User Review: Katadyn Exstream XR Bottle Purifier

Katadyn Exstream XR Bottle Purifier
Above: The current Exstream XR Bottle Purifier, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 30, 2004 by trinityalps

Rating:
Price Paid: $40

This is one of the best backpacking purchases I have ever made. I love backpacking, but there are a few aspects of it that I really don't enjoy. Pumping water is one of those things. I have been using the Exstream for two and half years now and I couldn't be happier with it. It is so convenient to just scoop and drink. I haven't experienced any difficulty getting water out of the bottle and it has functioned flawlessly.

To use the bottle, you unscrew the lid, dip it in the water source, screw the top in and squeeze the bottle to drink. Understand this isn't a filter, it's a purifier. No waiting, no chemicals, no sweat.

I have the older-style bottle and it weighs 8 ounces empty. The internal filter cartridge must be changed periodically. I changed my cartridge after two years and I backpack quite a bit.

The one qualifier I would have to point out is that I hike in the Pacific Northwest. There is no shortage of water sources in the areas I frequent. In those situations the bottle is perfect. If you are in a more arid locale and trying to scoop the water from a small, shallow water source, that might present a problem.