Katadyn water filter questions

Water filters, such as the Katadyn, or First Need, cannot turn sea water into drinkable water. To do that you need to either distill the water, or process it with reverse osmosis filtration systems. Turning sea water into drinking water is not an easy thing to do. Never drink salt water. It will dry you out, make you sick, and in some cases even kill you.

First Need uses a carbon matrix filter. It is good for about 125 gals of water. After that you need to replace it for about $48 US. Katadyn uses a ceramic filter that is impregnated with silver. It is good for about 13,000 gallons. There are also Katadyn models that use replaceable carbon filters in addition to a ceramic one. Carbon filters need to be replaced more often as the carbon only works so long. Carbon Filters are often called "Activated Carbon" or "Activated Charcoal" They filter out bad taste, and some Chemicals.

If you are worried about viral contamination, you are far better to get immunized than to try filtering. Viral filtering is a bit iffy, and you have to be extremely careful not to get the contaminated water on your hands, on the drinking bottle, on other parts of the filter, etc. You then need to throw away your carbon filter even if it is brand new. Cross contamination in a viral situation, is very common. Laboratories go to extreme lengths to avoid viral contamination. Most situations where you need to filter water no where near match laboratory conditions so you are better off getting immunized and thus avoiding the risk.

[edit on 11-1-2007 by Terapin]

One of the most common problems with drinking unfiltered water is Giardia. It is caused by small protozoa's and results in chronic diarrhea. In an emergency or survival situation Giardia can be cured with garlic. I know of people who have done this and it does indeed work. Here are two articles on the subject of curing Giardia with Garlic:

Infection Benefits from Garlic

Micro Biology Abstract on using Garlic as a cure for Giardia

It's time for me to replace my aging pur filter. My research also tells me the katadyn is the way to go. I am torn between the pocket model and the mini model. They both seem to have the same specs except the poket model is more rugged and has a higher capacity compared to the mini. I need to buy two of them. The cost differance isn't an issue only the size and weight. Anybody have any experiances with the mini they would care to share.

the mini's 2000 gallon filter would provide one person enough drinkable water for about 2-3 years. I would think that would be sufficient in a survival situation but I'm wandering about the durability of the mini.

Thanks

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I have a Katadyn Hiker Filter. Ive had it for 4 years now and its brilliant.

Does exactly what it should, filtered water tastes good and its lightweight too

You can extend the life of the cartridge by adding a coffee filter to the input end of the hose if the water source is very poor quality.

I wouldn't go camping/hiking without it. although it can be a bit of a pain to fill water bladders without having a quick connect kit (my next investment) as you need 2 hands to operate the filter and a third hand to hold the hose in the bladder

The filter comes with a bottle top to assist in filling the wide mouth Nalgene design bottles though.

Peace.

M.

reply to post by murlock

although it can be a bit of a pain to fill water bladders without having a quick connect kit (my next investment) as you need 2 hands to operate the filter and a third hand to hold the hose in the bladder

a problem that can be solved with :

a paper clip [ jumbo ]
clothes peg
pipe-cleaner

to start a list of solutions .

reply to post by photobug


pocket : unsurpassed durability , user serviceability and parts availiability

reply to post by Terapin


I have a steripen. Your right that you may need to pre-filter your water -- but I've never had to have a special water bottle to use it. I've "sterilized" plain old glasses of water with mine. They do make a special Nalgene bottle attachment to make it more convenient, but it's not required. I also don't like having to rely on batteries, but for it's weight and functionality...it's a good product.

reply to post by MystikMushroom


I recommend iodine , or chlorate based chemical sterilisation - rather than such UV emmitters

filter out the solids - then sterilise - batteries not required

there are too many problems that don't have a chemical solution < pun >

save batteries for the things that only batteries can do

reply to post by trueskeptic




DO NOT buy the Katadyne hiker.......Buy the pocket. I have broken 2 hikers in the past the same way the water intake nipple breaks off very easy.


Pay the 300 bucks and get the pocket. It will last you a lifetime. A smart man learns from his mistakes a wise man learns from others mistakes.

reply to post by SubTruth


I agree the intake nipple is a major design flaw but that has been fixed on the hiker pro. the nipple setup has been replaced

I treat mine with care and i've put a small amount of Vaseline on the nipple to allow the easy installation/removal of the intake hose.

I also agree the pocket is the ultimate filter for the heavy user with a lifetime guarantee on everything but the cartridge and the epic build quality using aircraft grade aluminium billet. But they are very expensive as well, especially in the UK. Around 3 times the price of the hiker pro.

For a user like me i couldn't justify the cost against my needs.

You could say "buy it cheap, buy it twice" but £60 for a hiker pro isn't all that cheap..

There are many alternatives now as well. So shop around look at the options, weigh up the cost versus its usage life and what you will need it for and make a choice

All the best

M.

p.s. for all you hiker users "dont forget to grease your nipples" *blush* (cant believe i just posted that on ATS)!

reply to post by ignorant_ape


I go with the clothes peg usually