Katadyn Hiker Pro OR Katadyn Pocket?

[G19A3]

I kinda have my heart set on one of these two. Seems they are the most recommended by the internet gurus for my below application.

I saw the specs on both.

Katadyn Hiker Pro - 11 oz

Katadyn Pocket - 20 oz

There is an obvious difference in weight, but the Hiker Pro seems to be more of an awkward shape for portability/packability.

But getting CLEAN drinking water is obviously the priority. Which one is better (filtering, convenience) for a foot-type bugout (BOB), REGARDLESS of price? I realize these two are not for long term survival solutions.

And if anyone have a link to best place to purchase. (Are there fake copies of these out there...seems everything is cloned nowadays?)

[Redmanfms]

These are very different products and I suggest you take a look at the Katadyn's website as it describes the differences quite well.

I'd take the Pocket for a BOB (and I actually use them backpacking, despite weight) for the following reasons:

1. Filter life is basically infinite.
2. Has a smaller pore size than the Pro (though not by much).
3. Capable of filtering extremely turbid water (think mud puddle).


I have used both and the Hiker Pro is great if you are in an area with plenty of clear ponds and streams. If you get stuck hiking an area during a protracted rainfall during which time streams become swollen and filled with silt you are going to need to use a "dirty" container to pre-settle the sediment in order to filter the water with a Pro if you expect the filter last. On a through-hike of something like the AT or PCT, you will, regardless of pre-filtering precautions, need to pack a filter replacement.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Which one is better (filtering, convenience) for a foot-type bugout (BOB), REGARDLESS of price? I realize these two are not for long term survival solutions.

With out a doubt the Pocket.

And if anyone have a link to best place to purchase.

I got mine from from Amazon, lowest price I could find and free shipping.

[soulezoo]

I have to agree with the above statements. The pockets' main advantage is the filter life and a sturdier vessel.

The advantages the pro has, other than price, is weight, water flavor and availability of extra filters. The latter is not so much an advantage when considering you may never need to replace the element in the pocket. Clean it, yes... replace, no.

The pro has a carbon element in the filter that improves taste that the pocket does not have. That usually goes before anything else in that filter.

So if I was using just the occasional use for a short backpack trip here or there and weight is an issue (there are the minimalist folks to consider), I'd get the pro. If packing often and using the filter often or more of a long term answer needed the pocket is clearly the best.

For either, I always carry a few coffee filters to "pre-filter" the water to ensure greater filter life.

[Dave L.]

For either, I always carry a few coffee filters to "pre-filter" the water to ensure greater filter life.

(Sorry for the sidetrack)

Do you attach the coffee filters over your inlet hose on the filter? I thought about rubber-banding a coffee filter over mine as a pre-filter; seemed like a good idea.

[soulezoo]

(Sorry for the sidetrack)

Do you attach the coffee filters over your inlet hose on the filter? I thought about rubber-banding a coffee filter over mine as a pre-filter; seemed like a good idea.

I suppose you can, I've never tried it. I would be concerned about how hard it becomes to pump water. When I first started using these filters, I used a few layers of cheesecloth to do just that. As that became a little inconvenient, I used a melita one cup coffee maker doo-hicky. The kind you place the plastic filter holder directly over the cup and pour hot water. Except now I place that (with paper filter) over a nalgene widemouth and use a collaspable backpack bucket to slowly pour the water into. The pro is then used to fill my water bladders. Nalgene rinsed and filled and away I go. Yes, this is a bit of work, but not much weight and it sure saves on the cost of replacement filters. I used to go through a couple in a season and using this method I have not changed a filter in 2 years of use.

[VooDoo6Actual]

It's been posted here before as well.

POCKET 100%. No BRITTLE plastic/poly hybrids that break in cold weather just when you need it etc.

[Dave L.]

POCKET 100%.

I have had my MSR Mini-Works EX for a few years and am pretty happy with it , but I may have to try a Katadyn Pocket. I have read reviews that consumers are not very happy with the "Sweet Water" filter and are going back to the MiniWorks.

Anyone used both the Katadyn Pocket and the MSR Miniworks EX that has some insight other than the obvious huge price difference?

[Redmanfms]

(Sorry for the sidetrack)

Do you attach the coffee filters over your inlet hose on the filter? I thought about rubber-banding a coffee filter over mine as a pre-filter; seemed like a good idea.

I do this when dealing with turbid water. Flow rate is affected pretty substantially and is further affected because I have to stop and shake off/rinse the coffee filters when they start getting caked with sediment.

[VooDoo6Actual]

I have had my MSR Mini-Works EX for a few years and am pretty happy with it , but I may have to try a Katadyn Pocket. I have read reviews that consumers are not very happy with the "Sweet Water" filter and are going back to the MiniWorks.

Anyone used both the Katadyn Pocket and the MSR Miniworks EX that has some insight other than the obvious huge price difference?

Solid copy.

Yea what has happened in the past with those is when I teach Survival COI in Utah they have a tendency to break @ the folcrum point of pump during sustained use in 40 degree temps or below. It is a structural design flaw that while on a CAD design screen looks great, prototypes work great BUT pragmatic application in the Wilderness w/ cold weather or w/ children using it in correctly post haste it breaks. Seen about 8 of them DX in my years teaching Survival.

Most people use them for camping, backpacking, fishing etc for short terms like say 3-5 day excursions NOT continued sustained daily use in austere weather conditions which is why the Katadyn Aluminum Pocket Filter makes it a better choice. If it works for you fine by all means continue & enjoy. Not trying to piss in your bowl of Cheerios @ all as I know your a conversant in Field craft etc. Just trying to save people the cathartic epiphany when they think they have it covered, they are truly using it for survival & some morning as they are getting ready w/ taste buds salivating for that morning "Cup of Joe" they plastic Water purifier goes "TU" on them etc. I've seen guys on my deployments in the Trashcanistan have the same problems in the heat as well. I smirked a little but not too much cause I didn't want to get fragged...

Once again it's a great product in CONCEPT, but ill conceived in pragmatic application for daily sustained use.

as always YMMV...