Feels Weird! - Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1L - Review

Up for review today is the Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1L. Luke loves the filter but....that bottle is strange!
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Price : $44

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[TheOutdoorGearReview]

....Hunks and Chunks....Know what I Mean? - Luke

[Paul-uppb]

Helpful hint I learned in Boy Scouts .... When filling any water bottle in a stream do not place in stream to fill with opening / mouth of bottle facing into the flow of stream (up stream). Fill it by pointing the opening / mouth of bottle away from flow of stream (down stream). This will reduce the amount of sediment / particulate matter that you get in your water bottle therefore extending the life of your water filter due to less sediment in water to filter out.

[tullochgorum]

There is a terrific 3rd party bottle - the CNOC Vesica Collapsible Bottle with the 42mm mouth. The CNOC combines the benefits of a rigid and collapsible bottle and has a great reputation for reliability. You can buy the BeFree filter only. Best combination I've ever used.

[timg]

Great review...I would only caution that the hollow fiber filters can be damaged if exposed to freezing temperature.

Water expands when it freezes and can rupture the fibers, the filter will still appear to work, but be letting unfiltered water pass through it. Just something that users need to be aware of.

[TwangoDoom]

I'm going to have to disagree with you about the bottle. Because the soft bottle collapse so well, and the filter flows so fast, it works so much better just to use a secondary container to carry your drinking water (smart water, gatorade bottle) then pack the filter away when your done filtering. Similar to the way Sawyer filters are used.

[chuckw]

You could use the bag to fill a hard bottle and put it back in your pack.

[bawattsyl]

You can now buy a cnoc vecto that fits this filter..(42mm thread) it's what I use which I love because the Cnoc bags are great, and since they have the large mouth opening on the one side, you don't have to keep unscrewing the filter each time. One issue I had with the original bag was it had to be lined up just right or wouldnt screw on. So this system now is rock solid.

[therobdeez]

The flow rate can’t be beat so it’s become my go to filter, but I don’t often drink from that bottle. I just fill my smart water bottles and/or bladder. I also like the fact that the filter works with different bottle sizes. I’ve got a collapsible 3 liter bottle that works great with the filter if you’re doing group trips. Just fill the 3 liter bag/bottle and pour away.

[Coolness]

The BeFree filter works perfectly on the HydraPak Flux bottle. Great review as always. 👍🏻🥾🥾

[JayWandersOut]

I've seen several reviews of this filter but you're the first to actually show the flow, which would be super helpful, and wow, it's fast!

[alexwbanks]

Luke, there's a reason the bottle is like that. The bottle neck is bigger for a reason and not standard. Its a lot easier to get water. Also the bottle is durable. I've had mine for all of this year and have had no issues with the bag. The filter though has given me some problems. If you use a water source high in Iron it really slowed the flow as it did in Dolly Sods. But after soaking and rinsing real well its flow is back.

[stuarthatton]

Loved this review Luke, it has really helped me, I dont drink much water but I know it will be essential when my son and I go wild camping next year, I feel 100% happier knowing this is out there and it works, I hope the company see this review also and that they come up with a better bottle or something to adapt the filter to other bottles, cheers

[steveroberts]

I have never seen anyone with that much faith in a filter before. Right now I am using a sawyer mini to filter, then I zap the water again with a steripen. Those two companies got it right. They know what their customers are using and doing when it comes to bottles and bladders. Filters systems with designated bottles need a lanyard hole for stream gathering. I very much dislike jumping in the water for a two cent piece of gear. Been there and done that. Hope you make a 100% recovery Luke. I have also been sick from bad water. Makes the flu look like a walk in the park.

[wolffredd]

Just ordered mine for this season, I’ll probably just use it to fill up our insulated water bottles and just pack it back away. Seems great for that use!

[elrondain]

I use the 3L bag and hang it on the outside of my pack with the build in attachment points to carry water. I just use smart water bottles to filter into so the floppy bag isn't an issue for me. The flow rate is awesome with this filter. I don't dread filtering water anymore like I did with my Sawyer mini. Happy New Year!

[treywilly]

That filter works really good for refilling water bottles. And there’s a 2 & 3 liter bag to store water in that works amazing with this filter.

[taylorbrawner]

This filter also fits on the smaller soft flasks from Ultimate Direction. The smaller soft flask bottles are far more manageable than the 1L. I use mine to fill other bottles and then just stick it back in my pack.

[richholtzman]

I have used this filter and love it. I drink straight from it but mostly use it to filter into a hard side bottle that I can put in my water bottle pouches on my pack. The big pros for me are the light weight, small packable size and the flow rate is much better than the Sawyer filters.

[Stjerneklang]

Watching the video and chillled bottle, I’m thinking the lack of rigidity has something to do with the squeeze factor and thus the ease of drinking compared to a, well, stiff one.

[jamicrawford]

Been using the Befree since it came out. Wouldn't change it for anything. Always test the filter before going out on a trip. If the flow is reduced, soak it in a white vinegar/distilled water mixture for an hour. Remove it, then soak in non mineralized water for an hour. Rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar residue. Test again and should be good to go. Vinegar does not hurt the filter and even Sawyer recommends doing this with their filters if needed.