Katadyn Hiker Pro filter

[elkaholic]

How long will these filters usually last? I am well below the gallon limit that these filters are capable of and I have cleaned it according to the instructions every time I have used it. How often are you guys changing your filters out if you don't use them that much?

[Indian Summer]

That is an excellent question.....

[Brendan]

No idea, but this is what I use too...

While we're on the subject, does anyone know if they're toast like the Sawyer Squeeze if you let them freeze?

[elkaholic]

LOL...

SQUIRREL!!

[CurlyTail]

I get 2-3 years of use with mine, and I have been using these for a long time when the name was still PUR.

They do not just stop working , they begin to slow down and be more effort to pump with less volume of water per stroke. I replace mine when the amount of work to pump becomes excessive.

I am quite sure the number of gallons per filter is a meaningless number because intermittent use is harder on the filter than regular use, the quality of the water being filtered makes a huge difference.

I make sure it is filtering well before a trip and only bring a spare if it seems to be pumping with some resistance.

[pointysticks]

our is still going. couple of 50 milers under it's belt.

we do however wrap a cheap coffee filter around the inlet to filter out the big chunks. a rubber band helps. i bet we added to the longevity of the system.

[WapitiTalk1]

our is still going. couple of 50 milers under it's belt.

we do however wrap a cheap coffee filter around the inlet to filter out the big chunks. a rubber band helps. i bet we added to the longevity of the system.

Cliff, does the coffee filter impede the water flow significantly? Thanks.

[pointysticks]

No. Not at all. It just filters the big stuff.

[WapitiTalk1]

No. Not at all. It just filters the big stuff.

Thanks... good tip.

[_rj_]

Every other season for me. But mainly because I like to play it safe. Cheap insurance. No reason to step over dollars to pick up pennies.

[DirtyErn]

I've been using mine for about 4 years between huntin and hiking. I always, so far, use it in running water. I also do a 50 to 1 bleach solution after hunting season and in the spring, just in case something starts growing in cartridge and hoses. Then take the cartridge out to dry

[Huntrgathr]

I too have been using these filters for a long time. Even with the extra screen that comes with the replacement cartridges I'm not getting anywhere near 200 gal. If you're in an area with dirty water they can clog quite quickly and it's not the big stuff, it's the superfine sediment. I spend a lot of time in burns and the ash clogs them quick. During an extended trip, the filter got fairly clogged and I broke the pump handle trying to force water through it.

A couple weeks ago I switched to the Sawyer squeeze filter. Last weekend was it's maiden voyage and I was really impressed with it. Although there is definitely some potential for contamination from unfiltered water running off the sawyer bag into your hydro bladder. Just need to remember to wipe it off every time I guess.

What's the issue with the Sawyer freezing ? Does it ruin it or just keep you from using it ? I've frozen the PUR / Kat filters tons of times. In cold weather I learned to pull out the cartridge and store it in a gallon ziplock in the bottom of my sleeping bag, along with my stove fuel...

[foxvalley]

I believe I got 4 years out of my Katadyn base camp,and just checked it.....very slow, so I just upgraded to the new pro replacement kit.Seems like water flo is the best indicator of replaceing the filter.Having beaver fever before, this is nothing to sneeze at,and water filtration should be monitored closely.