"Katadyn Hiker: Water Fresh" by Nutnfancy

At around 14 ounces, the Katadyn Hiker and Hiker Pro water filters are not light. But they are the best and most capable backcountry filters I have found and used. My experience with them dates back to the early 1990s (discussed) when they were sold under the PUR brand. These Katadyn versions are still well made and have the same proven capabilities. The video discusses and clearly show these in depth through many TNP backpacking adventures. The Hiker Pro offers a wrap around filter pre-screen and QD attachments. The latter I don't need but the filter screen is recommended as is wise selected of your source water. In good conditions these Hikers are rated at 200 gallons filtering capacity. They have seemed to provide that in my experience. Other competitive options are available and capable such as the MSR Mini Waterworks or Sweet Water, Katadyn Mini, Katadyn Pocket, Katadyn Vario, and many other low cost, "hokey" alternatives. Hokey to me means more work, less production, inability to reach water sources, hard pumping or requiring squeezing/sucking through a straw, and the worst, frequent clogging. The Hiker is none of those things and its design defines durability and ease of use. If you can pack it in you'll be glad you brought it. It's the world's best selling hiking filter for good reason.///////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9 out of 10 (only penalty is WEIGHT)

[@LKN4WAR]

Nutnfancy I couldn't help but comment that you are The Man when it comes to reviews and old brochures! That rocks.

[@Quickb3n]

I can't sit and watch TV for longer than 20 mins, yet I can watch a review for a water filtration system for 25mins ? Nothing like a Nutn review !

[@forestsandman]

You have the voice of a home shopping network host. And I love it.

[@davk003]

If your are contemplating getting this filter just get it. Works amazing. Went on a 2 month long backpacking trip with this filter. It also was used for 4 separate weekend backpacking trips before hand. Filter still is working great. Bought an extra and it just stayed packed up the whole trip. It pumped water for my wife and I for 2 months. I highly recommend it. Friend bought a bag filter that you have to squeeze through. After watching him use it Im so glad I went this way.

[@BManHunts]

Thanks for the informative video. I have a PUR hiker that I purchased in the late '90's...it always had an iodine taste and turned clear water yellow. I knew that katadyn now makes the hiker, and all of the videos on KZbin about the katadyn hiker show the water coming out clear and everyone says it tastes great. Thanks for explaining the old "purifier" statement that PUR had made. Great video, and thanks again, especially for the tips on cleaning it after use.

[@MongoWongo777]

Ohhh, I am so glad you made this video. I purchased one after seeing you using it in so many vids. I got one for my brother a couple of years ago. I just sent him the link. It was hard to explain to him how great a piece of equipment it was. Thanks!

[@xShooter7]

I have been using this exact filter system for years, and have to say, I couldn't be happier with it. It is fast, efficient, and doesn't take up too much space in your backpack. I give it five stars, from several years of experience.

[@steven458791]

Four years in and your videos have only gotten better! Don't stop believing. Hold on to that feeling.

[@OpaKnows]

I have the Hiker Pro shown in your outings. Fabulous item. Worth every penny, especially when you're finding fresh water sources scarce or iffy. I've been pleasantly surprised at the durability of the pumping/charging handle. The kids find it very easy and handy to use. Even doubles as an emergency air mattress air pump. May void warranty!

[@ODVenture]

I have just recently been looking at water filters for my emergency home storage, and was considering a ceramic. Thanks for the input! Keep them coming!

[@LAX1080]

I love my Katadyn Pocket Micro Filter. Worth every penny of 250 dollars, never have to worry about cartridges again. Nut one and have a filter for life.

[@Darkerloaf]

Cheers for water bucket! I've just added that to my system! It's pretty sweet, and just letting the sediment settle is huge. If you are pumping from a churning creek, puddle, or an algae infested lake, you can start clogging an MSR filter after a couple liters. However, the nice part of the MSR filter is that you can scrub the ceramic filter, removing the particle that clog it.

[@jgb559]

I've been thinking about getting a water filter and you just sold me on the hiker pro! Thanks Nutn!

[@Kendye346]

While camping last winter we had a human-induced failure of the KH. We pumped water at night, but didn't clear out the intake or filter, and overnight it froze inside. The next morning we hadn't realized, tried pumping water, and the pressure from new water hitting the ice blockage caused a crack in the top, rendering it useless. We should have run hot water through it first. Dumb mistake. Great video, love the filter. Gotta love how many options are available for having clean water. -rugb

[@CampfireTalk]

I've been using the Katadyn Hiker for years & it's been a solid filter & I've never had any issues with it. It currently has the Hiker Pro filter in it as I replaced the old filter after much use. When you don't have a llama or pack mule carrying in 10 liters it's great to have this filter for back country excursions : ) Great review as always Nutn!

[@gregvance]

Thanks a lot for this great detailed review Nutn', I was saving up for the Katadyn Pocket despite the huge cost, came across your review yesterday comparing the models and ordered the Hiker Pro instead. Cheers!

[@lantavis]

the best water filter!I had a PUR version of the HIKER since 1995.Sadly,got stolen this year.i will be buying the KATADYN ,hiker.I have never gotten sick. these filters work ,so far as i can tell.

[@jamesjones2286]

Hi Nutnfancy from the UK. I have used Katadyn Hiker Pro for the last four years and like you have found it to be a solid piece of kit. This past year I bought the Lifesaver Bottle this is one cracking piece of equipment. It can filter up to 4000 litres of water on one internal filter. It is in use with both UK & US military out East.

[@iyn1911]

Thanks for the review vid. I need to pick up a water filter fir my desaster kit and was pondering between the hiker and the pro.

[@matt115k]

perfect timing on this video my brother an i were just arguing over which filtration system to go with

[@ihikearoundcom]

Have the hiker pro, love it and now added the Sawyer squeeze Filter as a back up. Love the video!

[@guyfihi]

Great filter. I have the Pur version, and it has served me well over the years.

[@Infoneson]

+ for having it as part of your home preparedness kit. I have a MSR Miniworks EX though, a very good filter in my experience.

[@PinellasPatriot]

Love this video Nutn. By trade I'm a filter element design engineer and I found your analysis quite informed!

[@nathanvess4035]

I have this water filter and love it! It has been put in puddles and streams and has never failed me. I didn't know Nutn was a oz watcher after watching him lug around 90 lbs and all.

[@JeepWranglerIslander]

A very useful tip for any of these filters is this: carry along a few coffee filters and rubber bands. If you place one on the outside of the intake housing, with the rubber band holding it in place, you effectively create a pre-filter that helps keep some of the bigger particles from ever getting into the filter, thereby extending the cartridge life. If the coffe-filter pre-filter ever gets too mucky, you just replace it with another. Even cheap coffee filters will do.

[@DigitalUrbanCamo]

Thanks for this brother. I have been looking to replace my old water filter and I think this will do just fine. Great review.

[@HorizonsleatherBlogspot2012]

This filter has been my choice for close to 20 years, even when it was owned by Pur. For the investment, the quality is top-notch.

[@NotHisRealName]

I created a new playlist because of this video... The 'Nutnfancy Wishlist'. Damn, this is going to get full, really quickly.

[@SlimWithATiltedGrin]

Fricken love your videos and reviews dude. You actually swayed me from getting my original choice, a "Sawyer Squeeze Filter". Im gonna want something that isnt going to clog up on me while bushwacking and its nice I didnt have to trial and error that myself. Thanks again for the no bologne videos.

[@lastdaysguitar]

That was one of the best filter reviews I have ever seen, wonderful job - loved the hike areas too!

[@The1GWP]

Thank you for working with your youth group. Too many ppl think it's something someone else should do, or the YG leader's job. Keep up the good work!

[@WOTASAP]

Looks like a pretty legit filter. I definitely like the pickup hose. I use a steri pen, which I like for being light, pretty fast, and not messing with the taste of the water. I wish it had some way like the pickup hose for getting at little trickles of water, but it's not a huge issue because where I hike water is everywhere. What works great for someone might not work for you or vice versa. You have to make your own decisions based on the data points, and this channel is a great source of them

[@Royalsfan55]

Good to see you getting back to the backpacking stuff. Me personally, I use a Sawyer gravity system (2l). It is a little slow but you don't really have to do anything except put the water in it. No pumping so you can go tend to other tasks while your water filters. It is also guaranteed for 1,000,000 gallons. I filter 2 litters refill the "dirty water" bag and when the clean water is gone, I filter the next 2 liters. I also have a steri-pen that doesn't filter but purifies.

[@GRMGR1]

I have a hiker that I bought before Y2K. I'm glad to see an in depth review.

[@demoncleaner80]

I was looking at a much more expensive unit and I'm glad I watched this review. I had a $50GC Balance to Dick's from a Christmas gift, but they really don't have much in the realm of camping/hiking gear (almost an afterthought). I saw that they had this filter and started doing some review searching. As soon as I saw this video my decision was made. Total damage to my wallet was only $29! ;)

[@RealityStar9]

Excellent. I have the Hiker as well but I rarely go out for extended periods so it's mostly dead weight but it increases my comfort and state of mind so it's a positive.

[@AdventureOne]

Thanks for the review. Just ordered the hiker Pro. I like the pre-screen, that is somewhat field cleanable. I have used the Hiker, and several straw filters, but looking forward to the Pro getting some use!

[@TheRichiesInPeru]

TNP = best gear review channel hands down. I watched this video abt a year ago and was sold on the Hiker (still haven't bought it). Since then I've thought abt the MSR Miniworks, Sweetwater, and Katadyn Vario. I watched this video again and that's it, Hiker all the way. If its good enough for TNP its good enough for me.

[@DesN4IN]

Dude, I love my katadyn pocket ceramic filter, you clean it and just keeps on going and going.

[@rolltde65]

Everyone I know that has this filter, including myself, has had that same issue on the output ziplock bag. It busted on everyone of them. Not a big deal, but it seems like they would have fixed this by now. Thanks for the video!

[@mpsnads]

I use the MSR Sweetwater and love it. Never tried the Katadyn. Thanks for the info!

[@NSNorfolk]

Nutt'in, we use white coffee filters to pre-filter v/s your paint filters. They are slower to filter but putt out more and smaller contaminates. They seem lighter but..... you have to also tote in a form in which to first place the coffee filter element so it does not collapse on itself. Good info, as ALWAYS !

[@outdoorzone]

I use and have the katadyn hiker and its worked great, never been sick yet! I also like the sawyer point one and two! Most of this review I knew but, wanted to see our opinion about it!! Thx for review nutn!

[@Virtuemuppet43]

I love these videos, you are so well-spoken and i could learn alot from you. Thank you for the knowledge, Subscribed :)

[@TeeJeeg]

Ive been using a pur hiker for years and it is wonderful. Thanks for the maintence tips i threw away my instructions years ago.

[@Paelorian]

I like that the Katadyn Hiker uses the same filters as the Katadyn Base Camp gravity filter, which works well when you’re not filtering on the move and can afford to wait.

[@mabeast502]

best godamn review I've watched on anything, makes me feel like an expert afterwards.

[@wcs198233]

Another great review. I bought two of them. Thanks Nutnfancy.

[@Mislco]

Just bought the hiker pro! Look froward to using it. Full confidence.

[@kjyjan]

Nice to see other people using those "hot beverage bags" for storing everything dry :D. Nice review

[@stevegarrett4869]

nutn, I am the guy you flew over standing on kings peak, anyways I personally hated the filters we used up there on that trip. I personally when clear water can be found is just roll with potable aqua no pumping and I normally throw some drink mix in so the iodine isn't an issue, use filter as backup I noticed you pumping from a bag, fill bag first then pump from it to your cantene, while sitting comfy under a tree, dude freaking awesome idea, your not crouching over the stream in the mud etc

[@steamsoldier]

Great video thank you, been waiting on a video like this from TNP!

[@RitchiePowell]

Great info thanks! I was just considering this and MSR Miniworks.

[@rawrified101]

On a three day, 20 mile, hike in the Sierras we reached our second destination, a beautiful clear lake. Between a group of about 30 people we have 5 katadyn hikers. Within our first 15 minutes of trying to pump this "clear" water we manage to clog and damage all 5, regardless of the amount of cleaning we did to try and remove debris. I even manage to snap a valve while forcing water through a clogged filter. Point is, bring a backup system (we had 2 MSR's that we made due with for all of us). :)

[@Joejodus]

great video as always alot of good info, am going to have to pick one of those ups.

[@snork707]

Nutn is the greatest philosopher of all time!!! Philosopher of use

[@Bash486]

I just bought my first Katadyn Hiker. Was wanting to get the Pro version but unfortunately the sporting goods store didn't have that model. Good side is that the standard version came with an attachment to fill hydration bladders. So the only difference in the Standard and Pro from what I can tell is the color and the Pro has the extra screen. Though if the Pro's filter will fit into my standard I probably won't upgrade. I'll just get the better filters. Thanks Nutn, keep em coming!

[@NewHampshirite223]

Thank you for this video, I already own a Katadyn hiker pro and I love it, I find it not to be that bad on the weight, comes with a good bag, parts, and instructions (it's worth ever oz). I've used it a lot with no issues and I've filter some pretty questionable water, so over all A+. Again thanks for this video, always something to learn from another backpacker.

[@timmfrit]

i am currently running the katadyne vario. i love it, now. first time out with it, i was not selective with my water source and the ceramic pre filter clogged almost immediately. once i realized my mistake, scrubbed the ceramic clean it has worked flawlessly ever since. take care of them and they will last. break down, flush with bleach solution and dry is a must. i recommend always using the longer life vs. the faster flow. faster flow just by passes the ceramic pre filter,

[@mikepeach9395]

Another great review. Thank you

[@ianarno]

Thanks for the video, I'm brushing up on my armchair wilderness skills. I'm taking a group of 5 out at the end of the month with a couple of greenies, I wouldn't have gotten into backpacking had it not been for TNP.

[@PaulBuikema]

Hey man, nice video, I have the Hiker Pro and I also still have my 20 + year old PUR Explorer (micron filter + iodine + charcoal) which was bought by Katadyn then buried in their efforts to supply their idea of the best filter. Just today I came home to very turbid water coming out of the tap and I used them both to filter some drinking water. The hiker Pro was faster and easier than the PUR Scout, both provided clean, clear water.

[@AlexVangelion]

I was just using my Katadyn Vario this weekend at Mt San Jacinto. It has two pre-filters. One is a screen at the end of the inlet tube (looks just like on the Hiker), and a ceramic one in the body of the filter. The ceramic can be easily bypassed (twisting the body) if need be, but I found mine to pump faster than anyone elses with it intact. Also, it is a disk shape and the flat surface makes scraping the ceramic prefilter easy.

[@jeffersononetwo]

Awesome man ... thanks for this! I just bought two of these babies (Pro). You ROCK bro

[@pesarirooni62]

fantastic job Nutn thanks

[@Leucoandro]

My father and I have a backpacking trip planned this November. After a lot of research I still was not sure of the best filter. I bought my father a Hiker Pro (older Gray model) a week ago. I held off on the the 2012 model (black body) because of limited reviews. Bought myself a Miniworks EX. I thought having both filters would provide the most versitility for the trip. I still plan on picking up a Hiker pro for myself in the future....Wish I had waited for your video first. Thank you

[@cameron1075]

Love the video and the camping ones to keep up the good work. :)

[@shcmoly]

I have the Hiker Pro since 2010, awesome, no problems hence.

[@Nuggedee]

The Vario has glass fibre pre-filter (like the Hiker Pro) on the in-tube. The ceramic pre-filter happens after the in-tube. I don't have any experience with either of these but I just wanted to point that out. I got this information from the Katadyn website. Great review, I had been looking in to purchasing one of these.

[@ChaosActual]

Thanks for the reply... Good point. At the time of my first comment, i was thinking of this as a tool to be used on every camping or hiking trip but i see that doesn't have to be the case. so i can agree with you on the "for emergency" part. In an emergency survival scenario, my idea would be to minimize risks wherever and however possible and the Katadyn will get that done. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

[@pesarirooni62]

thank you very much for review Nutn. very very helpful. we had to use the MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter and it took us about an hour to fill up a 32OZ nalgene bottle. after a few pumps it gets over pressured (if that's a term) so you have to wait for the water to go through then pump again. so if it gets cold (which it did) you're pretty much screwed :))

[@beelce10]

I've got 4 hiker pros...one in each of our bug out bags and one in the boat..... Works like a charm......

[@MrFreeze79]

i have the top of the line katadyn, over 13,000 gallons of water that it can filter. best kit ever!

[@NinjaAegis]

I have a berkey sport water bottle and it has held up well to me but I've been wanting a bigger form of filtration and ive been thinking about this one good timing on the review.

[@Lycian]

This is going right on my Christmas list!

[@12345farris]

Looks like me and dad may get a couple of these to purify the lake water when all hell breaks loose. Thanks for info Nutn'

[@robalan57]

I am still glad I purchased the Katadyn Pocket. My experience is not extensive, but a few years ago I went with a group of backpackers that loved the filter. The leader had one just like mine. I have not heard of clogging concerns. A spare filter is probably a good idea anyhow.

[@paradigm109inc]

Great video man!

[@zellarsDD777]

Thanks for the tip. Probably gonna go for the kraton handled full sized Ka Bar w/kydex sheath.

[@asaffarfar1529]

Great topic. Thank you.

[@jbsgroup01]

Excellent review. I have never had to deal w/filtration even with the many hurricanes I have been through and weeks w/out power (generator/well). One question is how will you know when you max out the gallons of your filter? Discoloration, suction of the pump etc. Thanks, Jim

[@ZivaForFreedom]

Great filter Nutn, thx!

[@84greenbear]

I have the very same pur water filter from the early 90's haha. Love it!

[@thingyee1118]

I enjoyed this interseting vid especially. do you ever combine filter with boiling or just boil?

[@masterorion3]

I live in a disaster area (Southern Cali) and I always forget about the water filtration system until Nutn brings me back to reality. Glad you finally did this review cuz I was thinking of just getting a straw type filter like the Aquamira Frontier Pro. Actually, I know you don't like them but it'd be cool to get your view on this brand. Adam from Equip 2 Endure really likes them for the light weight and effectiveness.

[@lopezepol75]

I've been using Pur/ katydyn hikers and hiker pro for about four or five years so far and I gotta agree. for multi-day trips especially with large groups of people (5-10) the hikers water purifying capacity is unbeatable. the fact you can clean the filter or change it on the trip is awesome too. Only thing bad i have seen is when people put pressure on the outward end of the handle on the downward stroke and break it off. not as easy to use without a handle lol.

[@spartan2776]

i use these when i backpack and ive had zero failures!

[@ModelDX1]

Good to see Allie in one of your vid's again.

[@SmackontheWeb]

Well, we all know about opinions and how everyone has one but I'll call your "last few months" and raise you 3 years. That's how long I've been using the Katadyn hiker pro. It has worked perfectly without fail or flaw. I don't have to give you my opinion on it because the of the FACT that for the four years I've been drinking water filtered through this filter, I have never gotten ill.

[@Doul3le_T]

This was the filter I was going to get anyway, and yet another honest review from Nutn confirmed my leaning toward the hiker. Also, like the super compact canteens, any idea where I can get them?

[@ljcsov]

Hey Nutn! Another informative and entertaining video! Thanks for your work! Although I may have some diverging views, I prefer your videos over most TV programs. Talking about water filters, I own the platypus gravity works, and so far, it seems to work well. Its pricey at $110, but weighs 11-ish ounces and the filter is rated for about 400 gallons. I got lucky and got mine for $50. However, if it takes a crap on me for whatever reason, I may go for the Katadyn thanks to your review!

[@Eslamizar]

I have a MSR and it' pretty nice.... best $60 I spent. I saw USNER DOC the other day talking about the life straw and I think I wanna get one of those too. I will recommend this Katadyn to my friend who needs to get a water filter.

[@jkampmeier]

Interesting. Thanks for the video. I was originally looking at the Hiker/Pro but after seeing that the Pocket was silver impregnated ceramic and a lower micron level...I wanted to go with that. After seeing your video, now I think I'll just go with the Hiker Pro.

[@Swazi1337]

He nut'n enjoy the show. I work at an outdoor store and over the past couple years we've started carying the Steri Pen. It uses an ultraviolet light to kill harmful bacteria that the katadyn filters out. Filters a 1 liter nalgene bottle in 90 seconds without the need to pump, cost is roughly the same as traditional pump filters. The weight is similar and the size of a steri pen is much smaller than a pump filter. Also, it can be used as a backup flash light. Just thought I would share.

[@jazzjustin]

Great review. I have used the hiker, the vario, the MSR sweatwater and miniworks. I personally own the miniworks because i got it for free. between the two brands I think it is a toss up quality wise. I have had extremely good service from MSR so I am biased toward them. In a survival situation where dehydration is possible go ahead and drink the unfiltered water. there is a 3 day incubation period for the bacteria that will get you sick and most rescues happen within that time.

[@riflemanm16a2]

I have the Pur version of this and have used it when backpacking. Water doesn't taste great out of it (probably need a new filter because it's old), but it kept all of us from getting sick. Pumping was a bit difficult but not too bad.

[@rolltde65]

One last thing on the hiker, I had the blue input port break when i was trying to get the silicone tube off once. Called Katadyn when i got back and they replaced it straight away.

[@NuclearOptics]

Thank you I love this review and I have this filter also.

[@Paelorian]

After extensive wilderness backpacking experience with the Katadyn Hiker, I recently purchased an MSR MiniWorks. The Hiker is lighter, but the handle has broken on me several times in normal use (weak plastic), and is uncomfortable for extended pumping. I carried an extra filter cartridge ($40), but as I hiked through backcountry for an extended period of time I desired a filter element that could be easily cleaned and unclogged. The MiniWorks has that and a more comfortable and reliable handle.