Katadyn BeeFree Filter

[Venchka]

You might know. Before I've had a chance to use the BeFree in the wild, a 1 liter bottle is on the market now.
https://www.rei.com/product/116364/k...ttle-338-fl-oz
Wayne

[Just Tom]

I find the current size perfect for scooping water. Any larger and you probably wouldn't fill it in a scoop anyway.

[Venchka]

I find the current size perfect for scooping water. Any larger and you probably wouldn't fill it in a scoop anyway.

Not an issue for me. I carry something else for the 1 in a 1,000,000 times I can't get water into a larger container.
Look at the shape. It will lay down in shallow sources.
https://www.rei.com/product/116364/k...ttle-338-fl-oz
As always, if it doesn't work for you, don't buy it.
Wayne

[linus72]

I LOVE this thing. I always bring Aqua mira backups in case of clogs, but with this thing filtering so much faster than my sawyers, its my new go-to. When I get to a water source, I fill it, camel up right from the (closed) BeFree drinking cap, then refill and filter into my main water bottle, then fill this thing again as a secondary source. Piece of cake, fast and easy.

[linus72]

oh good they released a 1L now! back to REI I go.

[Just Tom]

I LOVE this thing. I always bring Aqua mira backups in case of clogs, but with this thing filtering so much faster than my sawyers, its my new go-to. When I get to a water source, I fill it, camel up right from the (closed) BeFree drinking cap, then refill and filter into my main water bottle, then fill this thing again as a secondary source. Piece of cake, fast and easy.

Exactly what I do as well!

[Venchka]

oh good they released a 1L now! back to REI I go.

ONLINE ONLY AT THIS TIME.
Wayne


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[linus72]

Gotcha thanks Wayne. Looks like a pre-order so I'm glad they're answering the need and hopefully were following the feedback here and elsewhere to identify that people would like a mid size one

[globetruck]

A lot of negative reviews about the bag leaking and poor construction quality. Also there's a suspicious remark that it's been "tested to 1000L." Not sure what that really implies, but I think I'd like more info and longer term reviews.

[Venchka]

A lot of negative reviews about the bag leaking and poor construction quality. Also there's a suspicious remark that it's been "tested to 1000L." Not sure what that really implies, but I think I'd like more info and longer term reviews.

What did the negative reviews say about the filter and 20 ounce bottle?
I bought the Hydrapak Seeker 2 liter water bottle instead of the 20 ounce bottle.
I hope to use the combination for 2+ weeks later this summer. I know that isn't exactly long term, but it's something.
I'm also very much aware of operator error and folks who are genetically hard on equipment.
Wayne


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[madgoat]

I bought the replacement BeFree filter and the older model 2L Seeker. (new Seeker model is heavier) I have had no leakage issues with the threading. The older Seeker bag has hard plastic threading and works flawlessly with my BeFree.

Before I bought the Seeker, I bought a 750ML Hydrapak Softflask. The threading on it was a softer rubbery feeling plastic. I could not get the BeFree to make a proper seal on the 750ml. It would leak through the threading. Someone suggested removing the plastic ring that holds the webbing thumb loop because their bottle threading worked fine after removing the ring. Unfortunately, for my softflask, this did not fix the threading problem.

My Seeker 2L + Befree weighs in at 2.9oz. The new Seeker 2L is a bit heavier at 2.7oz for the bag alone.

[Venchka]

Thanks madgoat. Apparently I have the newer Seeker 2 liter bottle. Hard threads and cap. Filter, push pull cap and Seeker with cap = 3.88 ounces. Over a pound lighter than the MSR WaterWorks I am replacing.
Testing in Wyoming in September.
Wayne


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[Berserker]

All the peer pressure on here to buy this thing got to me, so I got one Used the coupon, and ordered the 1 liter version online from REI. I used it on my most recent hike (GSMNP). Really neat concept, and the flow is good. I'm using it primarily as a pre-filter as I still like to use my Steripen, so it's one heck of a pre-filter. I am carrying it in the place of one of my 2 liter Platy bags, which weighs 1.4 oz. The BeFree with 1 liter bottle weighs 2.1 oz.

[Just Bill]

I got one too...
a little bewildered by the flow rate... but Katadyn has always made the best filters overall so I remain optimistic.

It seems too fast. But perhaps that's simply that the sawyer can only input through the relatively small I.D. of the housing where this filter is fully exposed. It's similar or the same tech... so a dramatically better flow rate seems odd but perhaps it really is as simple as the exposure rate on the dirty side.

Berserker- FWIW: the long term storage instruction recommend running a bottle full of water with a few drops of bleach through. That is encouraging to me in showing the filter could be compatible with bleach so if you were in suspect areas you could use a microdropper bottle of bleach in lieu of the steripen (provided the taste was acceptable) to accomplish purification without damaging the filter.

[jdenkevitz]

Just used a BeFree for a short trip. Amazed at how fast it filters. I bought the replacement filter and the 3L Hydrapak bag.

[Venchka]

The only thing missing is a vent in the Hydrapak Seeker.
I'm a trendsetter. Who knew?
Wayne


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[Greenlight]

I was puttering around REI last week and looked at the Katadyn BeFree...they now have a 1 liter version. I was so tempted, but I didn't walk out with one. Yet. My Sawyer Squeeze is still functional. I may try a BeFree eventually. They look neat. The 1 liter, that is. I'd never buy a .6 liter anything.

I just picked up the Beefree filter and this thing is great!!
It has a wide mouth at the bladder fill (43mm) and the nozzle at the end of the filter will fit into a Smartwater bottle.
Water comes out fast and will fill a 1 liter bottle in no time and is easy to clean.
The bladder is 0.6 liter which means you have to filter twice for a 1 liter bottle but not a big deal and it weighs in at about 2oz.


I have quite the collection of water treatment gear but I think this may be the one!

[Just Bill]

The only thing missing is a vent in the Hydrapak Seeker.
I'm a trendsetter. Who knew?
Wayne


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Consider yourself to blame for my purchase.

[Venchka]

Only if it works.
If not, I was never here.

Wayne


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[Cobra317]

3L version on it's way this fall. Stay tuned.