Katadyn 8013618 Pocket Water Microfilter

In 1980, this thing was $180 at REI. After a bad experience with the Lifesaver LS6000 last year, I finally pulled the trigger for the Katadyn Pocket. This review compares my experience using the Katadyn Pocket Micro/external carbon cartridge/Steripen Classic as a system vs the Lifesaver LS6000/4000 water purifier. I won't spend much time on the external carbon cartridge and Steripen here because they will be reviewed separately with links to them at the end of this review. Use this review to supplement what others are saying. I originally chose the Lifesaver LS6000 (also now available through Amazon) over the Katadyn for a remote Arizona camping trip because it was a PURIFIER rather than just a filter. The LS6000 (LS4000 is the same technology, just smaller capacity) seemed like it would be more convenient because in actual operation, it is essentially a single, self contained collector/water bottle with an integrated activated carbon filter. But after a frustrating 1 week experience with the LS6000 putting GALLONS of water through trying to get rid of a cheap plastic taste, I finally returned it to the distributor. I paid return shipping for the privilege of testing the LS6000 and I still wasn't going to have a filter for my trip. Not too happy about that. While it was probably filtering to the 15NM spec, more than 13 times the filtering power of the Katadyn (200NM), it just didn't hold up to the video claims that the water produced tasted like bottled water. That was my only real beef with the LS6000. See my review under the LS6000. The backup plan was to order the Swiss made Katadyn Pocket Microfilter, along with the Katadyn activated carbon filter cartridge and the Steripen Classic...all at fantastic sale prices + free super saver shipping at Amazon. The Pocket retails for $289 and I paid $189 with free super saver shipping. Source the Eneloop batteries for the Steripen from whom you choose, but they are the only batteries I recommend for the Steripen. It took 8 months to get everything together but the batteries taking advantage of Amazon's best discounts. With the 2 hoses (intake/output) plus the charcoal filter cartridge and Steripen, this system becomes a bit more of a project to filter and purify water than the Lifesaver. But, I have to say that that in terms of water that was just pure joy to drink, this busier (and initially pricier) setup was superior to the simpler Lifesaver system. I was also into this combination for about $313 for everything ready for the wilderness vs $179 for the LS6000 on Amazon. Another downside of the Katadyn is that after you are done with it, it's a little busier to put away. It's a good idea to remove the hoses, carbon cartridge taking care to put the output hose (along with the carbon cartridge) in a separate ziplock bag to prevent cross contamination. The covers for the hose connection ports should be installed, also to prevent cross contamination. It all fits in the Katadyn's pouch. If you used the Steripen, too, then you should dry it off, recap it and return it to its ventilated neoprene pouch. With the Lifesaver, you just close the teat, snap the cap back over the teat and put the bottle back in your pack. Using the Katadyn with the Steripen- Much of what I've read points to treating for viruses in pristine free running North American waters possibly being overkill. In clear running mountain streams I probably wouldn't bother with the Steripen as the Pocket alone probably will take care of the "bugs" that would be found under those conditions and the carbon cartridge will do its job to provide the fresh clean taste you might expect. However, the closer you get to high use areas by people and animals, the more I would look at some way of dealing with the potential for viruses, e.g., Steripen. Treating with the Steripen takes about 90 seconds for 1 liter of water and 48 seconds for 16 oz. The LS6000 removes viruses during the filtering process without the need for any further treatments. I would be cautious drawing water from sources where boats with fossil fuel motors operate no matter which filter system is used.. I tested the output of the Katadyn without its optional carbon filter under the same conditions as the LS6000 and found the water also had an off taste, most likely imparted by the ceramic filter. The taste wasn't the same or as offensive as the LS6000 with its integrated activated carbon filter, but you could still pick up that the Katadyn's output was "off". I put the Katadyn activated carbon filter on the end of the output hose, pumped a new cup of water and VOILA(!), the water was PERFECT! **************IMPORTANT UPDATE 5/12/2010************ Re: Off taste in Katadyn Pocket Microfilter-- After reading reports of others obtaining the fresh clean water taste WITHOUT an activated carbon filter, I pursued this a little further. After drying the filter for a few days, I reassembled everything and tried again, except this time NO CARBON FILTER. After pumping 12 oz of water through the dry filter into a measuring cup, there was NO OFF TASTE AT ALL. Referring to the user guide it says to flush .5L (~1 pt) of water through the filter before 1st use, .2L (~7 oz) before each use thereafter and 1L (~1 qt) after having air dried the filter for long term storage. As reported in this update, I had pumped only 12oz of water through the dry filter. It would seem that if an off taste is occurring, it can managed by flushing the filter before filling the container. Will look at this further and update this review again. However, the carbon filter might still be needed to remove mossy or fishy tastes from streams, etc. The original review continues below. So far I have tested the Katadyn with our hauled tap water, from our rain barrel system (not available for the LS6000 test) and then on to the (brown) spring streams of the Kaibab National Forest, natural standing water "tanks" in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and the nicely flowing waters of the Upper Verde River. While the rain barrel water tasted like the tar from our asphalt shingle roof, water filtered from the other sources with the Katadyn/carbon cartridge was a pleasure to drink (used the Steripen in ALL of these waters!). The LS6000 had no follow-on testing because I couldn't produce satisfactory results from our hauled water source. The output hose for the Katadyn has a spring loaded clip that attaches nicely to my canteen, cup, or most any other container. When using the Pocket with the activated carbon filter, an extra length of tubing is recommended from the output of the carbon filter if it does not fit stably onto your water container. Empty containers with narrow bases can be a little squirrelly to fill. With the Lifesaver, you just unscrew the bottom, submerge, replace the bottom, pump a few times, and open the teat and drink. Putting it back in your pack is a snap. You can also use the LS6000 to fill containers by opening the teat and aiming the pressurized stream accordingly. My Katadyn was supplied with an "O" ringed hose adapter for filling camelpacks. Using the Katadyn, even without the optional carbon cartridge, is a bit of work for only a 12 oz drinking cup of water. Once you pull this device out of its pouch, connect the hoses and set up the water container, it is best to fill at least 1 32 oz Nalgene bottle, canteen, etc. plus the containers of others in the group. In the wilderness, I would probably want to remove the Katadyn's ceramic cartridge and air dry it every 3-4 days. I also like to blow out the carbon cartridge and dry it as much as possible. I have not had to clean the ceramic cartridge, even after the tar tasting water of the rain barrel. The LS6000 cartridge is a little busier to remove and dry. The integrated activated carbon filter of the LS6000 should probably be left alone unless you are going to replace it. Probably wouldn't bother drying the LS6000 until returning home. The Lifesaver, because of its teat system, is more of a personal water bottle (kind of like your toothbrush is personal). The teat is designed to be pulled open with your teeth. The LS6000 will become more work in water sources where you are unable to submerge the entire bottle to collect water. Worst case, you have to resort to a smaller scoop, dig or use the supplied sponge to soak up water and squeeze it into the bottle. The LS6000's cartridge can be backwashed, but looks to be a chore. With the Katadyn, I was still able to pump from sources that were only 1 inch deep. As long as you can submerge it, the Lifesaver system gets you collecting water and drinking in seconds while you could still be connecting hoses on the Katadyn. The Lifesaver will be more work to fill containers. Another minor concern I have with the Lifesaver is that if you neglect to secure the cap for the teat or if its seal deteriorates, you could contaminate it when you submerge it in a water source. With the Pocket, the intake and output hoses are separated substantially, minimizing the potential for cross-contamination. The Katadyn also comes with port caps that should be installed prior to putting it away. Remove the output hose and cap the output port first, then the intake. As far as maintenance goes, the Lifesaver seemed a little busier to maintain than than the Katadyn. There's really not much to do with the Katadyn if you draw water from clean sources. Clean the ceramic cartridge if it gets harder to pump and use the supplied gauge to measure the diameter of the ceramic if you are cleaning it a lot. Lube the 'O' ring on the pump with the supplied silicone, when necessary. You can download the servicing instructions for both prior to purchase. I certainly recommend that in the course of your decision making process. If you want to look at the economics of one over the other, have at it. I would project that for the usual hiker/wilderness trekker in North American or Alpine hiker in Europe, the initial outlay for the Katadyn would be a once in a lifetime investment as long as you didn't break the ceramic filter. With the Lifesaver, you are likely to need to buy at least 1 replacement filter plus the activated carbon filter replacements. But you will buy SEVEN TOTAL Lifesaver cartridges over the life of the LS6000 to purify 13,000 gallons of water that the Pocket treats to a lesser degree. Add to that the costs of activated carbon filters for both. The Katadyn cartridge should be recharged with activated carbon after about 60 gallons. Replace the Lifesaver's carbon insert at ~66 gallons. The LS6000 uses a replaceable insert. The Katadyn's optional carbon cartridge can be recharged with packets of fine activated carbon. Also keep in mind that without the Steripen (~$70) plus the cost of Eneloop batteries or some other means of purification, you won't have purification as you do with the Lifesaver system. You will likely use 6 more Steripen bulbs if you choose to go the extra step and PURIFY all 13000 gallons (not likely). The Sterpien bulb replacements are performed at the factory and will run ~$35 that includes shipping both ways. Add a few dollars to replace rechargeable Eneloops to that picture. The LS6000 replacement cartridges are around $120 with free shipping. The reality of reaching the 13,000 gallon mark for most of us is probably not too likely. Bottom line- In my opinion, money is not likely to make that much of a difference. If you can afford one, you can most likely afford the other. We are near retirement on a fixed income. I would have kept the LS6000 and likely never would have gone to this Katadyn combination had the LS6000 water tasted better. Even with a cost comparison, many are very likely to make their decision based on other factors. If you want the convenience of getting PURIFIED water with a single integrated unit from almost any source you are willing to put your hand in to submerge it...and can put up with the prospect of shallow water sources that pose possible water collection issues coupled with output water that fell WAY short of the "bottled water taste" claim for me, go for one of the Lifesaver bottles. If they have cured that very offensive taste issue, the LS series Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle might be the way to go. Also see Lifesaver Bottle Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Carbon Inserts (4-pk) and Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Cartridge. If you don't mind some extra work with a beautifully and solidly constructed Swiss classic, non integrated carbon filter Katadyn Carbon Cartridge and hose setup and the activity associated with returning everything to its pouch to obtain just short of "purified" but very good tasting drinking water under most wilderness conditions in North America, choose the decades time tested Katadyn Pocket with the optional activated carbon cartridge. Spring for the SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier if you want the added insurance in dealing with viruses using AA batteries. Both systems have their weaknesses for potentially expensive damage by freezing or mishandling. Neither will remove dissolved minerals and salts. An intriguing thought is a device with Lifesaver purification capability and Katadyn Pocket functionality. I am sticking with the Katadyn setup even though it's busier and a bit more to schlep with the extra 2 components to purify and get better tasting water. I rate it 5 stars with the activated carbon filter and 4 stars on its own for its slight off taste. ********UPDATE 5/29/201********** re: OFF TASTING WATER--- I have increased the rating on this device to 4 1/2 stars without the activated carbon filter. If you follow the directions in the Katadyn user guide for flushing the filter, you will get perfectly clean tasting water every time.