Having a reliable water filtration system eases your thirst worries in the mountains. The Katadyn BeFree Microfilter 1.0L Bottle we recently tested out really impressed us. Great for individuals, this microfilter bottle collapses when empty—so easy to use and pack!
Quick look
Product: Katadyn BeFree Microfilter 1.0L Bottle
Price: $58.00 CAD / $44.95 USD / £39.95
Pros: Easy to use, small, collapsible, great for on-the-go
Cons: Not for larger groups
Worth it? Yes
Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle: The Verdict
Hydration is a must when you’re exploring the outdoors, and there isn’t always a trustworthy glacier or spring-fed stream of water where you can refill your bottles. We were super happy with the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle. It’s a small water filtration system built within a collapsible container, great for day hikes and short backpacking trips. It’s a much less disruptive way to filter water than other methods that require special tools or accessories.
Overview of Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle
A water filtration system is essential for outdoor trips so you can carry less water with you, seriously cutting down your pack weight. Last year, we reviewed the Platypus GravityWorks 2.0 filtration system, which is perfect for larger groups. But unlike the Platypus GravityWorks 2.0 filter, the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle is designed for individuals. It’s easy to use and perfect to pack for your adventures when you need a trusted source of clean water.
When to use
Use the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle when you need a quick source of filtered water. We brought this bottle on day hikes and backpacking trips, and it’s great for either. Because this is designed for an individual, we’d recommend taking it along when you’re carrying your own water—there are better-suited filtration systems for group backpacking trips, like the Platypus GravityWorks 2.0 filtration system.
While we’ve only used this on our outdoor adventures, you can pack it for any kind of travel when you want a dependable source of clean water. Take it on the road, or in your carry on to fill up at the airport.
Weight + size
It’s perfect for keeping weight down in your backpack, weighing only 65 g / 2.3 oz when not filled. When laid flat, the 1.0 L bottle measures 28.7 x 8.9 x 7.1 cm / 11.3 x 3.5 x 2.8 in. But when you’re not using it, you can roll up the flexible flask into a neat little pack, and stash it in your side pocket. We tested the 1.0 L version of the bottle, but there are different sizes available.
Pros
Fast flow rate. You don’t have to wait long for your filtered water with this bottle’s super quick filtration rate at 2 litres per minute.
Easy to use. Just scoop some water from a nearby source, screw on the filter cap, squeeze the water bottle to flush through the filter, and enjoy.
Collapsible. When you’re not using the water bottle, it shrinks down so you can pack it away easily in your side pocket.
Made from non-toxic material. Constructed with thermoplastic polyurethane, you can trust that this bottle free of harmful chemicals. It’s also BPA- and PVC-free.
Cons
Not ideal for larger groups. This bottle is designed for an individual or small group. In larger groups, you would be better off with a filtration system like the Platypus GravityWorks 2.0 filtration system.
Easy to use + clean
Our favourite part about this bottle is that it’s just so easy to use. You don’t need any special additional tools—it’s all-in-one and ready to go. The wide-mouth opening is 43mm, perfect to quickly fill the bottle in a stream, lake, river, or faucet. Once you fill the bottle, screw on the cap, and gently squeeze or turn upside down to access the filtered water that comes through the nozzle. Its one-way filtration stops back-flushing as well. Katadyn designed the bottle with a cap over the drinking nozzle to prevent dirt and other debris from entering. To clean the filter, all you do is shake or swish. Seriously, so easy to use!
Microfilter technology + clean materials
For such a small filter, this system delivers grand results. It has been tested to EPA standards with impressive results: the 0.1-micron microfilter removes harmful protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%). Simply by squeezing the water through the cap, you’ll get clean water at a flow rate of 2 litres per minute. Drink the water confidently, knowing that no harmful chemicals have seeped into it—the bottle is BPA-free and made from non-toxic thermoplastic polyurethane.
Grab + go
This bottle is ideal for any adventure traveller. You have to drink water, right? So why not ensure that it’s well-filtered water, no matter the source. The Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle shrinks down to fit in small backpack or jacket pockets. We used ours on day hikes—this is a much better option than a water bottle that doesn’t shrink down when you’re not using it. Whether you want a filtration system for clean drinking water, or filling camp pots for cooking, this microfilter bottle is super easy to use without carrying any finicky tools or tabs.
Should you buy the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle?
We found the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter Bottle to be so easy to use for a quick fill on day hikes. It’s definitely worth the investment for an on-the-go water filtration bottle. Fast filtration when you need it, and collapsible for easy packing when you don’t! Katadyn has delivered with this product designed for individuals.
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