Katadyn

Gravity BeFree 3.0L Microfilter

Light and easy filter

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Works great, so much easier and lighter than our old pump filter

Works great…

This size was on flash sale so the price was enticing enough to give it a try. For backpacking - which is what I purchased this one for - I’d probably get one a little smaller. On the plus side since it holds a lot I can fill it at the water source, bring it back to camp, hang it and use it for quite awhile. It works pretty well as a gravity filter, too. Closing the cap while it’s hanging squirts water on you - be careful! Opening is pretty small so having a cup to fill t at the source is helpful. Super easy to use…

Basically like a platypus gravity filter but BeFree. I like the ease and convenience of this set up. it makes filtering lots of water a quick process.

Easy to use. Size is great for 2 people camping together- you can get 2 cups of coffee and breakfast all from one bag which is a big convenience. Easy to clean and holding up well a year later!

It works

Great for campsites where you can let gravity take its time to work

I use this on every camping trip! It's so easy to use and packs really small. I love being able to hang and drain, which doesn't take long at all. It's generally fast enough that I can just hold it up long enough.

It wouldn't work at one point...

I really wanted to give this more stars, but since I had issues with it on my last backpacking trip, I couldn't. I was in the Grand Canyon, and it just would not GO...at all. Not sure what I was doing wrong. So, I packed it all back up and decided to figure it out later at my campsite. It suddenly started working. I'll need to look up some trouble-shooting tips. Pros: It's light and can filter 3 L of water at a time. Cons: Sometimes doesn't work. Filtering is very slow. UPDATE: I still have issues with this filter. I found that if I soak it in distilled water after every trip, it helps some. The first filtering is always the most frustrating.

Love it - works easily - great size for 3-4 people

Used it backpacking in CO last summer. really convenient. Nice to drop weight by no longer carrying a pump.

Ideal lightweight clear water processer

I'm quite attached to my multi-branded frankenstein of a gravity filter, with its 5L roll-top resevoir, inline filter, custom hose length and water bladder quick connector. Jealousy struck me, however, when a friend whipped out this setup. It's about as bare bones as you can get and still process and/or transport a solid volume. I like the handle for hanging to drip into a bottle. It's easy to drink out of too. Like other similar gravity filters it plugs easily with silty or very dirty water. The bladder is prone to pinhole leaks and leakage around the seals. It is choice for saving weight and treating clear water when boiling or chemical treatment isn't ideal. I would like a way to connect it to a bottle or reservoir, maybe with a hose, but admit that I might be missing the point.

Best fit for my needs

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

3L

Only used once in 50 degrees. Stream was clean, running fast and filled bladder in 7 seconds. Flow rate was perfect for my needs. Perfect holding points especially at intake side for submerging. First befree so will see how long it lasts with a good flow rate. Ill likely carry an extra filter if out solo. Weight is perfect for the benefit. Last thing i want to do is squeeze a bag for my water after a long hike and setting up camp. Now i know why i see a lot of gravity filters hanging. The holding strap was a bit much for my needs unless someone uses it as a shoulder carrying strap. I changed that up.