Katadyn Pocket Filter | Review

A durable filter to be depended on for a long service life!
BUY FILTER here: amzn.to/1J4Jj9A
BUY Filter adapter here: amzn.to/1HLuwj6
Here are some specs:
Capacity (gal): 13000
Capacity (L): 50000
Dimensions (cm): 24 x 6
Dimensions (in): 10 x 2.4
Output (gal): ~ 1 quart/min
Output (L): ~ 1 L/min
Technology: 0.2 micron ceramic depth filter (cleanable), which is silver impregnated and kills bacteria and protazoa.
Weight (grams): 550
Weight (oz): 20
These filters come with a 20 year warranty!

[@GilaCowboy1988]

Awesome product. I used it while I was deployed to Afghanistan. It filtered the entire platoons water while on a 5-day op because we could not get resupplied for water. It kicks ass.

[@Bushchannel]

Hello, interesting story! How often do you find yourself having to unscrew and pull out the ceramic filter to scrub it with the green pad? I find that filtering normal water it gets harder to pump after only 8-10 litres and then I have to disassemble and scrub it.

[@bigluda232323]

YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE A REVIEW. BUYING BASED ON THIS ALONE.

[@cristianlb1757]

God bless you

[@ruggedlifejewelry]

would it be ok for stagnant water like our pond out back here in florida?

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

We bought our Katadyn Pocket back in 1989, in preparation for our upcoming PCT backpacking trip. It worked perfectly! Later, we did two weeks up in Alaska, backpacking in the Wrangel-St.Elias Wilderness. Most of our water sources were full of glacial silt, and as we needed to keep to a tight schedule, we did not have time to let a pan full of water sift it's silt out, and we just pumped right from the rivers. We would pump a quart, then clean the filter element, then reassemble, and pump another quart, as many times as necessary in order to get the water we needed for cooking, drinking, and beginning the next day on the trail. I firmly believe that the Katadyn Pocket is the ONLY filter that would have withstood that sort of abuse, and continue to function!! Fast forward to now, and all these years later, that filter is still working like brand new, Folks!! It's more than worth it's cost, and the extra weight. End of story!!

[@kirillromanovskiy7977]

Thanks man! I have been wondering about its quality, but now I have been assured of it's Swiss quality!

[@Bananadrummin]

You said something about purification tablets. Are you saying you need those on top of the filter?

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

@@Bananadrummin I don't know if you are asking me, or the gentleman who posted the excellent video. But, we never used purification tablets, when using the Katadyn Pocket Filter. Never needed them. So, that's my 'tuppence. I'm sure the original poster will offer his own views soon.

[@Fishy1764]

I bought one of these after seeing your video and its one of the best purchases that ive ever made . The thing i like about it is its bomb proof reliable. Yes its heavy but it works every time without fail. 😎👍

[@ArJuna22]

I've used my Pocket Filter for 30 years. I bought mine when it first came out in 1985'ish. I have used mine on many multi-week winter mountaineering treks, sometimes in temps colder than 30°F below zero. I have never had a ceramic filter element crack from freezing, I keep the filter positioned in my pack so it always rests against my back. At night I keep it in my sleeping bag. I never let it dry out until I get home. The basic design has not changed in 30 years because it is built as well as you could ever want. The only difference between the original and current model is the rubber cushion on the pump handle and the pre-filter. There is absolutely no reason to run a liter of water through it after cleaning the element. This will accomplish NOTHING except to waste one liter of the elements life! The design is perfect. You do not even have to worry about cleaning or rinsing the element in contaminated water because when you take out the element the output side, which is the inner side is still totally protected. If you happen to drop it in unclean water and allow some to enter the output nozzle then you might want to flush it with a bit of water before collecting some for drinking. It is very easy to clean it without contaminating this however. In 1998 I also purchased a Katadyn Expedition model and spare elements to keep at home for local emergencies or in case the SHTF some day. So far I have n ever had to use this, but it is comforting to know I have it. It is a small price to pay for such crucial insurance. The last thing your family needs in time of emergency is to get sick from drinking contaminated water.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

***** , very good information. I agree with you that this filter is built very well and very well thought out and designed. Thank you for you comment.

[@gasdorficmuncher9943]

+ArJuna22 how do you remove the moldy smell ? can it harm you ? ive tryed to remove this with purification tab ..smells like army surplus mold ?

[@filmic1]

It's a beaut for sure. We bought ours in '86. It has the white cover and does not have that rubber piston spring. Never worry about our water source with that. I have a friend who drank unfiltered water in parc National Jacques-Cartier (in Canada) and said that he got a really bad bout of Giardia which kept him in his tent in the back country for several days. He said emphatically you never want to get that....

[@Bushchannel]

Sounds like you’ve had extensive experience!! After how many litres would you normally have to scrub the ceramic element?

[@BOR1688]

Does it filter viruses too?

[@21jg130]

Just brought one of these cant wait to use it , what I like is the fact that by filtering stream water it's good for around 50,000 litres of water on a single filter

[@matthewelliman8173]

I have one of these babies and I am very happy with it. Yes it weighs a pound or so but that's better than having to carry 10 times as much in water. Plus it will last a life time! Really like the connector system to use on your hydration system. Thanks for that.

[@MrPogiBalut]

I've had one for 35 years still works like day one. I will be buying another one it's worth the money.

[@AP0LL0edc]

Really an excellent review/overview. I have been humming and hawing over buying this because of the price, but you make it look like it's a great value. I also appreciate the tip about refilling the bladder without taking it out of your pack. I'm glad I subscribed!

[@marketymark4629]

I've had the previous model of pocket filter for maybe 30 years. just now needing to replace the cartridge. Great video.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+MarketyMark wow

[@JulieJackson1]

Just got mine. Thanks for explaining assembly etc.

[@robalan57]

I like the bladder attachment idea. Thanks

[@wolfsnase4993]

Great review, concise and informative :) I like the bladder attachment idea.

[@davidjohn316]

Excellent review ... haven't used mine for a very long time (blue cover) so it was nice refresher ... recently purchased the newer "intake hose" which is much improved with a dual "coarse" and "fine" filter head ...

[@andor8635]

Great review .I thinking purchasing one and your review helps me decide.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Awesome! That's a complement. I have grown to "love" the Zamberlans, they are broken in and very comfy! I think I have about 100 miles on them now on a lot of rock, etc. and they are holding up very well. Have years of life left in them!

[@michaelrudy8744]

ReviewOutdoorGear look into Hanwag boots for your next pair. They blow Zamberlans out of the water. I tested both extensively and there was no comparison at all.

[@Bushchannel]

Great review man! I reckon your makeshift adapter that clips to your hydration system is crucial. I don’t like the idea of poking the outlet hose into a drink bottle cause it seems at risk of cross contamination.

[@MrMJBall]

I've just watched all your video's, they're all great. I've been looking at getting a new rucksack and I think you've sold me on the Aether, along with a lot of the other gear you've got! How are the zamberlan boots going?

[@SuperKwame1]

Thanks big Guy, Great Reviews, I just purchased one because of you.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Haha. Thanks! I'm glad I could help!

[@dakine9445]

I did the same thing with my hydration bladder hose. It’s the money move so long as you do not pump air into the bladder!

[@damionbirge8265]

Thanks man. I just bought one today. I can't wait to use it on my next hike.

[@SoundWave209]

That's one sweet set up!😍

[@joekelly9369]

I had this filter 15 years ago . Bit of a lump but its a great filter , solid strippable and will filter bilge water , which is where i normally used it .. but that stream id have my head under it ,

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Thanks! It's there now.

[@fyisense9312]

Thanks for the video. I have one I've never used in my bug out equipment. I live near multiple faults and volcanoes, so bug out or survival could be more like a natural disaster.

[@gunnerysgt2503]

Great review, thanks a lot! I'm going out to buy one right away!!!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Gunnery Sgt nice

[@carlblaskowitz7817]

Superb review, thanks man!

[@uncatila]

im also looking at the 6 liter katadine gravity system. it doubles as a camp shower. on the run its a quick way of grabing water and its easy to clean. heck you can scoop up 3 or 6 liters of lake water then skidatle back to your hiding place in the swamp. fill your canteen and take a shower.

[@Sentinelledederision]

Good video because the essential is done ! Thanks

[@ericweis9771]

Great product Very useful Thanks

[@Bearcat870]

This water filter is supposedly the best water filter on the market with a 5 star review

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Very good reasoning. Agreed. That's why I have one.

[@nimanarimani1316]

Thanks for a great info , i test it but the hurt water is the same befor! I chack by TDS . Is it okay?

[@EspenFrafalne]

I ordered this almost 2 years ago, and yeah, its good quality, but the size and weight is *not* ideal for my small daypack, lol! I may still use it for bikepacking though, and hikes where i prioritize exercise over efficiency.

[@vaughnburrows]

nice review, but you didn't put the link in the description for the 3 piece connector for the bladder.

[@ram8306]

Another great review. Thanks

[@kingstoncowboy01]

Would this block out liquid chemicals, Giardia, and poisons like 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate)?

[@MrWeAllAreOne]

Great review.

[@survivalinthecity44]

thats 2 good vids of yours iv watched you get a sub thank you

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@canyonfox45thisismygoodsid68]

I purchased mine in, 07 I want to say? Used it all over the lower 48,but mostly hiking in the Grand Canyon portion along the Colorado River. So much easier to carry 1 of these instead of 3 gal of water at all times. Leaves room for a nalgene of 190 everclear and a tub of Tang. Because you know the astronaut's were drankin Tang and ethyl when they went to the Moon!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Sir what are you on? 😂

[@mikehunt6450]

I have one and tried it once. Forgot to completely dry it. Can you use a little bleach on the ceramic element to get rid of spots?

[@wmbomb1079]

Katadyn Pocket Filter, is very high quality and 'LONG' lasting, only (1) drawback, it's 'SLOW!' '100 Pumps' to fill (1) everyday 32 oz Nalgene bottle 'SLOW!' I now use MSR Guardian = (15) pumps same Nalgene full, it's rated at 10,000 Liters or 2642 Gallons +/-, mine has 'never' leaked and the piston shaft has not broken, it's freezer compatible, cost is up there with the Pocket.

[@larrysoto7186]

Works good , but i would like the Sawyer because its size and weight.

[@On_the_lake]

Hi. How would you clean the filter out in the field? If there was no running tap water, how would you clean it?

[@oberegueiet8481]

Hello, I have a problem, my filter was working good, but the last time I let it about 3 months and now I'm not able to open it... seems total sealed... what can I do?

[@pollypocket5765]

Was wondering if you know how to get rid of water marks from the filter. Iv bought one off eBay which the seller didn't tell me there was marks on the filter. I don't know what to do.

[@CLOUDBURST99]

So how much water do you exactly need per week? :-) I have one too, and mine lasts quite a bit longer than 3 weeks....more like 10 years....

[@user-w00d]

How will clean the water from the swamp? A lot of organic

[@joetiso9662]

Excellent review.earns its keep for the two pounds it weighs.

[@520Soul]

ReviewOutdoorGear: would this product block viruses ( 0.004 ) as you did a review on Survivor Filter Pro?

[@pranksterguy1]

Thank you!

[@Biggun762]

Why would you think silver impregnated ceramic will crack when cold water hits it?

[@Soldier53flyer]

How does this system compare to the Aquamira Filtered Water Bottle CR-100 system? there are so many systems out there you can get lost.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

The filter for the long run!

[@willemvanvuuren3719]

4 years on, whats your take on it now?

[@angrytiger9346]

Could that back feed adaptor for the hydration bladder work with a camelback omega which has quick disconnect bite valve already built on

[@Bushchannel]

Timothy Moulton you could rig that up some how.

[@Mr2pint]

Over $500 in Nz lol still, great survival device and probably worth every cent when in need - might still go for their cheaper option which aren't as sturdy but clean the water just the same..

[@scottgiovanni7955]

Terrific video. Believe it or not, my Katadyn Pocket pump is (I'm guessing) from around the early 1990's. It's an older model but it looks almost exactly the same as yours. Question. Do you know where I might be able to order a new filter from?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

there are many places online, REI, Ebay, Amazon just to name a few.

[@scottgiovanni7955]

Thank you. I did look around and finally purchased one from Amazon. Thank you again.

[@gregcrowe8885]

Thank You

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

You're welcome

[@sevensurvival]

well done,thanks

[@Sage.....]

This thing will last 68 years at 2 litres of water a day as it has a life span of 50,000 litres, is this correct ?

[@LukeTPZ]

What's your watch in this video, please?

[@optega]

Its best review

[@radilioordaz2452]

Is installing the HydroLink filter adapter as easy as cutting the Hydration bladder's hose a few inches from the end where the bite valve is and then just inserting the in that adapter in that spot? I have the Osprey Manta and would like the same setup you have on yours. Thanks in advance.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Yes, just cut hose, insert quick release adaptor, and another in the filter, and you are set to go!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

agreed!

[@guillermodvl]

Very nice

[@Taffyappleify]

Amen to that

[@johanvandijkh5042]

Made use of one of these while on a guided hike in the Kruger National Park. Straight from the elephant dig holes, and it was effective. How do I buy one?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Affiliated links in the description

[@johanvandijkh5042]

Found it, thanks.

[@hugulopu6323]

you've said after using need to dry it. if you use it everyday several times how to deal with that? isn't it better to keep it wet because drying i guess take some time? thanks!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Hugu lopu Yes, if you are using it constantly, like on a several day backpacking trip, you don't need to dry it. Just when you get home and aren't planning on using it in the next week or so, it's a good idea to dry it so that it doesn't get moldy and nasty inside.

[@savgal1211]

i have an Osprey Alta 50 , and I have not used it, yet.. I lOVE Osprey! Did you know Osprey will repair or replace LIFETIME too? You don't even need to be the original owner of the pack.you don't need to Register the backpack, either. If you find 1 used? Buy it.. I got mine new, but worth the price!!

[@kellyenpeterbentvelzen4616]

What did tou do when the filter got moldy? I didnt let it dry enough before storing it 😱 wil i be able to clean it, or should i buy a new filter?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

It will still work. Just use the scotchbrite pad to clean the mold off and then filter a liter of water and discard it. Should be good to go after that.

[@qhazwel]

what is the name brand of the blue bottle you are using? I am just not satisfied with most of the water bottles out there. I hate plastic. Was wondering about Stainless steel or glass. Thanks!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Will Haskew , this is a Nalgene bottle, here is a link: amzn.to/1hcwu7n

[@qhazwel]

ReviewOutdoorGear Thanks!

[@fredhubbard7210]

You can get both stainless, and titanium water bottles. Go to Amazon, Titanium, is about $100. Really most people doing serious hiking just reuse drink bottles from the supermarket such as "Smart Water." Cheap, light, and reliable.

[@Hands2HealNow]

Would it be better to clean it by using compressor to force all particles out?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

I’m not sure, but maybe.

[@savgal1211]

These also have a LIFETIME warranty and the metal is STAINLESS Steel.. So, it is a workhorse!! 270 dollars from Amazon, but water is SURVIVAL.. We use a Big Berkey for use at home every day, Berkey is great, too..

[@pudge9837]

that water looks really clean already. where is that water coming from ? What did you do, open a fire hydrant 50 ft. away.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Haha, no... Just your typical mountain water.

[@trangia12]

Careful of cross contamination of hose at the end of the video.

[@polygamous1]

and what is the cost of this unit? we are not all rich

[@aeptacon]

Is there a point in getting two or am I just being greedy?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Well if its wet (soaked with water), when/if it freezes, the water will expand into ice and will likely crack the filter element. Didn't try this though, so I could be wrong. But I dont want to find out the hard way, so just keep it warm or dry.

[@captainron7904]

i dont know about yours but mine has an aluminum outer cover i think you are mistaken when you say plastic cover it is jut powder coated so it looks like plastic

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Dean Luchetta, when did you acquire yours?

[@kingstoncowboy01]

how does this compare to the "MSR Guardian Purifier" ?

[@Aenkor1982]

Guardian is faster, filters viruses and no cleaning needed. It cant get damaged by freezing. I own both, the msr i use the most, but the pocket is by far more rugged. Msr a lot of plastic.

[@akaytheking]

@@Aenkor1982 hey bro, thnx for the answer. May I ask, isn't katadyn keep away about viruses and bacterias? Is the MSR better about thats? Thanks already for your answer. Have a good life...

[@33reyjay]

It's a very nice filter but I can't imagine paying $300 or whatever the msrp is for it. For $40 I can buy a Sawyer filter and an Aquamira Frontier Pro. Together they will do more than the Katadyn while saving weight and space...

[@-NoneOfYourBusiness]

I own a Sawyer and this katadyn pocket. I use the pocket for more than 10 years on trail (rough service, im not gentle). The Sawyer is great but I dont think it would survive half the mileage my pocket got. This thing is a tank. It worth 300$. Believe me. And if SHTF, my old pocket will be there with me. I bought a Sawyer so I can save my katadyn for harder times.

[@snookinhardinfl]

What about a contaminated river like the Mississippi? Very curious.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

That is a very good question. I would be very careful about that, and would much rather look for a tributary that the Mississippi itself.

[@uncatila]

ReviewOutdoorGear put a solar still on big muddy. this

[@thegoon459]

How many litres can this thing filter out before u change the filter?

[@wcresponder]

13000 gallons/50000litres according to the katadyn web site.

[@z32plus2]

Dropped bite Valve on ground catch dirt that you're trying to filter out with filter :)

[@SmithDJSmith]

Whats your opinion on the Katadyn Vario Water Filter?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

I think its a good filter. A good option if you cant afford this one.

[@chemistryguy100]

Big Berky is the best!

[@RBFR01]

Does that filter salt out of sea water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Elon Musk Nope. Only way to do that is reverse osmosis or evaporation.

[@eleventhirty1532]

Is there a type of water source which you cannot use with this device? Like sea water, really muddy water or lake water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Can’t use it with sea water. Everything else is fine.

[@eleventhirty1532]

@@ReviewOutdoorGear Thank you :) great video!

[@H20Spy]

Can it be used with salt water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

No

[@johansenyoyanovich4247]

With as much as preppers spend on food that they might have to abandon at some point, it is interesting that very little is said about water. (Survival without Food = 30-60 days. Survival without water 3-5 days). Yet everyone is storing up mass amounts of food. You want to trade for just about anything out there if SHTF, have some clean water. Whatever the cost is, it will make it up in spades when you are hydrated and tens of thousands are sick and dying of cholera, and other bacteria.viral diseases. Think about it now, because when your getting your water from ditches, old hot water heaters and such, it really is too late to place your order for one. Mine has been going strong for 3 years, have about 3000 liters through it. Only a slight changes in the diameter of the ceramic filter with fine grit scour pad used to clean it. I carry cheese cloth with me and wrap the inlet filter bulb for water that has sediment. Have never had any problem with flow rate, or operational performance. Key Point: Take care of this filter, and it will take care of you. Worth the $275 I paid for it.

[@darkhorse2reign]

help! I screwed the bottom off and one of the bearings fell out. Where does it go? There are two.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

you mean one of the balls?

[@darkhorse2reign]

ReviewOutdoorGear yes.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

darkhorse2reign There is a screw in the bottom portion on the side, is the screw still there?

[@darkhorse2reign]

ReviewOutdoorGear yes. There is a small ball in there. And an additional ball that fell out from somewhere else.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Okay, so there are two balls in the system - one in the central hole (in the lower metal unit) and one in the hole that is a bit lower to the side of that one. They both have ball in them. Does that make sense? The central one is held in by a little metal cross-bar that I don't see an easy way to remove, and the ball in the other off-center hole is held in by a removable screw that covers the hole on top of the ball.

[@fightttttt]

So I assume this doesnt work for salt water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Correct.

[@fredverkool5599]

I've used its predesesser to get water out of pure mudd.Pump clean repeat wise.And if it is freazing cold ,wear this baby on the inside of your clothings ,close to your body .It's not cheap but if you can spend thousends of euros/dollars on a tent ,boots, goretex jacket, etz... think how long you will last without water .

[@TheDarkman1977]

What kind of watch is that?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Casio Pathfinder, PAW-5000

[@TheDarkman1977]

thx

[@dwaynetrinidad432]

Will it filter sea water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Dwayne Trinidad no

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Öbere Gueiet, use some WD40 on it...right at the thread. Also, another option is to pour some hot water over the threads. But be careful, don't ruin it!

[@teamlincoln37]

Look like it really works from the demo,but it's a whoooooole lotta work.😉

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

hahaha...You'll get better at it.

[@teamlincoln37]

ReviewOutdoorGear is there a warning in the instructions about using it with untreated water?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

I do not recall such a warning...

[@teamlincoln37]

ReviewOutdoorGear just about all promos on this never shows you a video shot panning up and down the river/creek of the water source. Can you include that please seeing there is so much in the way of trickery these days?

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

metal means weight

[@uncatila]

19.4 oz just over a lb. which is 16 oz i just scorred on ebay. $45 i got it for m bug out bag. for edc carry i got a 3.4 oz filter that also takes out chemicals and viruses. ill look up the name

[@darrinfrench9018]

I guess, a perfect test is to make use of a Pepsi as the source of bad water. It would be interesting to see what comes out from the other end. Is the sugar still there, will it taste like water, will it become clear once processed, will the Co2 remain ? No loss in this test, because 'as is', the Pepsi is not going to get one sick. Please try this, thank you.

[@OreoSponge]

For some reason my flow rate is abysmal! I've cleaned and coated everything in silicon and still takes 20-30 minutes to fill 2.5 liters.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Thats very odd. Never had that happen. Are you priming it properly? Are there bubbles coming out of the output hose?

[@OreoSponge]

+ReviewOutdoorGear Yes there are a lot of bubbles in the outlet hose. I checked everywhere but can't find the reason for this.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

make sure the intake hose if fully submerged. also, check for any holes in the hosing

[@Elfin4]

So doesn't filter viruses as the MSR Guardian does.

[@hermannhanne7638]

yes i really wanna know if the guardian is the only one filtering viruses ... because i read some viruses can be filtered from the katadyn as well ? does anybody know more ?

[@Elfin4]

@@hermannhanne7638 I believe the MSR Guardian is the only one on the market that will filter viruses.

[@hermannhanne7638]

@@Elfin4 but what i read would a filter need 0,1 micron to be able to filter virus but they have both 0,2 micron

[@Elfin4]

@@hermannhanne7638 But the Katadyn doesn't filter viruses. The MSR Guardian filters down to 0.02 which is much smaller to catch the pathogens etc.