Katahdin BeFree

[GolfHiker]

So I purchased my BeFree at mile 150 on the PCT. It worked beautifully, full flow, ease of use, just as advertised. I completed my hike at Kennedy Meadows South, mile 704. BeFree was still working well, no problems, but not flowing as nicely. I get home, go to use the filter a few weeks later on a 4 day hike & it’s completely ineffective. So, I read, I watch You Tube, and try all the remedies to unplug the filter. Nothing. I mean it won’t flow at all. I hate to spend for a new filter, and can’t believe mine is totally shot, yet.

What did I do? What can I do? Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, found any solutions? It’s a great product, and I should have a ton of life left on mine. What am I missing?

Thanks for all the good input and advice…..

[NJH]

I put mine in a glass of water to soak overnight right before I leave for a trip. It has always worked for me. If you are trying to get rid of any mineral build up, use white vinegar.

[GolfHiker]

Excellent. I’ll try it. Thank you.

[gbolt]

Excellent. I’ll try it. Thank you.

Add a capful or so of white vinegar to the water soak to break up mineral deposits will also helps get the flow moving again.

[chknfngrs]

I think there is a smaller lifecycle on these and Sawyer Squeeze filters. It’s more of a consumable. Now you’ll set your expectations lower and won’t be (as) surprised.

[Crossbar]

Chknfngrs 100%. I treat it as a one hike consumable whether I use it for two days or multiple weeks. When you let it dry out it’s done.

[No Match]

Chknfngrs 100%. I treat it as a one hike consumable whether I use it for two days or multiple weeks. When you let it dry out it’s done.

Many filters of varyiing names later, trying every known angle toward re-using, I found this absolute. I have never been able to reuse a filter once it is dried out. Others have, just not me. The worst ever-BeFree. Best ever-PUR/Katadyn Hiker Pump, over and over again with NO loss of performance.

[GolfHiker]

So, after my all day soak in water with distilled white vinegar, I gave it a good shake, and walla…. I have a decent flow. Not 100%, but definitely 75%+, which beats what I did have ( no flow).

Next hike is in 6 weeks, so I’ll definitely play with it, soak it, try it out for a few continuous days before, and hopefully be back in business.

Now, if anyone has a good suggestion for storage when not in use, that would be helpful. Thanks all!

[Crossbar]

I use Aquamira as my primary treatment and carry the Be-Free for the times all I can find is a mud puddle. The only way I've found to make the Be-Free survive between trips is to do the vinegar wash ritual (with distilled water) when I get home from a trip before it ever dries out. I can then, maybe, get another trip out of it but at a noticeable flow reduction. Another trick I've done is to just not let it dry out if you know you might be going on another trip a couple weeks later. I'll do the vinegar thing and then mix up an Aquamira batch of water. Run that through it and stick it in a ziplock. I hate storing something wet like that though...