Katadyn Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane Personal Small Group Camping, Backpacking Emergency Preparedness

I thru-hiked the AT in 2021 and used three different water filtration systems on my hike. I used the BeFree for about half the hike.All three systems used the same filtration material; however, the BeFree is very different from the small cannister type systems that attach to a bottle or pouch.The flow rate on the BeFree using gravity was fast. Perhaps not quite as fast as squeezing water through a fresh cannister type, but fast enough to make the advantage of doing gravity feed a huge plus.The accessibility of the filter fibers makes consistent cleaning of the filter extremely fast and easy, and prolonged the flow rate of the filter substantially over the more sealed filter systems (even when I backflushed them on each use).The bag on the BeFree system is nice too. The bag's material flexibility and wide mouth allow for creative options to collect scarce water in drought conditions (it will also wedge onto a 1.5 inch PVC pipe with enough friction to remain their even under slight water pressure).

easy to use ,insta use ,great debit,easy to clean and good cap of filtration

Bought this to use on a trip to the Boundary Waters. Was easily capable of providing enough water for all 4 of us. The flow rate was surprisingly fast. Filtered 3 liters of lake water in 3-5 minutes. After about 12 liters flow began to slow down, but a quick "swish" cleaning session returned filter to its original flow rate. Packs down fairly small, lightweight. The included strap for hanging is functional, albeit a little bulky. Only true complaint would be the fill method. Rather than the rear portion of the bag opening and allowing for scooping, it is only through the cap/filter end that the bag is filled. There is a nice loop attached to the bag that allows for pulling the bag through the water, but it still requires several scoops to get the bag full when drawing from a shallow water source. All of that could be avoided by making the other end an opening rather than sealed. Another nice touch is the quick connect cap, so that a hydration port tube can be attached allowing for drinking directly from the filter bag. Overall I am very happy with the system.

Only small gripe I have with this is the nozzle system. I bought a proper nozzle with a turn style valve to put at the end of the hose but other than that great flow rate

The valve is missing in the box, the hose and straps too. How am I supposed to use it without them. I’m returning it!