Katadyn Mini Ceramic Microfilter

I haven’t tried it personally. I was considering buying it, but I read this

http://www.backpacking.net/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=113325&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&fpart=1

This link is dynamic and will probably move soon, but it basically said that it sucked. I currently own the Hiker Pro and I love it, but as soon as I pumped water through it, it’s weight immediately went to over 1lb! I might still get a mini, but for now I purchased a katadyn filter bottle as a compromise. Not the best for large parties, but I’m excited to try it out in lieu of having to stop and filter water or treat water and wait.

Be sure you read the whole thread. The initial post said it sucked. Three responses (including mine) said they’d never experienced the problems the original poster had; he then admitted that he’d bought it from eBay, and that it was probably broken before he got it.

If you want a more balanced view of this filter, check out the two owner reviews at http://www.backpackgeartest.org. While neither gives it a rave, you’ll get a lot more information there than you will from the link previously cited.

This isn’t a bad filter. It’s a little slow, and pumps a little harder than most, but it’s reliable and field cleanable. I’ve never had any problems with it. My preferences run to this filter or the MSR Miniworks; the one I choose for any given trip depends on whether I want to save an extra half pound. (Right now, most of my trips are saying weight isn’t as important as function, and the MSR does pump a little quicker and easier – but it weighs a pound versus the Katadyn’s 8 ounces.)

I’ve had one for many years. Only problem ever was it clogged when filtering water from a very silty river – however, it was easily field cleanable. Other cons: slow and difficult to pump. I never carry this filter anymore – it has now been relegated to my emergency eqiupment in the back of my car. Instead, I drink untreated water from carefully selected locations or use the Katadyn Micropur tablets (essentially chlorine dioxide in tablet form – doesn’t get any simpler or lighter than that).

Thanks for the info, I didn’t think to look at http://www.backpackgeartest.org. I might try one sometime, have to spend the REI dividend on something after all.