Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter

Well this product is just.....WOW!!! I filtered water from a creek that was just gross, the water was nasty looking and every thing about it just turned me away but I gave it a try just to put it to the ultimate test. I filtered the water once and tasted it. The water was clear, fresh and tasted real good. Katadyn really knows what they are doing, just amazing!!!

I took this to Africa for a month and only got water that tasted so bad that no one would drink it. Ever try to find bottled water in the middle of Serengeti National Park? How about finding a replacement filter out amongst the Maasai?

It took two people to work: one to pump and the other to hold the bottles so that they did not keep falling over. Very awkward to use! It needs some design work and serious quality control testing!

If you make something for camping make it sturdy, The valve began to leak and finally just broke on this filter before I got it out of the testing phase, I thank god I wasn't out camping where I would have been in the middle of nowhere without water because this plastic valve broke. Not sturdy at all, it's a risk, don't trust this thing for serious camping.

After 4 days on the Appalachian Trail, this filter became very hard to pump. It worked for my entire 7 day trip, but I was worried it might fail before I could return to civilization. Other hikers on the trail recommended the MSR filter b/c of the ceramic filter it used...I dont know...I can't provide a long-term review, but I would definitely carry a spare filter if you have the Hiker Pro.

PS...the water tasted great out of this filter:)

I started using the Hiker Pro three years ago and have so far hiked the A.T. to Erwin, Tn., the entire Benton McKay trail and the Suwanee section of the Florida trail. Also, took my kayak from White Springs Fl to the Gulf of Mexico (170) miles and used the filter on all trips. The only problem I ever had was in North Georgia I was pumping and the handle broke off. I was able to use the needle nose pliers in my tiny multi-tool to grab the pump shaft until I arrived at Wesser N.C. and the Natahala Outdoor Center GAVE me a replacement handle. (What a great bunch of people!!!) Will be back on the A.T. in October and will have the Hiker Pro with me.