The Biggest MISTAKE Backpackers make with the Katadyn Befree

Katadyn Befree Water Filter: amzn.to/3epE2CX
Hi guys!
I've heard this so many times that when backpackers get in the field with the befree it doesn't flow at all. I have found this to be the most common issue and just wanted to explain how to prevent it.
SIDE NOTE: Improper use and maintenance will clog any filter so this might not always be the issue for you.
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[@renaecummings8068]

Great video this is exactly what happens if you don’t pre-wet!! You’re the first person I’ve seen to make a video and address this.

[@SouthernHike]

Thank you!! I hear of this happening so much!

[@penrynbigbird]

Thanks Taylor!! I posted this same situation I had on one of your more current videos and you directed me here!! I love KZbin and appreciate those like you who take the time to educate and respond to questions!! PROBLEM solved!!

[@ourshows]

I’ve watched many videos. You are the only one video out there solved my problem! Thank you!!

[@SouthernHike]

Great to hear! 💪🏻

[@murillomr7]

Well after a year this video still saving outdoors trips! Thanks for the tip, such a great information!

[@billpowell5207]

My exact problem. Thanks for the fix!

[@TerryYoungOutdoors]

Great video, Taylor. I learned this lesson on the AT last season. I tried to use it right out of the box without pre-wetting it. Lesson learned.

[@SouthernHike]

Yikes! That’ll get you dude! Lol

[@chandaharkins4418]

Whaaat?! This is wonderful information. Probably it was covered in the instructions which i read about a year ago and forgot. Haha! Thanks!!

[@j817madi]

This is great info for anyone that's new to filters. I gave my katadyn to a thru hiker whose filter had broke, it had to be presoaked if it had been completely dried out, but I assume thats the case with all filters. I just always do it. I wanted to go with something more versatile just in case the bag broke so I decided to give the sawyer squeeze a try this time around. I almost ordered the platy quickdraw, but the reviews were all over the place. I still always throw a mini in the kiddo's pack as backup if she's tagging along and some purification tabs are always in my first aid kit.

[@SouthernHike]

I’ve been rocking the platypus QuickDraw most of this year and it’s been great! The CNOC bag with it works perfect!

[@edolson4186]

I wish I was aware of this tip years ago. I was in the process of researching a water filter replacement for my Befree because each year before backpacking season starts for me, I test my equipment, especially my Befree water filter. Each year it is the same thing. I test my Befree without letting it soak. I always get zero water or just drops from the filter...far less than your video demonstration. I thought this was due to not adequately flushing my Befree at the end of the season. I keep buying a new one because I love how it performs brand new. Thanks for putting this video out there.

[@harmediawardana3495]

Thanks for the information, dude. Pretty much helping! 👍

[@SouthernHike]

Awesome!!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Yes! Priming the filter is key! I think a lot of people, even experienced hikers, think the instructions for both the Katadyn and Sawyer filters are the same. I usually do a small swish in the stream with my BeFree before I filter as well to keep it clean and get rid of any particles beforehand.

[@SouthernHike]

Your exactly right! Very common for people to do that. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TheAudioshare]

Super helpful!

[@youtubeuser5609]

very helpful! thank you! 👍

[@martinezjames83]

Love it! Going to pick a Katadyn up this week

[@SouthernHike]

Right on!

[@broncotrail]

Great video! Thanks.

[@DanielOutdoors]

I used to be an CBRN-eng, working with these kind of things. The Katadyn is very good filter. I would recommend to actually put the membran filter top into the dishwasher, it might help surely it has done for me.

[@InOurElement]

Great video, I was going to cover this same thing in a future mistakes people make video. Great info for people!

[@SouthernHike]

Solid tip to add to your video!

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Yes very good tip on pre-wetting it!! J & C

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very helpful video, well done!

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks Doug!

[@bluefire025]

Did not know this. Thank you, you saved me some frustration on my next trip.

[@SouthernHike]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@brianfairweather7298]

Great video! I totally didn't know that! I'll give it a try!

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks Brian! For sure a common issue.

[@loganchristensen8713]

Thanks so much. This helped a lot.

[@SouthernHike]

Glad to hear it!

[@tangenttrails]

Bingo! I’ve been an avid Sawyer user for several years and always do the same with it. Prime at home before hitting the trail. When arriving back home, back flush then filter about a liter of distilled water with a small drop of bleach added before I store it to ward off mold. I use distilled water because some city or well water have additives or minerals that will dry and crystallize inside the filter during storage and possibly shorten its life. Thanks for posting this, Taylor. I’m definitely considering trying out the Befree filter next year in the Colorado San Juans where the waters are a bit clearer than around here.

[@SouthernHike]

Absolutely!! I’m so nervous to use bleach on anything. That stuff is mean. 😂

[@tangenttrails]

@@SouthernHike Definitely only a small drop or it can ruin it.😄

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Awesome demonstration!! I use the Be Free and haven’t used it since May, so I’ll be doing this before I go again. 🦑

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks man!

[@foxtrotunit1269]

Ok wow this is great. Like you said, many people aren't aware (neither was I) Big fail on part of Katadyn to not have this written in all over their advertising. (maybe it's in a manual somewhere - but should be on filter itself, big warning "please wet filter for 30 mins before use" or something)

[@k.a768]

Like all manufacturers, they probably want you to buy new ones quickly.

[@SeniorHiker77]

Nice demo Taylor.

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks John!

[@user-do5xi4rc7r]

Thank you

[@mellowmoo6747]

Great video! I've seen so many people say theyve had flow issues and so many others love this filter and have been wondering why theres such a difference in opinion.

[@SouthernHike]

It’s such a common issue!

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Great tip Taylor! I did this before my last hike. My grandson used the Be Free and I used the Sawyer. Both worked well. I like the Sawyer better, but I like the Be Free Bladder better. Much easier to fill up at the water source. Happy Hiking

[@SouthernHike]

I’ve found my favorite setup right now is the Platypus with the CNOC bag.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@SouthernHike I am going to try that one out Taylor. Happy Hiking

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Taylor.

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks for stopping by Warren!

[@steveriggio8810]

Wow, great video. I was about to chuck mine assuming it was a dud or something. Looking forward to trying this out. Question- will this help reduce the plastic taste? When I filter water through my katadyne, it tastes like bladder water

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks great video

[@SouthernHike]

Thanks Bill!

[@brianc1651]

Thank you! That explains a lot. I recently took it out on my first backpacking trip in months. First filter, it barely filtered. I thought what the heck. I guess I need a new one. Second night, it was flowing back to normal.

[@SouthernHike]

Common issue! Glad you caught it!

[@EyalBor]

Omg thanks, I was about to buy a new one

[@madcat1007]

Brilliant!!! Thank you so much. I thought I was being really dumb!! Dont know why Katadyn dont mention pre-wetting in their instructions.

[@SouthernHike]

For common issue! Glad I could help!

[@TryingTheHardHikeATAdrieWashne]

Helpful.

[@SouthernHike]

✌🏻👏🏻

[@jeremiahjordan4422]

This is a very insightful. Thank you. What would you recommend for an Emergency "Get Home" bag? Obviously pre-wetting isn't an option, since I will not know when, if ever, I will need to use the filter. I was thinking the Katadyn BeeFree due to it's small size and all-in-one design (the Sawyer Squeeze requires several components), but now I am unsure. Thank you again!

[@SouthernHike]

I think you would be fine still. Even sitting water in there a few mins will speed it up!

[@Rep7_Outdoors]

Thumbs up Taylor!

[@kimberlyennis8529]

Thank you!! Almost threw mine out

[@DaveOffGrid]

Nice demo Taylor! If anything this provided me with the lynchpin to not buy this filter or the Platypus Quick Draw, haha. Just another thing that you have to remember to do before you head out there (and as we know the checklist is long). Sawyer still has it in my book. All you really need to do is test it before the first time out and let it dry out after each trip. Don't think I'll get this one because of the poor performance in those silty water situations as you mentioned. Very useful video however!

[@SouthernHike]

Sounds like a Sawyer fan boy to me 😎🤣

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@SouthernHike bahahah you convinced me!!! Less work to prep or on trail is what I'm all about 🙌👌

[@stevekent3991]

Same principle as watering your plants in the summer when the soil surface becomes dry. A quick pre soak of the soil to prime the drainage channels and then water the soil, otherwise a fair amount of water will flow away on the surface.

[@SouthernHike]

Great analogy!

[@Caveman_OS_Hiking]

I learned this the hard way, was testing filter before leaving for a trip and got zero flow, thought filter was shot and bought new one for the trip. At least now I that I have learned what's going on I have a back up filter!

[@SouthernHike]

😎😎

[@susietopspin]

This was great especially as I’m heading out tomorrow. I’ve also noticed that the water doesn’t taste good though, almost metallic tasting. I haven’t used the filter in months and I’m wondering if it goes “bad” if not used regularly. Thanks for the great video and happy trails.

[@SouthernHike]

I’ve heard that happen to a few people. I personally haven’t dealt with that.

[@Pehlsen]

Thanks from Germany. For 15m, i thought my filter is over/broken/ruined and my 6days trail tomorrow is in danger. Thanks Thanks Thanks.

[@benj9691]

Thanks for great video! Dang ! I wish I would of known this 411, this weekend lol. Couple guys were counting on me for water too. Lol We got it up running better after my cousin recommended wetting it like your video, but was about to break bladder with slight tantrum jkjkjk. I was real close to throwing befree into the stream on a rock! Lol They need to put warning label on product IMHO. Or maybe I just did not read the destructions?? Lol I did get home and soaked it to working again! Conclusion: IMHO : make a product that does not have to be jerry rigged to work...just sayen....Thanks!

[@alanvalentinus]

I made this mistake in the past with platypus gravity filter and sawyer squeeze. I thought they had been ruined in a freeze even though I thought they were dry. Now I just have to go snd see if I threw them away, hahahaha. THANK YOU!

[@SouthernHike]

Awesome! No problem!

[@fabians.2568]

Loool hahaha i thought the filter is damaged on my first Trip, took about 30 mins until some drops came out and i was wondering why

[@JackCumming1]

I experienced this the very first time I used my BeFree. I bought it, tested it and put it away. 4 months later when I was wild camping I went to use it and absolutely nothing came out. I assumed it was broken. Next day it was fine. Phew! Now I run a few litres through it before I leave home.

[@SouthernHike]

Such a common mishap!

[@ricdonato4328]

Excellent presented video, very much appreciate your information. A couple of things I like with your presentation: 1. You did not have background music, thank you. 2. Your camera is horizontal (landscape) as it should be; excellent. As a side note, you are wearing your hat with the bill to front giving you more credibility than the bubbas wearing their hat backwards. Heck, the other day a guy and gale were wearing their hats backwards and had their hand over their eyes blocking the sun. D'oh, what is wrong with these folks are they mentally deficient? Again, thank you, you did very well.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

I really like the Befree for its flow rate and ease of cleaning. I just don’t like the manufacture’s stated life of the filter: 1,000 liters. It’s low enough that I almost feel like I need to keep a “liter-log” on it 😆. I can go through 1,000 liters fairly quickly. The Sawyer Squeeze, on the other hand, filters like a million gallons if I remember correctly. Doubt I’ll ever hit that limit before losing or breaking it.

[@SouthernHike]

That’s impressive! As a weekend warrior if it last me a year I consider it a good filter 😂

[@kickboxerforever00]

Sawyer does 100,000 Gallons or 400,000 Liters

[@chandaharkins4418]

That brings up a question I have - how would you know if a filter isn't working anymore?

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I bought a Grayl recently. Guess a pre-wet before the trip is in order.

[@SouthernHike]

Should be different for that one. That’s a carbon filter I believe.

[@k.a768]

What I couldn't find anywhere, how exactly is it properly stored for a long time? Store the bottle closed or dry and separate from the filter?

[@SouthernHike]

Might want to contact them with the question. I leave mine separated or lose to dry.

[@fritzkramerkramer7855]

Hey, Taylor Havent gotten the chance to use my Katadyn in the backcountry yet but when i run it through sink water at home it puts out a odd plastic taste. Is this normal? Is it bad for me and how can I make it go away? Thanks!

[@SouthernHike]

That’s really interesting. I would honestly reach out to them. I don’t think I have a good answer for that.

[@willydereiger7936]

I had the same problem 6 months ago because I haven´t used it fir a long time. When I told the company about my problem they told me to fill the bottle with lukewarm water and squeeze it empty to get it solved. After a minute it did again what it should do!

[@SouthernHike]

Yep that’s what I explain in this video.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

B free also has a settlement filter that you can add to the filter to eliminate the unwanted setament.

[@SouthernHike]

Are you talking about the white paper cup cylinder to go over it? I think that’s made by a third party.

[@razzbazle1582]

Sediment 😊

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@razzbazle1582 sorry auto correct.

[@dalebennett263]

When using the katadan do you need purification tablets?

[@SouthernHike]

For the times I filter no but I’m not sure for every scenario. I would reach out to the manufacturer.

[@gilesm.926]

I've never met someone who doesn't fill with clean water before setting off into the backcountry. There you go, it's ready for use.

[@SouthernHike]

Great for you. I’ve known many. Read the comments. 👌🏻

[@1024Pete]

Check out the Lifesaver purifier. It is a purifier instead of a filter because it strains out viruses too.

[@SouthernHike]

Great. I don’t really go anywhere that I should be nervous of viruses

[@Ricardo4650]

Taylor , great insight ! this water filter is a new thing for me.. Just wonder, do i need to purify the water after the tablet ? if so, then i have to wait 30 minutes for water filter + 5 - 10 minutes for the purification yes ? Which brand do you think is great ? Katadyn or Sawyer Squeeze ?

[@SouthernHike]

I think your good with either brand. And honestly here in the USA as long as your filtering you don’t need to use a tablet. There is places you would better off doing both.

[@pnyarrow]

Hi there. Thank you so much. Patience is a virtue as you have shown. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@goingwildagain]

OK people there is another way to clean the filter. You need to sit the filter in distilled water for a hour then use it the flow rate will be amazing.

[@SouthernHike]

👍🏻

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

This could be a drinking game video for every time you said "wet" or "wetted".

[@SouthernHike]

I knew you would enjoy it 😁

[@noahmeme2]

My biggest problem with it is that the water can taste like a pool flotie.

[@SouthernHike]

I’ve heard that from a few people. I haven’t had that issue.

[@denniskielton2447]

I know this video is old but in case you haven't fixed it yet: You NEED a fill light haha

[@ronlawrance9335]

Sawyer is the same, presoak in warm water or you’ll just get a trickle!

[@SouthernHike]

Interesting I’ve never had that issue as much with that filter.

[@ronlawrance9335]

@@SouthernHike if you go a long time without using it. Hadn’t used mine for a couple years, was dry as a bone. Got to Broken Tree campsite and could barely force a trickle. Soaked in warm water when I got home and it was fine. Now I presoak before a trip. May not be an issue if you use it regularly. I always back flush when I get home and hang in mesh a few days to dry before putting it away. I think it was just the amount of time between uses.

[@lawrenceharris5840]

If people spend a few minutes and READ the instructions that come with items, you will be better prepared. Always try all equipment before a trip to make sure you have all the parts and that it functions as intended.

[@SouthernHike]

Be kind.

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

​@@SouthernHikeWhat's wrong with his advice?

[@MeOutside]

Don’t use your filter with tap water. It’s not designed for that. Tap water has hard water that clogs it up. Flush your filter with distilled water if you can’t back flush it with clean filtered trail water.

[@SouthernHike]

Fully aware.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

GET WET! The biggest mistake I made was use the bladder as a pee bottle. Trust me, you can't use this bladder for multiple purposes regardless of how good the filter is.

[@SouthernHike]

😂🤣 Andy??

[@Gusssugs]

This is priming.

[@SouthernHike]

Yep

[@Edgar-uh5zj]

The Biggest MISTAKE Backpackers make with the Katadyn Befree -> is not to RTFM

[@SouthernHike]

This is not in the manual. BE KIND.

[@Edgar-uh5zj]

@@SouthernHike sure it is. i bought it myself a couple month ago

[@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 👎

[@SouthernHike]

To each their own 👍🏻

[@ez7977]

You have no idea what you are talking about. Everyone reading this comment is stupider for having read it. The Be Free literally has been tested to purify water ad good or better than almost all the top filters on the market. Your statement is wrong and doesn’t even make sense. Have you actually used the Be Free? Ive used it for 4 years and literally out performs all others i have used.