Bottom Line
Although pump filters are becoming less popular these days, we still consider the Katadyn Hiker a good option for those who prefer pumping over squeezing. One of our gear testers chose the Hiker as their main filtering method on the AT because of its durability, effectiveness, and ease of use.
Just like the rest of the filters on the list of our favorites, the Hiker is sufficient in removing virtually all harmful bacteria and protozoa from backcountry drinking water. Additionally, the pre-filter removes large particulates before reaching the filter, and the activated-carbon core eliminates toxic chemicals and pesticides to further enhance water quality.
The filter is simple to operate thanks to its ergonomic design and even easier to clean. The removable filter cartridge makes thorough field maintenance simple and can be fully replaced when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Although it’s a bit more expensive than other options and its filter doesn’t last the longest, the Hiker is perfectly suited for groups and anyone who prefers a pump setup.
How We Tested
We’ve relied on this filter for thousands of miles, including a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. From clear river water to silty sources and even our homemade concoction of mud and sand, we tested this filter in the toughest conditions imaginable.
Quick Specs
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
Best Pump Water Filter
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $90
Weight: 11 oz.
Flow Rate: 1 L/min
Filter Pore Size: .2 microns
Lifetime Volume: 750 L
Pros
- Good for shallow sources
- Easy to use if kept clean
- Very durable
- Replaceable filter elements
- Effective against chemicals and pesticides
Cons
- Heavy/bulky
- Expensive
- Hard to pump after heavy use
- Not rated for viruses, international trips
Water Quality
The Katadyn Hiker produces clear, fresh-tasting water through a three-step process. The pre-filter captures debris larger than 150 microns before it reaches the tiny 0.2-micron pores. These pores physically remove nearly all remaining particles, protozoa, and bacteria, including Giardia, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and more. Finally, the filter’s activated carbon core absorbs chemicals and pesticides to enhance the water’s taste.
Most filters are enough to remove harmful bacteria, but the carbon core enhances water quality even more. We notice a slight improvement in the water’s taste, and it offers extra peace of mind when camping in areas with past mining activity or active agriculture, where chemicals might have leached into water sources.
Ease of Use
This pump filter requires a bit more setup than a squeeze filter or purification tablets, but it ultimately provides greater versatility. The pump generates enough suction to draw water from even the shallowest sources where scooping is difficult or impossible. We were able to pump water from sources as shallow as ⅛ inch. For this reason, the Hiker could be a good choice if you expect to encounter desperate water sources on your trip.
One drawback is the multiple pieces and assembly needed for each filter session. It’s not as quick as attaching a squeeze filter to the end of a water bottle, but it only takes about a minute to unpack, assemble, and start pumping.
The hoses included with the filter are flexible and long enough for most situations, but we found the input side tends to leak and pop off from time to time.
The filter works best with a wide-mouth plastic bottle, like a Nalgene, due to its perfectly fitting attachment. However, the output hose can easily be inserted into almost any water container and is compatible with most backpack hydration bladders.
Treatment Time
The flow rate of the Katadyn Hiker varies depending on how quickly you pump it, but we found it typically produces a liter in about a minute or less. In practical terms, roughly 46 pumps can clean water from a relatively clear source.
One liter per minute makes the Hiker filter one of the fastest on our list, significantly faster than chemical treatments that take 20 minutes or more. The main advantage is that once the filter is set up at a water source, you can pump for an entire group without needing to refill any dirty containers.
While the pre-filter is sufficient to catch large particulates, the main filter can still clog with silt, significantly reducing the flow rate.
Weight
It’s tough to compete with modern ultralight squeeze filters that weigh just a few ounces, but for an ergonomic, easy-to-use pump filter, the Hiker is relatively lightweight.
Weighing about 13 ounces, the Hiker Filter is much lighter than the 1.5-pound MSR Guardian but still over five times as heavy as the popular Sawyer Squeeze. Its compatibility with a Nalgene bottle also promotes using heavier drinking vessels.
The benefits of the extra weight are the Hiker’s durability, ease of use, simple field maintenance, and replaceable filter cartridges or activated-carbon core. The Hiker is also uniquely suited to serve as the only filter for an entire group.
The Hiker neatly packs away in its included carrying case and even has a dedicated bag for the output hose to keep it free from contaminants.
Maintenance & Longevity
The Katadyn Hiker Filter features a simple design that is easy to clean and maintain. The outer housing unscrews to reveal the filter inside, which can be replaced in seconds.
The filters have an estimated lifespan of about 1000 liters, after which a new cartridge can be inserted to completely renew the device. An initial investment in the Hiker Filter provides you with a filtering device that will last essentially as long as filter replacements are available.
The filter can also be cleaned in the field. After clogging the filter until its flow rate was reduced to a trickle, we were able to remove the filter, thoroughly rinse it, and restore it to about 90% of its original flow rate.
Like other hollow fiber filters, freezing temperatures can damage the filter. Fortunately, only the replaceable part is affected, not the entire system unit.
Should You Buy the Katadyn Hiker?
The Katadyn Hiker Filter is perfect for groups or anyone looking for a pump filter that will last a lifetime with replaceable filter cartridges. Its filtering capabilities are more than enough for most backcountry water sources, and the activated-carbon core adds an extra level of purity.
The Hiker is simple to use with quick assembly and an ergonomic pumping process, especially when used with a Nalgene bottle. Although the filter cartridges have a relatively short lifespan, it’s easy to thoroughly clean the filter in the field to extend its life until you can replace the cartridge.
The Katadyn is a relatively significant investment compared to other ultralight options, but with proper care, its main body should last almost a lifetime. For groups or anyone backpacking in areas where reliable water sources are limited, the Hiker remains a strong option.
What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?
Check out our complete guide to backpacking water filters for filters that are similar to the Katadyn Hiker.
MSR Guardian Review: The Guardian is a pump filter similar to the Hiker. However, the Guardian offers a very fast flow rate of approximately 2.5 liters per minute and can filter out viruses.
MSR Trailshot: The Trailshot combines the versatility of a pump filter and a straw filter. It has a mouthpiece to filter water directly into your mouth and a hand pump for drawing water from even the shallowest sources.
Platypus GravityWorks Review: If you’re looking for a group-friendly option but want to avoid taking on the responsibility of pumping for everyone, consider the Platypus GravityWorks. It features a large bladder and an efficient gravity system for hands-free, high-capacity filtration.
