Katadyn BeFree AC 1L Black

The Katadyn BeFree AC 1L Black is a squeeze water filter built around a 1 litre soft bottle with a double-wall, more puncture-resistant construction than the standard BeFree flask, at a total weight of 85 g. The 0.1 micron hollow-fibre membrane is tested against bacteria and protozoa and, unfiltered, delivers up to 2 l/min - fast enough that you rarely feel like you are squeezing hard for a drink. A removable activated-carbon stage sits ahead of the membrane and pulls out chemicals, chlorine taste and odour, useful when the only water source nearby is a bit stagnant or tastes of a nearby settlement. The cartridge is replaceable and rated for 1000 l of throughput, after which flow will noticeably slow and the whole unit should be swapped or the membrane serviced. This is a filter for weekend to multi-day trips with clear to moderately turbid water sources - streams, lakes, rivers - not for silty glacial melt, which will clog the membrane fast regardless of the pre-filter. It does not remove viruses, so it is not suited to regions where waterborne viral contamination is a concern.