View Full Version : Katadyn "Base Camp" filter
I have used Aqua Mira in the past. Its ok. Just... ok... Water takes a while to be ready for consumption using this method. Sometimes this is good. Other times, I demand instant gratification! I need water NOW! Hiking with some other WB'ers, I have become jealous that they (using pump/filter) have instant water. I was intially concerned about the added weight of a pump/filter, but after using the AM, I could easily justify it.
Any of you have experience with this system? http://www.shopatron.com/search/304.0?q=base+camp&x=0&y=0
I like the idea of having a vessel to get lots of water instead of sitting stooped over a stream for any longer than needed. By using this method, I could remove the AM and the Platy bag and add this. Technically, I would only be adding a few ounces.
Any thoughts?
troglobil
12-01-2006, 19:14
never seen it, but I like it. I will have to give this serious consideration. Normally I use my filter to fill a bag similar to this and then discard what is not used. It gets to my knees bending down to filter that long, this may be just what I need.
I have seen it used...to friggin slow
troglobil
12-01-2006, 19:18
Ewker, Any estimate on speed for 1 liter worth?
halftime
12-01-2006, 20:33
Don't own this system so can only tell you what I have read or heard.
Understand that the inline filter can be prone to clogging. One advantage of the pump over this system is pre-filtering. You could pre-filter with something like a coffee filter but this could be almost as cumbersome as pumping.
If you really want to switch, would make sure you are happy with the filter's capacity per minute, how easy it is to clean in the field and its expected life cycle cost.
good luck
no est. I was on a trip where a guy had one. It took a while to fill up a 2 liter bottle. Got to remember this is a gravity filter system. I could pump it faster than what this does.
If you want a bag just to hold water and pump from it at camp look at this one: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13743&memberId=12500226
it holds 2.5 gallons of water and weighs 3 oz. Fill it up at the stream and bring it back to camp and hang from a tree branch
Skidsteer
12-01-2006, 22:11
H2O Amigo (http://www.ula-equipment.com/amigo.htm) is similar and, in my experience, as fast as a filter.
SGT Rock
12-01-2006, 22:17
http://usachppm.apgea.army.mil/WPD/WPDSHARE/160/AddInfo_KatadynBaseCamp.pdf
Advantages
•
Based on treatment technology and limited independent data reviewed, this device should be
capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to within the requirements of the USEPA Guide
Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers (reference 1).
•
No wait time prior to water consumption.
•
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
•
Passive device requiring no user input.
•
Simple and lightweight.
Disadvantages
•
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to fully meet the pathogen
reduction requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing
Microbiological Water Purifiers (reference 1).
•
Additional treatment required.
•
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to clogging by waters with
elevated turbidities.
•
Device unable to be backwashed.
•
No real-time indicator of process failure.
•
Device requires hanging and cannot be used on the move on foot.
If you want a bag just to hold water and pump from it at camp look at this one: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13743&memberId=12500226
it holds 2.5 gallons of water and weighs 3 oz. Fill it up at the stream and bring it back to camp and hang from a tree branch
EMAN had a setup similar to this.... bagged his water, then pumped out what he needed. I liked it, but I was trying to eliminate the middle pump step...
What about the Katadyne Exstreame? It filters and purifies. Its fast and economical, at least on paper. Does anybody have any experience with this product? I was going to order one soon.
Sorry, I left out the link.
http://ww.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=37101013&memberId=12500226
why pump afterall.....ive seen the light......the blue light.......www.steripen.com
Now that I go "shopping," I see that Backcountrygear.com has the Hiker Pro on sale for $56. Hmmm.... what to do, what to do!?
AlGal, check REI 1st, they had the Hiker on sale last week for less than $40 (I think it's still going) maybe the Pro too. And then there was the $25 off $100 coupon listed earlier (Sorry!)
I normally just drink water without filtering or treating, but since I'll be in cow country and the desert next year so I picked one up. (Still not sure if I'll use it or not)
Here yeah go....
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=274789&postcount=1
Rats, none of them are on sale anymore, but the coupon still appears to be good.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=katadyn&x=0&y=0
Anyway, I always Google coupon codes before buying online an have saved lots of money that way
No sale... not on the Pro at least....
Anyone know the difference between the Hiker and the Hiker PRO? doesn't seem like much...
http://www.rei.com/ComparisonChartDisplay.do?type=User&storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC
Odd, they say they use the same filter medium but one is field cleanable. The PRO is also a bit smaller but takes more pumps per liter.
A tip I heard was to cover the acorn and filter itself with a coffee filter and they'll last longer.
Bummer they're not on sale at REI anymore, I just check and got the Hiker for $38. That's only $3 more than the filter itself! I should have got two!
Daangggg! Now I wish I had started this thread a few days ago when I originally had been thinking about it...
LostInSpace
12-02-2006, 15:35
You can adapt the MSR Sweetwater Siltstopper (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=103994&parent_category_rn=4500459&vcat=REI_SEARCH) to most pump type filters and use them whenever you encounter turbid water.
halftime
12-02-2006, 18:03
A tip I heard was to cover the acorn and filter itself with a coffee filter and they'll last longer.
That is true. I have the Guide which is heavier than the Hiker but has more capacity. I keep a small coffee filter over the inlet filter (secured with a rubber band). Saves alot of filter cleaning (I have never really needed to clean it in the field). Field cleaning can be a pain because it is recommended that you use purified (or filtered) water. Sounds redundant I know. The easier cleaning feature of the Hiker Pro may have more to do with how it is accessed that the type of filter.
I also carry a small bottle of potable aqua (iodine) as a backup in case the filter fails. It could be used to treat water for cleaning the filter as well.
One reason I justify carrying a filter is being able to carry less water where sources are plentiful. I usually switch to chemicals in areas where water is not plentiful and you have to carry a large quantity.
From everything I have read, the Hiker is a good filter and I will probobly switch when I use up my spare filter for the Guide.