Katadyn BeFree AC 1L

The Katadyn BeFree AC 1L is a squeeze water filter with a 1 litre soft bottle, weighing 76 g - noticeably lighter than the reinforced Black version because it skips the double-wall construction. The 0.1 micron hollow-fibre membrane is tested against bacteria and protozoa and, run unfiltered, flows up to 2 l/min, so filling a bottle or drinking straight from the pouch is quick. A removable activated-carbon stage ahead of the membrane strips out chemicals, chlorine taste and odour, worth having if your water sources are low-flow ponds or anything downstream of a village. The cartridge is replaceable and rated for 1000 l before flow drops off enough to need a swap. Being a single-wall soft flask, it is more prone to punctures than the Black version, so it suits careful packing rather than being stuffed loose next to sharp gear. It covers weekend and multi-day trips on clear to moderately turbid water; it will not clear glacial silt and does not filter viruses.