Sets The Bar For Handheld Water Filters

This filter isn't too heavy, is simple to use, and filters a lot of water quickly. Unless you are an ultralight backpacker, this is probably the water filter you should use. The instructions for the product are not great, however. The basic operation is straightforward -- dirty water goes in tube A, clean water goes out tube B, just work the pump handle. What isn't so well explained is the different configurations for filling water bottles and/or hydration bladders. I LOVE that I can fill my bladder through the hose and not take it out of my pack. Shoving a full bladder into a full backpack is always a minor annoyance, and I'm happy to never do that again. The way that setup is described in the manual isn't easy to decipher, especially since it's telling you to cut tubes and add connectors. The text is tiny and the illustrations are very lacking. Now that I've got it figured out, filtering water on the trail has become a super simple and easy chore.

Best Water Pump

This has been the best pump over the ten years of group backpacking with different pumps. It is reliable, easy, low maintenance and fast. Others have broken in the field, need pre soaking or slow down too fast. I feel confident taking this pump into the backcountry.

Great Water Purifier

This has been a great unit that has served 8+ people during any of the hunts.

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is my go-to water filter. It is easy to use and lightweight, as filters go. Get as much water out of it as possible and keep it in your sleeping bag in sub-freezing conditions. I love that the storage bag has a separate container for the output hose to keep it clean. Practice with it at home to get used to handling the intake hose and keeping the output hose out of contaminated water.

Great Pump

Easy to use and clean. comes with an adapter to fit standard wide mouth Nalgene bottles. Must have as a main filtration, backup, or if you just can't wait for the gravity filters. Great crew gear.