter, I had many doubts because I found many negative opinions on the Internet, which unfortunately were confirmed. I ordered a Sawyer filter anyway

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@sessionlog8968 well yes, some prefer the sawyer others the Katadyn. I haven’t had any problems with my BeFree nor have my friends but sure…I heard of people like you, having problems with theirs and also some having problems with the sawyer so. So t know which one is the but I will during 2022 buy a sawyer and some other brands to do a comparison.

You could try to soak it in white vinegar or back-flushing with distilled water

[@nicklaslundgren3871]

Inspelat vid Storsjön, Södermanland, strångsjö? 😁

[@roberthammenrudh]

Haha 😄 ja, helt sant! Bor i närheten 🙂 antar du varit där mer än en gång för att känna igen dig?

[@nicklaslundgren3871]

Uppväxt i Strångsjö, så där har man spenderat många timmar. ☺️ Vi hade båt för förr. Nu tältar vi varje sommar ett par gånger på ”övre platån” vid grillplatsen. 😍

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@nicklaslundgren3871 ah ok, kul du kände igen platsen! 🙂 är där ibland på somrarna förstås och badar lite…men aldrig tältat där!

[@nicklaslundgren3871]

Man är aldrig ensam när man tältar där. Är det inte vildsvin så är det spöken. 😅 Bra videor du gör. Har följt dig länge. 👍

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@nicklaslundgren3871 ja vildsvin (och spöken) har vi gott om! 😄 och kul du gillar kanalen, är under ständig utveckling och på fredag kommer faktiskt ett Svenskt avsnitt 🇸🇪

[@Pasequale100]

why tip no 2? i don t understand

[@roberthammenrudh]

Hi 👋🏻 and thanks for watching and for the good question… well, there is a risk of contamination of the filter if leaving it attached. Why, well because when collecting water you might accidentally dip also the filter in there and if the cap ain’t closed, or not sealed properly it will result in dirty water entering the filter on the clean side. 🙂

[@vikkitee4686]

The beefree is more convenient as you can drink straight from the bottle

[@roberthammenrudh]

Yes it’s a great filter, with most common filters like the Sawyer Squeeze or the Hydroblu this is possible but the BeFree has better flow.

[@pdxraves]

I’ll give you one tip. The filter clogs don’t purchase.

[@roberthammenrudh]

It happens, and sometimes it’s hard to clean for a good flow until your home again… I give you that 👍🏻 and one of the big advantages of the Squeeze.

[@pdxraves]

@@roberthammenrudh there should be never mixed reviews on something this important. Should work as expected before it hits the market. Failure can be so critical to someone’s survival.

[@1stRanger]

It's nice how all of them pretend to be drinking it.😅If it's so good why not drink it?

[@roberthammenrudh]

I do… all the time 🤷🏼‍♂️ use a filter like 99% of the time I collect water and sometimes from nasty waters so they work perfectly.

[@1stRanger]

@@roberthammenrudh Not in this vid though.

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@1stRanger well I took a sip 😄 if only a small one!!

[@1stRanger]

@@roberthammenrudh In other words you didn't drink it.

[@roberthammenrudh]

@@1stRanger well i did, a small amount. Since this video wasn’t about if the filter works or not I didn’t find it very important to show more than that.

[@f.c232]

BeFree has better flow rate because it uses less of the filter which to me is unsafe if you think about it the dirty water is touching about 75% of the filter at the same time so the part of the filter closest the mouth piece is the only part being filtered that's only about 25% of it, how long can it actually last as for the sawyer squeeze, mini, micro the dirty water has to go through the entire filter making it more safe to use and which causes a slower flow rate i would never use BeFree at all, but if i had to i would only use on clear running water never use on still or filthy water ((if you need proof do this fill bottle with water put BeFree , put bottle on table and drink from bottle in standing position and drink till you can't drink no more look at water level and how much of filter is not really being used)) sawyer 👍 BeFree 👎

[@roberthammenrudh]

Since you posted the same comment in both videos, the Katadyn and the Sawyer video I just paste my answer for those who read this 🙂 This is something I haven’t heard about but according to both Katadyn and Sawyer (and many others) the filtration effect is the same. It filters exactly the same amount of particles, bacteria etc so don’t think this to be a problem. If to be sure I suggest sending Katadyn your thoughts and get a more scientific explanation how it can be that both works the same despite the differences. Would be interesting to know what they say. 🙂