Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane Personal Small Group Camping, Backpacking Emergency Preparedness, Clear, 8020470

I took the Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Water Filter on my backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas, and it was phenomenal. The filter performed incredibly well, filling my Nalgene bottles in less than 20 seconds. It's hard to overstate how quick and efficient it was at providing clean water. The 3.0L capacity was a godsend for me – I was able to carry plenty of water back to camp for multiple people, and it was so nice to have fresh, clean water available without having to filter every time somebody needed a drink. I appreciated how lightweight and easy the system is to use. Even with the large capacity, it was easy to handle and set up – a consideration that's crucial when you're carrying everything on your back for a long hike. The EZ Clean membrane also made it easy to clean, and I had every confidence in the purity of the water I was drinking. Plus, the water tasted wonderful! Cool, clear, and refreshing, it was a welcome treat after a sweltering day on the trail. The only drawback I did notice was that the water bag itself could be somewhat prone to damage if you're not careful. You do have to be gentle with it so you don't puncture or rip it. So, just be aware of that when using it in rough conditions. Overall, I would suggest the Katadyn Gravity BeFree for any backpacking or camping trip. It's a sturdy, effective, and ultralight way to hydrate in the backcountry!

I thru-hiked the AT in 2021 and used three different water filtration systems on my hike. I used the BeFree for about half the hike. All three systems used the same filtration material; however, the BeFree is very different from the small cannister type systems that attach to a bottle or pouch. The flow rate on the BeFree using gravity was fast. Perhaps not quite as fast as squeezing water through a fresh cannister type, but fast enough to make the advantage of doing gravity feed a huge plus. The accessibility of the filter fibers makes consistent cleaning of the filter extremely fast and easy, and prolonged the flow rate of the filter substantially over the more sealed filter systems (even when I backflushed them on each use). The bag on the BeFree system is nice too. The bag's material flexibility and wide mouth allow for creative options to collect scarce water in drought conditions (it will also wedge onto a 1.5 inch PVC pipe with enough friction to remain their even under slight water pressure).

Bought this to use on a trip to the Boundary Waters. Was easily capable of providing enough water for all 4 of us. The flow rate was surprisingly fast. Filtered 3 liters of lake water in 3-5 minutes. After about 12 liters flow began to slow down, but a quick "swish" cleaning session returned filter to its original flow rate. Packs down fairly small, lightweight. The included strap for hanging is functional, albeit a little bulky. Only true complaint would be the fill method. Rather than the rear portion of the bag opening and allowing for scooping, it is only through the cap/filter end that the bag is filled. There is a nice loop attached to the bag that allows for pulling the bag through the water, but it still requires several scoops to get the bag full when drawing from a shallow water source. All of that could be avoided by making the other end an opening rather than sealed. Another nice touch is the quick connect cap, so that a hydration port tube can be attached allowing for drinking directly from the filter bag. Overall I am very happy with the system.

It’s hard to imagine a better more well-thought-out device for backcountry water filtration. I have used the older version for many years, but upgraded to this one and it is an exceptionally well-thought-out device. From the flushable filter to a small pinch on the handle that will hold the hose. This product is extremely useful and easy to deploy. We recently used it for a group of 18 people on a whitewater rafting trip and it was exceptionally fast and easy to use. Highly recommended. Great value.

Happy I went with Katadyn. Their competitor had an inferior product that broke on my 1st of 40 days on the AT in 2024. Katadyn built a solid product to withstand more than just 3 L. I used it for 6 weeks on the AT in 2025 and had no issues at all. I only had a couple issues of no water flow but realized the connecting tube was not secure - that was user error. Of the 6 weeks, I may have cleaned it about 4 times by rigorously shaking the b-jesus out of it. Instructions to clean are imprinted on the bag itself so no need to try to remember or bring the stupid little instruction book while hiking 450 miles in the woods : -D

This filter is simply unreliable. I have attempted to use it for over a year and it has done nothing but ruin trips and cause me to cut them short. The filter's flow slows to a trickle and cannot be restored permanently. I have soaked the filter in a solution of bleach and water which worked only briefly. Soaking the filter in distilled water for 24 hours before a trip also did not help. The "swishing" method they mention to clean the filter quite literally does nothing. This product is not for any serious camping or backpacking.

Flavor 4 because plastic taste, mostly unavoidable I suppose. Easy to use 3 because it is legitimately difficult to get water into this thing unless I'm missing some secret trick. Filling it from the screw hole is a design mistake. Traveling 5. It's extremely light, fits in the supplied pouch, and study construction resists crushing from packing your bag tight.

It was a gift for my son who camps A LOT and he loved it and even used over Christmas.

Work great. Easy to use. Note that there are very specific instructions on how to clean it that you should follow. And it doesn't filter super small things like viruses. But a well known and easy camp filter.

Utilisé en rando montagne sur 2 mois. Remplis d'eau des torrents et autre source d'eau rencontré avec pas mal d'animaux sauvage (marmottes, renards, bouquetins, chamois etc.) et domestique (vache, âne, chevaux et autres) résultat nickel. toujours en bonne santé. Alors pourquoi s'en privé.

Produit très facile à utiliser et à transporter

Extremely poor quality - the seal around the screw-in ring came lose after the first time we used it. The print on the bag lets lose by simply looking at it. Unbelievably shoddy quality that makes me wonder whether this is not a counterfeit item!

Small replacement filter works well for the large capacity water filtration system