Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

I previously purchased this at REI for backpacking the Colorado Trail for 21 days, and it worked great at first, but after a few weeks of daily use, it slowed to a trickle. So I returned it, thinking I got a bust. However, the same thing occurred to my newer one, again used on the Colorado Trail, this time for 20 days. There's no way to backflush it; manufacturer instructions to clean it are to "swish" it around in water. That is not even close to the lifetime of the product. If I could return this again, then I would, and I'd just default to the standard Sawyer that while isn't speedy, at least it's reliable, clean-able, and not reduced to a trickle after a few weeks of usage.

I have two of these now and have been using them all summer on my long runs and hikes. They fit in the front pocket of my running vest and are super easy to fill up and clean. I love this product and it is seriously a game changer.

This thing is awesome! I used to use the MSR trail shot and would dread/avoid filling up on long runs and hikes because of how long it would take to fill up. This filter has changed every thing. If I'm drinking straight from the bottle it takes all but 5 seconds to fill. Fantastic Product!

Recently purchased this filter for backpacking trips. This thing takes up practically no space in a pack and is very lightweight. It's very nice to have around so that I don't have to carry as much water in my pack. I love that I can use it on the go. Just fill the bag and you are good to go! My only concerns are durability with the lid and the bag. I haven't had any issues yet, but I question the longevity.

So portable and packable. Fits well in my backpack!!! I have the 1L. As long as you have a water source you are gtg!! Love this system!!!!

This filter is amazing!! So light weight and packs small. Awesome for overnight Backpacking trips. Not having to carry 4L of water (Depending on water sources of course) is a MAJOR difference. I have felt that not having to carry as much water opens up a lot more possibilities in the backcountry.

Other filters tend to have relatively slow flow rates, but this filter has an adequate flow rate for me and probably you. The one issue I have with this filter is that even though the bag is plenty strong and usable, it’s difficult to get all of the water out because of the firm plastic rim around the mouth, don’t get me wrong, works more than well enough, but im subtracting one star for that reason.

Offers a lightweight option to waterfilters. I just wish the filters lasted longer.

I love this system. I am usually always near a water source, so I no longer need to carry around a heavy load of water. I just drink when I'm thirsty. Last summer We used one filter for three people on a 10 day river trip. It's a very reliable and lightweight filter

This filter makes a fantastic addition to your fishing vest. Not having to carry a large water bottle when hiking to get away from the crowd, but having plenty of access to water makes this bottle my must have on the river. It has worked phenomenally well over time and filter hasn't clogged yet, although I have sought clean water to filter.

I brought this filter on a handful of High Uinta backpacking trips and the flow is really really good. The flow is 5x better than the Sawyer Squeeze. The only thing i would be careful for is the bladder itself as it's not the most durable thing, but still gets the job done. Just don't squeeze the bag too hard!

I recently replaced my MSR trailshot filter with the befree as it is lighter, faster, and cheaper. I have been using it for trail running, just throwing it in my vest and using it to fill up my hydration bladder (I can fill the 1.5 L bladder in about 90 seconds even with the .6 L filer). I am unsure how long the filter on this will last, but for a 2oz filter that easily fits in my pocket I really cant complain. I recently used this for a self supported 38 mile run and never had to stop for more than 3 minutes to fill up and never felt like I had to use extra effort, unlike other pump type filters or heavier alternatives. This is definitely a major step in the right direction of on demand water filtration!

Just returned from a Colorado Trail thru hike and this little beauty is super easy to use and super fast! Collapsible bladder allows for minimal weight and storage footprint, while filtering water as fast as one can squeeze.

I love this, so far! Light, and eternally useful. I will be careful about how mucky of water I use, since I know the filters will clog up faster. But, outside of that, I have faith this will last a good while. Especially for this price!

...resource in the backcountry! Best 1L filtration device on the market. I like almost everything about this device, however I am a touch bit concerned with the cap design, particularly the hinge that gets a ton of use, ON/OFF...concerned that it may be a little flimsy and eventually break?

Use it on the bike or during traverses when I don't want to carry a ton of water. Works really well, flows quickly threw the filter!

After repeatedly having to replace my Sawyer Squeeze Filter because they kept breaking, I bought the BeFree. It’s really great! I used it on several trips this summer. One thing I really like I about it is the hard shell around the mouth—this really makes it much easier to fill since it is a soft bottle. It also seems to be very durable—it has lasted longer than any of my previous filters!

Initially I was very impressed with this filter. I have used just about every kind of water purification extensively, and I really like how small and light this filter is. Initially it was very fast, much faster than the Sawyer squeeze filter. The bag is a softer material but actually seems tougher than Sawyer's. However, after less than a year of use, exclusively filtering in clean mountain streams and lakes, the filter rapidly slowed and is now impossible to use. I have purged it as instructed regularly in the field and always rinsed well and dried before storage. When I contacted Katadyn, they told me this is meant to be a disposable tool and will just slow over time. Next time I will buy another Sawyer, as they have a lifetime warranty.

Filter clogged on the first day of the very first trip (5 days). Used only in relatively clean (by appearance) and flowing water. I cleaned over and over, as suggested, with no luck. I was really excited after I received it during home tests. Water flow was initially great...really fast with big volume. When it clogged it did not just slow down, it all but stopped. Thankfully I had brought tablets. I'm ordering a replacement filter with fingers crossed that I just got a defect. We will see!

I've used mine for two backpacking trips so far for quick drinks out of the river. Product works great and it doesn't leak. I plan to buy another one.