Anyone using the Katadyn Pocket filter?

It is a slow process to pump, can't be in a hurry. It did require a firm hand. However, it seems to work well.

Never really drawn any silty water with it, as I typically use aquamira now.

Come with a scrubby for the ceramic filter so cleaning was not an issue.

I have one and use it all the time. I love it. I can't compare it to the others you've mentioned because I've only used them at REI.

I have never had any issues with it slowing down and if it did, you can unscrew it rinse the ceramic off with water or wipe it down if need be and you're good to go. (never had to do this let alone scrub it)

I think it takes me about 65 pumps to fill a Sigg bottle. So about 2 minutes. Although I like to prime it by pumping 1 bottle through it first. So about 5 minutes. Then I usually chug it and refill the bottle again and keep walking.

I have never used the Katadyn, but I've had to pump a lot of extremely silty water from the Colorado in the Grand Canyon (water so silty that even after standing in a bucket overnight you can barely see the bottom of the bucket). I have tried a variety of devices, and every time I go back to my MSR Mini Works. The MSR has saved my butt several times because it is rugged and can be field stripped easily and effectively. The ceramic filter can be cleaned, scrubbed if necessary, and the whole thing re-assembled in minutes. The lesson I've learned over the years is that there is simply no way to filter silt-laden water without doing a lot of maintenance on your device. So if you know or suspect that silt will be an issue, make sure your device can be easily — and repeatedly — taken apart and cleaned and that the parts will withstand this treatment.

David,

I have used the MSR Miniworks before…though in clear water only. It didn't strike me as being a filter I'd be interested in. Much like most of the other filters, with all its plastic and other complexities, it struck me as being to vulnerable for my needs. Seems too many of these filters are better suited to occasional REI demo/tailgate parties than real world conditions, trip after trip.

Rant aside, perhaps I'll give the MSR Miniworks a second look. Questions. After its performance drops off when used in silty water, does cleaning it restore its performance to a large degree or only somewhat? How many days can you get out of yours when pumping out of the Grand Canyon before the cartridge needs replaced?