Over the year of hiking, hunting and backpacking I have tried a number of methods to filter water. From boiling, to treatment tablets, to pump filters, to squeeze filters or gravity filters I have tried a little bit of everything. The main filter I have been using recently is the Katadyn BeFree gravity feed filter with a 3L bag. When I got the chance to test out their 1.0 Liter BeFree option I was more than happy to test it out. For longer trips the gravity filter is nice, but for hiking trips or trail runs that might require a little extra water the small form factor of the BeFree 1.0L filter is very convenient. When the pouch is empty the filter folds down not much larger than the actual filter element. When it's full it is the size of a 1L water bottle.
The EZ-Clean Membrane Filter Cartridge that it comes with has a flow rate that is as good or better than any other squeeze filter on the market. As with any filter it will slow down over time. In the two or so weeks that I have been testing this model I haven't noticed a significant change in flow. Additionally, I appreciate that the Katadyn BeFree series is designed to be cleaned by shaking it vigorously. It doesn't require extra equipment in the field and is easy to do regularly to help prevent the flow from slowing down.
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The system is very simple to use. Out of the box you can install the included carbon filter to help with water taste, then take the filter out, fill up the pouch and attach the lid. You can then drink directly from the filter, or use it to fill up other containers. I found the charcoal filter helped to make the water taste more consistent from source to source. I have noticed that the BeFree water filters have a better flow rate when the filter is already wet. If you are just taking it out of the box, or haven't used it in awhile it is helpful to fill up the water pouch and let the filter soak for about half an hour. If you are hiking or backpacking and using the filter a few times throughout the trip it will stay wet and you shouldn't see much of a change in the flow rate.
Overall, the BeFree 1.0L water filter is lightweight, compact when empty and very easy to use. I will see how it holds up as I continue to use it. For now, I will be throwing it in my backpack on most hikes and long runs, even if I'm not sure if I will need to filter water. It's lightweight insurance when you need clean water in the backcountry.
Katadyn Group gave me this free product to try.
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