Katadyn BeFree | My Experience So Far
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
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After a few trips using the Katadyn BeFree, I wanted to share my experience with the filter so far. It's been a unique filter to have in the field, but I definitely have been enjoying it. Cleaning of the filter is a little different and keeping it in optimal working condition while in the field takes some additional care. In this video I share the cleaning process and how it can improve flow rate with in field cleaning.
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Being patient is the best way to avoid squeezing super hard to filter or being frustrated that "the flow is less than ideal". Take your time, it is a journey, that water is such a big part of your cell function.
I'm an older dude and have been backpacking since the 70's. I still remember the first filter I ever bought, it was the First Need. It's a tank by todays standards. I've tried different ones over the years and one thing I've learned is that the filters themselves all have a limited life span. Especially if you run dirty water thru them. I wouldn't pay too much attention to the manufacturer's stated per gallon life span. If it's not working well even after cleaning and back flushing, just get a new filter. They wear out. If you are in a situation where you can see things in the water floating or that you think may clog and contribute to shortening the life span of the filter, then pre-filter what goes into your dirty water container with a bandana or something.
Yep. This. Been backpacking since the 80s. Used a lot of iodine tablets, but some sources just need filtering to be drinkable. My first filter was actually the PUR, with a carbon filter attachment and iodine impregnated ceramic, so it was actually a purifier as well. The carbon was nice for removing taste. It still runs to this day, but is also a tank in comparison to the ones on the shelf in today's world.
I previously used the Sawyer squeeze and switched to the BeFree because I was having issues storing the Sawyer (I seemingly could never get it dry enough before storing, and it would have a mildewy taste when using it next). I liked the idea of the Befree because it is more open, and I could probably get it properly dried. I live in the southeast where it is very humid. I assume this would not be a problem in a dryer climate.
I was loving the BeFree, but then ended up having the same problem you did. Mine actually got totally clogged on a long distant bike ride, and I had to borrow water from someone on the ride with me. Definitely not happy about that. After doing some research on it, I realized there's one very important step you need to do before using the BeFree after it's been in storage: Soak it overnight before you intend on using it. You can also add a few drops of bleach in it and flush it in the morning before leaving. I did that recently before a trip, and it worked like new. It's not ideal, but if it continues to work, I'll be happy with it!
I think maybe you might need to adjust your idea of "too slow" a bit. Even the first pour was pretty quick in the scheme of things. You'll never get it the same as it was unused, that's the way with filters. Still looks quicker than the Sawyer.
And more so is that you're out enjoying the wilderness, like what's the rush? So it takes a few minutes to get a liter of clean water. Who cares? Sit back relax, squeeze out water, take a break, squeeze more. I find it hilarious when threw hikers put such a burden of time and schedule on a relaxing nature retreat. So you don't make the full 30km that day, oh well. So you don't make the full hike and had to cut out a bit early because you won't make it to the next town during your days off work, again, oh well. Enjoy it for what it is gad damn
@@minysmith9043
Sometimes we do go slow and enjoy the scenery. Other times it's about getting miles in. What you are doing is equivalent to me telling you how to drive when you to go visit family for a short weekend. Like this... "Why aren't you stopping at all the interesting sites along the way? How come you're driving so fast? You can't enjoy the scenery? So what if you only have a limited time to see them, you're missing spending time at that fun place. Who cares about grandma's birthday, I'm going to go 45mph on the freeway and enjoy the sights". We have different goals for our hikes. Some slow and others fast but we enjoy the outdoors more than keyboard hikers do. Your comment here is similar to another one you made and so is mine, so as we say HYOH (hike your own hike) and YMMV 👣
@@seaotter52 I guess 5 minutes more break time per day will change nothing
@@Temporalplace
Have fun outdoors. Like so many had to put off an AT thru hike attempt. Doing short stuff in the area. PCT postponed permits and the Appalachian trail is currently not recognizing any hikers pending adequate vaccination coverage. Infection and death climbing and at my age (spitting distance of 70)still months away from vaccine according to Oklahoma health department. Glad I retired. At work had a death just before I left and several afterwards. Lots in the hospital. Guess this makes fussing about hiking gear seem pretty lame. Be smart and enjoy what you can.
@@seaotter52 First of all i hope everything will be fine with you and all of us , here in Belgium is not so bad but older people have harder time ofcourse. About fussing. Before that virus, alot of people were talking about stuff for apocalypse scenario including filters , don't we have that case now?
Just started using this filter this year. It's only been out on two trips so far... but so far I am LOVING it! Good to know about a bit more of the maintenance. I'll need to take some time to look over the long term storage tips again. Thanks Devin!
Videos like this are why you're my most trusted source for gear info. Thanks.
I have been using mine for about a year on 5 trips filtering about 10 gallons of mountain stream water with no perceivable issues. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Awesome!
So to sum it up. The ‘Be Free’ is superior, it just needs some maintenance. Seems like a good trade off. Anything worth having is gonna have some maintenance that goes along with it. Thanks for the video!
Thanks. Great demo.
What I learned is to let it sit in deminiralized water. It'll draw out the buildup that happens over time. It's not like new but the flow is acceptable
This is still way better then the Sawyer mini, also the Sawyer mini gets jammed way faster then the befree
Yes, the mini in my mind at this point is a back up filter. Squeeze or Hydroblu versaflow are solid.
Been known for years that the mini has poor flow rate. Best is the Squeeze. For me, the best place for the mini is as an inline with a bladder. Only noobs or gram weenies get a mini
@@seaotter52 and only people wayyyy to concerned about time are worried about flow rate when relaxing in the woods.
@@minysmith9043
There are different ways to backpack. If I'm just going in a couple of miles to set up camp and make a bonfire then I CAN spend extra time filtering water but why waste that time when there are other things to do. If I'm doing a long distance hike, spending time waiting for a slow filter means I can't get the milage in. Either way, a slow filter is not good. Think of it this way; would you like to spend 2 minutes filling up your water bottle, or would you prefer under a minute? If you are only an occasional hiker/camper it's not as big a problem, but, if you have to filter multiple times a day for many days, then the hassle factor kicks in. That's why these things are part of the criteria used to make gear decisions. Also, if you are filtering for extra people, flow rate is king. Don't know what your level of experience is so I went as if it was a noob hiker and you were a car camper primarily. If wrong, please forgive but I'd rather be enjoying my time outdoors and having water filtering be as quick as possible rather than waiting for a slow filter. Enjoy your weekend
Edited : forgot to add that, when hiking, since I have my filter on a Smart water bottle, when I take a drink it's great to not have to wait for the water to come out. Otherwise it's like those lousy drinking fountains that don't have any flow. Guess that's why we like good working equipment
@@seaotter52 definetly not a newb, base weight 6.2lbs;). 15 if I add 7 days food. But anyhow, even when trying to get miles in, grand scheme, say it's 5minutes to fill a 1L even say 10min being relaxed and slow about it. On a 7 day hike, that means missing out on maybe 2hours of time total(for me based off using 2L per day,wich some days don't even come to 1L) I can hike around 3.5km per hr depending on terrain ect. 4kmph max....so over my week long hiking trip I would miss 8km, and yet have walked 280km. This is based also only on the water I would have to treat on site, not what I can grab and go(basically the water I would need for in camp)
I cut a smart water bottle in half 1/3 from the bottom. I then put a bandanna over and slightly in the water bag. I scoop water from the surface with the cut bottle and pour through the bandana into the water bag. Even in clear water there’s a lot of dirt and debris that’s filtered. Gets rid of the green stuff too. My filter has never slowed down. Stuff the bandana into the cut bottle and wrap your filter and bag around it. Secure with a rubber band
Bias mate. Its not difficult shaking a bottle. Thankyou for the review. Bottle + filter vs bottle + filter + syringe + backflow test. Think its more expensive and lifespan limited but for an average camper it's quicker and maybe after 2 years buy another filter. Did they say lifetime warranty on the bag. Didn't know about the integrity test so thankyou for that. 🏴👍 100%
I've been using it for 2 years now and the main trick is ...the day before your hike... Let the filter sit in a glass of (pure water..no minerals,,, not tap water) for about 10-15 minutes.. Works like a charm after. Always worked for me. :)
Another TH-cam friend of mine does that too.
@@BackcountryExposure I have also needed to rehydrate the filter after a long period of disuse. I have also heard that it was important not to use tap water through it.
Paddle & Hike I‘m confused by what you refer to as „pure water“, excluding water with minerals (so bottled mineral water) as well as tap water. What kind of water do you actually use? And why is tap water not OK? Sure, in some countries or regions the tap water might be less than great, but in Germany (where I live) it is highly regarded (except for microplastic, hormones, etc., but that crap is everywhere nowadays).
@@scottbecker3485 well... i tried with many type of water and minerals in water seems to clog the filter... bottle water that are demineralized works... these bottles are common and it's clearly written on them. I'm not a scientist so i cannot explain why but they work while the others don't. I have been doing this for years so i do know it works. 😉
Paddle & Hike Thank you kindly. So it seems you mean distilled water? That would make sense to me. :-) Was thinking of bottled water for drinking, but was obviously on the wrong path.
Soaking my Be Free & Sawyer Micro in vinegar for :45 min is the only thing that worked for me.
Just like you I've had similar difficulties with the Katadyn Befree filter. Your video helped me a lot, thank you!
On the High Sierra Trail, we had 3 get clogged up in pristine alpine water! However I still have gone back to the filter because the flow rate is so great usually. I just replaced my filter after about 2 years of use. I will usually sit it in glass of bottled water the night before a trip and it will flow great the next day.
Huck Outdoors I ordered a second one to give it a good honest effort, especially with having sunk cash into water bags for it.
Clogged up both our be free filters on A trip in the bighorn mountains. Super clear water too. Shaking and swishing helps but not much. Really disappointed in the longevity of the be free. May try the vinegar cleaning.
Never had any issues...
I normally clean it after 3 - 5 uses... Either vertically in a stream or by shaking it in the bag before filtering again... Much easier then the backflush on saywer...
Hang it in destilled water after usage.
I use mine since february 2020 and filtered about 150L and hat not experienced any flow change.
I live near black forest, the water here is yellow ir red because of the ground. The red water killed a friends sawyer mini in 5liters.
By using destilled water you get a concentrationgradient of the minerals in the filter. The destilled water will absorbe the minerals and clean your filter a bit
Thanks for the review, I am a Sawyer Squeeze user and have been eyeballing this system for some time now. I think I will give it a try.
Great review brother. I read a bunch of review online that your experience could happen which made me actually go with your hydro blu versa flow recomendation(even with the freezing break) and I couldn't be happier. I did wanna try the Katadyn but probably will wait for gen 2. Such a good and fair/balanced review. Love it! Keep em coming! :)
I would suggest trying the integrity test with the filter installed in the bag full of water. Doing it this way you can check for bubbles flowing back into the water. I've had two brand new BeFree filters fail and the only response I get from Katadyn is to "replace it". I'm now waiting for my 3rd filter to arrive for testing. I'm curious as to what your result would be.
So I've found the "shake to clear" method to be not that great. I do it pretty much daily since its so simple and fast but its good for only the big stuff. But it backflushes like a champ. I've had no issues treating it like a Sawyer. I backflush the filter after every few days of use just like I'd do with my Sawyer Squeeze. I'd bought a replacement filter but after backflushing I havent felt the need to break out the new one yet.
I had meant to test that, but haven’t yet. Good to know. I never carry the sawyer plunger and it’s probably what you’re using to back flush this?
Not recommended by Katadyn.
@@BackcountryExposure yeah, at home. I dont carry it. I just backflush every couple of weekend trips I do. Also I "wet" it usually the day before I leave. As I'm getting my gear together I throw some water in the bag and let it sit overnight. The BeFree really needs to be saturated if its been totally dry. I'm good about drying it out completely before I put it away and if I dont get it wet I'll fill the dirty bag and let it hang out for a good 10 minutes or more. I thought the filter was shot one trip, no water at all, but I gave it just a few minutes and it was flowing great.
What do you use to backflush?
This is what I was looking for. I haven't found any videos of it being back flushed. Is there a reason for that? Patent infringement?
1000 liter filter life makes sense if you can't back flush because of clogged fiber pores. "Shake to clear" is problematic as microscopic particles don't always behave like large particles when agitated. Combine the two situations together...
It'd be great to see a before, during and after video under a microscope.
Got one of these for Father's Day but haven't used it yet. Glad I'm seeing this now.
Hope it’s awesome for you!
Did the vinegar ever bring back the flow to close to brand new?
I have seen several videos of Katadyn BeFree filter and the different ways to clean the filter. If you use a millbank bag to pre filter your water you will be amazed at how much longer you can go between cleaning the filters or having to buy new ones. This goes for most all filters. Pro tip, Ray
I was curious about this filter having used the Sawyer mini and now my go-to filter the squeeze. Good insight, thanks!
Thanks!
I 3D printed an adapter for the katadyn so that it fits on a regular water bottle. Yell if you need one.
I’m finally using my katadyn befree today, super excited moving away from an old heavy msr pump filter!
Those pump filters are pretty awesome for when water is really bad. But hope you enjoy the Befree!
Next, go and soak it in a solution of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups warm water. I left mine soaking for an hour. It was like new after.
But, I find that even when it slows down it is still plenty fast.
Thanks bro!!!!!! I almost threw mine away. Gonna give this a try.
I love the Befree...that being said it will never last as long as many other filters. If there is mineral heavy water (even clear) I have had mine clog a little faster. Water with more visible debri I use my head buff as a pre filter.
For me the ease of use is completely worth it to buy a new element every season. If I was doing a thru hike sawyer squeeze would be my choice
Thanks for the video. I had this issue - took the filter out after a year of not using it, and it didn't push through the water (I felt like I almost popped the bag). After a couple cleanings, I got it back to working. Agree with what you say re storing and cleaning it before using it again.
Awesome info! I had a similar experience with mine last weekend in the Uintas. I have the 1 liter. I barely got 3 liters out of it in crystal clear water before it all but quit flowing. I got it home, rinsed it out in the sink (I know, but I was curious) really well, let it dry out. Then I tried again over the sink. As soon as I squeezed it, a bunch of white stuff shot out before the flow returned to half of its original glory. The Uinta trip was only the 4th or 5th time I'd ever used it. I have to say, I'm not as impressed by this as I had hoped to be. I think I'll stick with my Sawyer. Much lower maintenance with much higher reliability
Utah Steve Outdoors your comment Steve just adds to the growing list in the comments of failures with this filter. It’s a bummer cause brand new the thing was a fire hose, I was shocked!
When you push down, the clean bottle's air escape is blocked, slowing the flow.
I have to soak mine in water overnight before I go on a trip and then it works fine. It is a pretty fragile filter though and hard to thoroughly clean. I destroyed one on the Ocean To Lake Trail in five days of filtering swamp water. Had to buy a new one. Anytime I know that the water will be dirtier, I take my Sawyer Squeeze.
Sandy creeks and streams will kill any filter. Rinsing in the same water source didn’t help me when I did it either. The shaking of the vecto with filtered water did help. I squeezed my vecto so hard it sprung a small leak at the seal from the threads to the bag trying to get the befree to work as expected. Same conditions used the befree, cleaned and stored as recommended, and the sandy streams in Great Sand Duns NP almost stopped the befree after 12 liters. The sawyer mini filtered four liters before it needed to be flushed.
Great video! I’ve been using the BeFree for about 2 years and have always had the same problems. It has gotten to the point of a very slow trickle. It didn’t matter how much I shook it on the bladder or in the water source. I agree with you. Seems like a a lot of work.
The funny thing is, at some point any filter is going to fail. Too many conditions that factor into it. I ordered a second one to have on hand to keep “trying” the Befree and give it an honest long term effort.
I have the exakt same experience and the same cleaning procedure. But, I also let the filter sit in 30-35 degree water a while before rinsing. That helps a lot too.
Several people have mentioned that they soak the filter before leaving on a trip. I'll be employing that to see if it makes a big difference. I also plan to go ahead and back flush with a syringe as others have said that works well for them too.
Nice video. I've been watching at so many youtubers have lauded the Katadyn and its through flow. But living in AZ where many water sources are heavy in sentiment I was hesitant to make the change. This makes me feel I've made the right decision with staying with Sawyer. For now the Katadyn seems like too much work. I'll take good flow over great if it means less work to keep it that way. Thanks for sharing this.
Does nobody prefilter their water to extend the life of the filter any more?
your video was useful and there are many great tips in the comments, thanks for making the vid 😎
I had high hopes for this filter. After just a few uses it became clear that the Sawyer Squeeze Was going to be put back into the lineup. Great info as always Devin!
Miyagi on the Trail thanks man!
If you're at home with tools available, I wonder if a waterpick would be good for cleaning out that filter.
My BeFree worked great for the first few months that I owned it. I used it exclusively for my 85 mile Uinta Highline Trail hike, and it was really solid. I meticulously cleaned it, and took the suggested long-term storage steps that Katadyn suggested, and it never worked the same again after after I stored it for a few months. I made the mistake of taking this filter out again after I had stored it, and it was a total disaster. Thankfully, I had access to some Aqua Mira drops, so I was able to complete my trip. The flow rate had slowed down to a trickle, and it wasn’t even close to the flow rate of a new filter. I’ve never had this issue with a Sawyer Squeeze, Sawyer Micro, and even the Sawyer Mini.
Troy Timothy So did you try soaking it in vinegar to see if that might remove whatever mineral deposits might be clogging it up?
Good to learn how to boil water for sanitation, the old school way. 👌🏻
Have you ever tried a Sawyer‘s mini water filter?
I’ve never stored one and then used it a year or two later. They’re so cheap I just bought a new one each time but I’ve had really good luck with a Sawyer‘s mini. I adapted the Sawyer mini into the line coming out of A water filter bag from the same brand you’re reviewing here. I used a water bottle lid that fit the bottom of the water bag. Then drilled a hole in the middle of the lid and adapted a nipple for the water hose to push onto. So then I can gravity feed through the Sawyer mini and into my container. Well setting up camp. Everything fits into a shave kit size bag. The only problems I ran into is getting quality hose. Still working on that one. Hose always gets old quick!!! I use the system in Cuba and filtered my old water into drugs that I bought at the store. Never had a problem with water Sawyer minis are amazing for less than 25 bucks!
New to your channel new subscriber!👍
Warning, long post ahead. First, when I use my filter after it's been stored, I find that I need to "prime" the filter prior to use. I fill up the bottle and squeeze some water through the filter. Just enough to get some water through the spout. Then I let it sit for a while, maybe an hour. Then I squeeze the rest of the water through, refill the bottle, and squeeze another liter through the filter. Then, on my trip, it's good to go. When I get home, I fill the bottle 2/3 way up and shake, and then dump the water. Then I fill 2/3 again, add 2 drops bleach, and shake and dump again. Then I fill the bottle full, adding 2 drops bleach, and run it through the filter. Then I take it apart and let it thoroughly air dry, usually for 4 days or so. Then I screw the filter back on the bottle and store it, and then "prime" it before my next trip. Doing this, I've had no problems with flow rate. I did have one that failed the integrity test; it's pretty easy to blow air into it.
I think the flow rate was just fine. The filter has a job to do. Let it work.
I've used all the Sawyers and this one. In my particular experience the Katadyn has been the superior filter.
Anything different you’ve done to make it that way for you?
Not really. Keep up the maintenance and an occasional backflush. It has slowed up some but is still better than my Sawyers.
@@BackcountryExposure it might be mineral/hard water content. I know the people I talked to won't use the mini or micro Sawyer's because they clog so fast preferring the full size Sawyer squeeze instead. Without a sediment filter hard water build up is definitely a back flush thing, more then a shake it off thing! IMHO
Interesting... More care needed than I expected..
👍🏻
I've been curious about these. Awesome info here Dev. I seem to freeze or find a way to ruin my filters a few times a year and will give one of these a try next.
Dude, I am the same way.
I heard somewhere that if you only filter crystal clear water thru the BeFree you will have longer lasting flow rate. DUH! I also heard that the ONE TIME you EVER filter nasty water thru it... you will NEVER get the flowrate back... EVER. Just wrap it up. So. Looks like the best thing to do is buy a new filter for each backpacking trip!!!!!!!!!!!!! $25 to replace filter may be a typical trip expense... I do buy food for each trip, so perhaps I buy a new filter... sheesh.
Rubber band and coffee filter wrapped around the filter will keep it from getting clogged
I've heard this tip as well and am thinking of implementing it myself!
I know that someone will say that pre-filtering water is a design flaw in the Katadyn. But even the Big Berkey home water filter instructions suggest that you pre-filter the water.
Suggestion: u may try using clear running stream water if @ all possible and try maintaining it the filter
I got the BeFree last year to replace a Woods inline filter that was too slow. My experience has been similar to yours. I can't even get it close to what it was new. It is now my back up filter being replaced by the MSR MiniWorks pump style filter. Just got back from a 3 night solo. My second chance to use the MSR. No contest, the MSR is the clear winner and cleaning the ceramic element is a snap. sidenote...the water tastes better too
The Miniworks is a work horse!
Great video, I have been told by some of my subscribers that the BeFree is the way to go, far better than the Sawyer Mini. It is simple and compact. I like the wider mouth especially since CNOC makes a bag. Kind of disappointed that yours does not thread. I love my CNOC for the Sawyer Mini. It seems like a lot of work. Did you ever get it back to out-of-the-box flow rates? If not, I think the Sawyer Mini might still be my choice. I have a 1L BeFree on the way and hope to give it a good test. Thanks for all of the great info, love your channel.
With the vecto bag there is enough room for the washable\boil-able sediment filter to fit. I use this combo for the water in my area.
I noticed one of those on amazon yesterday. The threads on the 42mm Vecto are a pain sometimes to line up correctly on the befree though. So I've got a Seeker 2L coming to see if it's better.
Just a thought. It may slow you down at water stops but what about straining silting/sandy water with a cloth to make it last longer on a hike?
I purchased this filter a couple years ago and took it on trips maybe 5 times, it stopped working completely and no amount of backflushing or swishing fixed it. I don't think it is a durable product and will be purchasing the Platypus Gravityworks 2.0L filter soon for my next trip. It has a better rap and is easier to use.
7:13 "For some reason, this filter feels a little bit more work to manage and take care of and keep it working the way it's supposed to than Sawyer squeeze". I don't think you've used a Sawyer squeeze if you say something like this. You have to backflush the Sawyer with a syringe every time you use it compared to shaking it in the water. The Sawyer has a slower flow rate at its best than the Katadyn at its worst. I take Katadyn over any filter every time!
Actually you do not have to use the syringe to back flush it. A Lifewater flip-up cap fits perfectly on the filter. I have been using the Sawyer Squeeze for some time now and depending on what the water is like I do not have to "Clean it every time". I will be trying this filter though just because I like to improve my gear, if it works out as such.
I have not tried the Sawyer Squeeze, but even your worst flow rate on your Katadyn is way better than the BEST flow rate I ever got from my Sawyer mini - that thing is a piece of junk. I have used by Katadyn for group filtering with a 3l bottle and it was great - only a couple of trips so far but it works for me. If going solo i use the MSR trailshot because it can collect water from a very shallow source where you would struggle to fill the bottle on any other filter and it seems to be low maintenance with good flow - its just not great if you are filtering lots of water for a whole group as your wrist will get tired...
I was on a backpack trip last week, one of the guys that I was hiking with had one of these filters....I was amazed at the flow rate......makes me want one...
This gentleman didn’t pre wet the filter! Put water in maybe an hour before use if it’s dry
VersaFlow (with the o-rings I sent you) is the way to go. I love my setup now.
Logan West yeah I gotta order another versa.
Seems like everyone is reviewing these but here's my few cents. The cost vs longevity has kept me from jumping on one of these. They require a proprietary bottle thread type. I don't see an easy way to use this as a gravity system, which I suppose the flow rate makes up for. My guess is that the "inability" to back flush is the reason for the extremely short life expectancy. I also wonder if you couldn't back flush one similar to a Sawyer. With my Sawyer I find I have to back flush it very well after long term storage to return the flow rate.
They do sell it as a gravity system with a larger reservoir bag. www.rei.com/product/139666/katadyn-gravity-befree-water-filtration-system-3-liters
I like the idea of the befree but I am worried about the bag leaking or breaking. How well does it work in colder temps (winter)
You did right to show what actually happens....
How can we realize the time for the filter cartridge to be replaced?
I’m interested to see whether you problems get worse. My first BeFree cartridge was great until it failed unexpectedly mid trip (think 1 tablespoon/min flow rate). I’ve gotten two replacements now and both slowed to a trickle after using only a few times. I really want this filter to work for me but it just isn’t tough enough to rely on.
I failed last fall to carry my aquamira drops for a backup. I won’t make that mistake again. User error in my part made my versaflow inoperable and was lucky to have other hikers around to filter water for us after a 13,000’ summit climb.
dude that filter is kicking ass, just saying.
In the field, I don't want to spend my time shaking, draining, etc. What about viruses? I backpack in the California Sierras. Things like giardia are common. If I am gong into an area that is well known for giardia, I would rather have my MSR miniworks that filters out the " bugs". Other less used places my Sawyer squeeze works just fine.
Giardia is not a virus, it’s a protozoan parasite which these hollow fiber filters easily take care of. So the BeFree and Sawyer filters will totally make the water in the Sierra mountains safe to drink.
...at least daily so it won’t choke on all that debris. But thx for sharing your input. I think I may buy both in the future.
- twin dragon (beginner) 👽
You have to prime it with water first. Soak in water for 30 mins
I have yet to hear long term success from anyone using that filter.
This and the Sawyer Micro!
Backcountry Exposure Yep!
My dad always told me you have to be smarter than the tool you are using! Lol
I know it can be a great system. But I've heard that aside from clogging the bottle itself fails. Then what?
I had a worse experience with the Katadyn.. I tried everything and it was a drip/drip. It was great in the beginning. Don't know if it's recommended to use a light toothbrush on the filter to break the grim up? Didn't think about vinegar. But don't normally have it on the trail. ha ha. I threw mine away and went to a Sawyer.
oc6088 Would never use any kind of toothbrush on the filter. Far too easy to damage the fibers and then get sick from a faulty filter.
I’ve had no luck with this filter. Plus it taste funny out of the bag. I called the company and told them about rinsing it and it’s always clogged. The company best advice was to keep it in water for two days before my trips. 😂😂. I told them to do better. 😂😂
I just can’t chance this filter when I’m going to the woods for multiple days.
Sawyer Still The King 😁
Good video Devin 👍👍
Would have loved to hear that phone call.
Backcountry Exposure 😁😁
Sorry to say but
If it was too expensive to start with
But to muck around with a high maintenance filter
No thanks
And your whole rationale from moving away from Sawyer was the need to perform a simple back flush with a siringe
Would you buy again?
Yes
I would say that the time spent cleaning is offset by the speed of filtering. I would rather filter water quicker and then spend the necessary to clean afterwards.
Yeah that’s where my head is at too. This thing was a fire hose brand new though. Ha ha
@@BackcountryExposure As another commenter said, I just got my BeFree for father's day along with 3L Hydropak seeker. So I do appreciate you highlighting the importance of which way this should be clean, it was eye opening to see the amount of debris that was removed. I have seen prefilter/covers on Amazon but they don't fit all the BeFree soft bag sizes according to reviewers. Keep up the great videos, always enjoy them 👍
Soak in distilled vinegar for 30 minutes.
Sawyer lacks good customer service. I called them asking about how much bleach to flush for long term storage. They couldn't really give me an answer. Sad
One capful of bleach per liter of water. Sorry to hear our CS didn't provide the correct information.
The be free without dumb sources is tremendously faster.
3 thru hikes 3 filters. Never dropped to sawyer full size speeds.
Oh and I have several thrus on the squeeze.
lol, I bought on of these about 45 minutes ago lol
Contrary to what the video may portray, the Befree is great. I just really wanted to expose my own mistake in not doing proper in field cleaning to make my experience better. I do feel though that the Sawyer and Versaflow filters being inline and being able to force water in reverse to clean will ultimately be more effective long term than the Befree.
Backcountry Exposure all good. I’ve been using the Sawyer as a gravity filter replacement for my MSG gravity filter for 8 + years now and impulse bought the Befree today.
I have a week long portage coming up next month and I wanted a back up filter. Plus I think the Befree would be easy to fill being in a canoe the majority of the day.
Excellent timing and thanks for the video.
@@banshee107 I've found that the Befree bag to be a lot easier to fill than the the Sawyer mini
Is this the one you had for Canyonlands?
Yeah same one. It was brand new on that trip.
@@BackcountryExposure Ok, I was thinking about it the other night. I think I remember it being really fast on that trip. Helpful video! I might possibly be in the market for a new filter. Not sure yet though.
Never never put tap water through the filter. When you first go out after it's been stored a while let it soak in some steam water in the befree collapsible bottle while you hike. When you need to filter shake the water and open and pour out. After the prime it'll work better. The second and third day even better. It flows better as it gets wetter.
BigChief 77 Really curious to learn why no tap water. After all, most tap water is bound to have less mineral content than water in streams, isn‘t it? Confused...
@@scottbecker3485 yes Scott I'm sure most streams have more minerals. I think it may have something to do with the chemicals that are added to tap water to make sure it's safe for drinking. If you read your local water provider annual report you'll see a lot of jarnigan of limit amounts of metals and various things. I think they and list some of the chemicals they use to treat the water. I know I've filtered mine with a gravity system and afterwards let the gravity flow backwards onto the ground and peck the filter as it's back flushing. Lots of sediment comes out usually. The results are notable.
Nothing beats the Sawyer. I used my BeFree three times in easy water situations and its crapped the bed. Flow is a drip...not a trickle..not a splash...done everything under the sun to "unclog" it or whatever needs to happen...this thing is a straight gimmick...terrible
I have been looking at these but how much time are you really saving drinking faster if you are always cleaning it? My sawyer may be slow but I am happy and know I don't have to clean it after 20L. Great info man!
I ordered a second befree since I have money into water bags, so will continue to use it, but maybe not as long term as I had hoped.
@@BackcountryExposure Yes and I still think would be worth it for day hikes/runs or even days of fishing or kayaking. A quick lightweight way to get a good drink. Then you know you will be home in time to clean it before the flow rate goes way down.
I boiled mine...
I have a Sawyer mini and I HATE it. It takes forever. It is much much slower than what you showed here from the used Katadyn. Maybe I have a bad one or something, but it's absolutely awful. Literally 10x slower than what you're showing at 4:29 . And yes, that's with me squeezing the hell out of it. Literally takes about 2 minutes to squeeze the one liter bag it comes with.
I love my Katadyn BeFree 3 Ltr. If there is more than one person with me they will carry the sawyer with a 1 gallon bag...
I ordered a Seeker 2L, as the Cnoc vecto for the befree isn’t great at sealing and threading. The Sawyer 1 gallon is nice.
Not a very good video. There's no way any filter is going to flow like a kitchen sink AND it's 10x faster than a Platypus gravity filter. Hands tired? 😅 Bless your heart.
Oh bless your heart
Unfortunately this is a joke of a filter. For the $50 (if not more) youd pay for it for it barley work correctly for 1-2 trips then dropped below the mini and the hydroblu versa flow that are only $25.
Your video merely confirms, in my mind, that the MSR Trailshot & my Hydrapak bladder is still best BEST water filter & hydration drink system that is currently available.
In my mind, so-called "smart"-water bottles have nothing but DISADVANTAGES to my Hydrapak bladder. Water is dense & heavy & it's always centrally located in terms of weight regardless of how much or how little water I'm carrying.
I can deploy my MSR Trailshot & be pumping water from a lil trickle of water from melting snowpack that anyone with bottles, bags, BeFree, Sawyer Squeeze, would pass up because their system isn't designed to harvest/collect water from little trickles. YES, I can also harvest/collect water from streams/ponds/puddles that others need B4 they can start replenishing their depleted water supply in their "smart-water bottle".
I've been watching numerous youtube videos & reading the replies for at least 3 years & still haven't been convinced to give up that which I have, that which is tried & true.
So conclusion is if you don't take care of your things they'll degrade faster. 🙄
We already spend too much time filtering water to have to spend more time on maintenance.
👍🏻