Katadyn BeFree: The Best Bike-Friendly Water Filter?

Is the Katadyn BeFree the most bike-friendly water filter on the market? In our latest video, we take a look at this ultralight, easy to use, collapsable water filter that's compact enough to fit almost anywhere—perfect for both bikepacking and day rides. Find the long-term review here...

Outline:
What is it - 0:55
How to use it - 2:21
When to use it - 3:30
Durability - 4:56

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Mentioned Links:

Notes: Our apologize about the banding in this video.
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko

[harris]

GAME CHANGER! I love this filter. I've been using it for several years and have purchased several different bladders, for different trips or day rides/runs. I'm on my third filter now. Like Neil stated, I've used it for trails runs in Colorado as well and stopped at creek crossings to get a quick drink, then compress it down, and just run with it in my hand or running shorts rear pocket

[Galactico]

So glad you brought up the day ride/hike factor. I wasn't thinking about that when I bought mine, but I pretty quickly found it just living in my daypack or framebag.

[PaulBeiser]

Excellent! Been using this filter for hiking since it came out, and yes, as you showed it's great for day riding to minimize weight. Great product! And great yip on shaking it, an easy way to clean the filter, I had not thought of that! One thing to watch for.. when filling the container in a stream, there is no easy handle to hold it and in fast running water I have almost lost it. So, I carry a spare bladder on multi day backpacks :-)

[jeffmcilroy]

I bought one last year and absolutely love it. I use it on my week long canoe trips and it’s never failed me. Most of the water I paddle in is full of beavers too, with the chance of giardia and all that sh*tty stuff, no pun intended lol

[montechie]

I love mine, got it 2 years ago for trailrunning and it's been a game changer for my riding as well. So refreshing to grab cold water as your running/riding and great to "bulk up" on water for dry segments and then lighten up where there's more streams.

[kynasf]

They’re brilliant and totally agree with the day rides thing

[navydalton]

Thanks for all your videos, planning a big rout in Utah so I'm eating up your content!

[joao.faustino]

I got the Katadyn BeFree and am looking forward to using it once its warmer out. I've used the Sawyer for year, at first I was worried because the BeFree doesn't screw onto normal bottle threads but it does open up the possibility for using other larger opening bottles. I actually prefer 20z gatorade bottles to smart water bottles, so I think the BeFree will be perfect, and obviously with bike water bottles. CNOC also makes a 42mm opening vecto now too.

[pgreenx]

I prefer the sawyer squeeze (regular size, Not the micro or mini). Works with any lightweight water bottle you can buy in a deli and as backpackers know the long term flow rate is much better than the be free.

[zerofighter]

Sawyer squeeze + Cnoc 2l + Smart water bottle set up as a gravity filter. Best system available.

[thatsounditmakes]

The instructions say not to run the filter element under a faucet to clean it. Having said that, it looks like it doesn't hurt to do so?

[jonpoon]

Glad it can attach to a Hydrapak Seeker bladder. Gonna attach it to a 3L bladder for an upcoming trip

[TheLivingstons]

Waiting for my sawyer to fail me then I’ll be purchasing this one.

[epzamora]

One thing not mentioned is the BeFree works equally well with one of the bigger Hydrapak (Seeker) bags as a gravity filter. BeFree also makes their own 6 liter bag for hanging. I have a 3 liter Hydrapak Seeker bag and we've hung it from his front rack or a tree with a bottle below while we prep camp.

[brettfoster]

I need this for the water at my house and I can use it bike packing/ camping.

[mhe]

Never leave home without my BeFree. Still carry a backup of tablets when remote. Looking at adding on the UV purifier.

[michaellane]

I've used Sawyer minis for ages with (mostly) positive experiences, but just got back from the Transnevada where I was getting annoyed with how much time I was sat filtering water at the stream and the fiddly bits of having to carry the separate backflush syringe. Think I might be giving this a try...

[NickCooksey]

these also thread onto Hydrapak water containers. I use it with a 2 liter container.

[sometimerving]

I have used a Katadyn hiker Pro for several years. for a mini filter I decided the sawyer only because it easily connects to one of those larger bottom opening water bags. I was not sure the Katadyn screws on those standard bags. The BeFree bag looks better with the larger opening, but still small compared to the large bottom opening bags.

[bironbrunelle]

I canoe/bike pristine lakes in Ontario (Cnanda), I'd be curious to know how prevalent Giardia and other yukies are really.