Water Filter Accessories

Reviewed by DLK37086

This is a fairly inexpensive, simple, upgrade/add-on for filters such as the Hiker, Hiker PRO, and even the older PUR models. I recommend this product for anyone using those models, especially if you are getting water from a source that is used by recreational watercraft, or the source water has a bad taste or odor.

Trailspace has two (2) group headings for this product, under different names. This product is currently called the "Katadyn Bottle Adapter with Activated Carbon" on Katadyn's website. They are one and the same. I placed this review under the "Katadyn Carbon Cartridge" heading because when I purchased them back in 2010, that is exactly what they were called. I have no idea when Katadyn changed the name. And, depending on where you purchase from , and how old their stock is, the packaging may very well still say "Carbon Cartridge".

Read more: Katadyn Carbon Cartridge review (1)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

REVIEW/REPLACEMENT WALKTHROUGH: A simple, easy to replace cartridge. With replacement, this will upgrade your Hiker model to the Hiker Pro! Added field serviceable filter protector extends filter life in murky conditions. 4 stars only because I think the replacement element is pretty expensive.

Servicing my 20-year-old PUR Hiker this weekend, I decided to post a walkthrough of the filter cartridge replacement. This kit will maintain all PUR and Katadyn Hiker/Hiker PRO models. This model of element has been readily available for a long time, and I think it will continue to be. The replacement specification of the cartridge is every 300 gallons/1135 liters. It is also recommended to disassemble the filter after use to dry all parts out in order to prevent mold & bacteria growth.  There are two main differences betwixt the Katadyn Hiker and Hiker PRO.

Read more: Katadyn Hiker/Hiker PRO/Base Camp Replacement Element review (1)

Reviewed by Bentbrook

A simple and brilliant accessory for the Sawyer Squeeze filter that allows one to improve back-flushing success with a device that is smaller and weighs less than the syringe provided for this purpose with this filter. At a price just south of USD $9, it's doubtless overpriced but still well worth it for any Squeeze users.

Background Sometimes less is more, and sometimes experience allows one to "smooth it" in the woods, to borrow a phrase from nineteenth century outdoorsman and conservationist George Washington Sears. My long quest for the perfect water filtration device has led me through many devices and brands over the years in search of a fast, reliable, and simple water purification solution. At present I carry a Sawyer Squeeze filter attached to a dirty water bag with a hose. This allows the Squeeze to be used as a gravity filter.

Read more: Sawyer Cleaning Coupling review (1)

Reviewed by Roberto Valenzuela

Great filter. Only imparts a slight iodine taste.

I've used this setup for a few years to filter water on hikes up to a week long. I have filtered water from disgusting cow ponds and have never gotten sick. The flow rate is on the slow side, but it's a small price to pay for a great filtration system. This kit gives me enough confidence to drink water from pretty much any source if necessary. I find that the slow flow rate actually makes me drink more often and keep hydrated as opposed to chugging water which can produce a dangerous electrolyte imbalance.  The filter does impart a slight iodine taste, but it doesn't taste bad at all—perfectly drinkable.

Read more: Katadyn Exstream/MyBottle Virustat Kit review (1)

Featured review by Jeff Dillavou

Light, easy to use, we came up with a few solutions to some of the downfalls Weak bags and dripping bags in rivers.

We found the  Filter Squeeze Pouch system easy to use, But dripping the bag in to the cold stream first thing in the morning was not fun. We found storing the system into a 1 gallon heavy duty ziplock bag allowed us to fill the bag and pour the water into the filter bag. The other downfall is we have had the squeeze bags break. Sawyer does not support this failure of their product and will not listen to your complaints... We found the Platypus bags screw right on to the filter (we also experimented with others and found some 1 ltr.

Read more: Sawyer Water Filter Squeeze Pouch reviews (2)