Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Microfilter Review

The Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter is a popular, portable water filter for bacteria treatment and removal--but this review reveals why you shouldn't buy one.

After spending time using and looking at the Katadyn Hiker Pro, I have to say that it just doesn't appeal to me anymore.

The Katadyn Hiker water filter worked perfectly for my first water treatment device. However, as I've aged, matured, and grown wiser, I realized this isn't the best portable water filter.

I know. Crazy, right? I mean, I absolutely swear by my Katadyn Pocket Microfilter, and think it is one of the best inventions on the planet.

But the Katadyn Hiker water filter? Eh, not my cup of tea.

Let me explain:

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
Reviews and Ratings

Katadyn Hiker Pro parts

According to online reviews of the Katadyn Hiker Pro water microfilter, it is a perfectly fine portable water filter for hiking and backpacking.

If you're in the market for a pretty cheap water filter that pumps water at a pretty quick rate of speed, then you might dig this one. But it is only effective for 2 people. A group of more than two? Well, you'll be pumping water for hours.

But I've heard far too many bad things about the Katadyn Hiker water filter to consider getting another one for myself. Besides, why would I need to? I already have the best of the best.

So, why has this particular water filter gone off my radar? Let me break it down for you.

Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter Drawbacks

First of all, like a lot of cheaper microfilters on the shelves, the Katadyn Hiker water filter breaks pretty easily. And trust me, the last thing you want while hiking in Glacier National Park's mountains (or any mountains!) is for your water filter to break.

A lot of unhappy hikers have commented on the web how the inlet spout at the bottom of the filter can snap right off with just the littlest of touches.

Personally, if I'm spending a couple nights in the heart of Glacier National Park (or even one afternoon!) I do not want a filter with me that can become unusable so quickly.

While I never experienced this, too many others have to recommend the Hiker.

And you might not even notice that such a small piece has broken off! Can you imagine spending the day drinking contaminated water and not even knowing it?

No thanks.

Speaking of small pieces, another thing that bothers me about the portable, Katadyn Hiker water microfilter is that it comes with about a million and one pieces.

With all the parts and hoses and attachments and output/input valves and clipsâ€¦ Jeez, I think I might need a second backpack just to carry the arsenal of supplies it comes with!

Don't get me wrong, I love that they're trying to be prepared for the eventuality of anything and everything a hiker may want to do with a water filter.

But when it comes to products like these, I tend to follow what my 8^th grade teacher always told me:

Keep it simple, stupid!

The thing I love most about my Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is how easy and uncomplicated it is to use.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but the Katadyn Hiker Pro water microfilter just doesn't seem worth the effort when the Pocket filter exists.

But don't just take my word for it. Check this out:

The Katadyn Hiker Pro Review: A True Horror Story

When I started researching the Hiker Pro water filter, I gave a shout-out to all my hiker friends to see if any of them currently use or have used it in the past. I wanted to hear first-hand from other sources how the filter worked in the wild.

I heard back from Bobby (name changed to preserve his damaged ego) and only Bobby.

As it turns out, the Hiker Pro water filter isn't a very easy product to use at all.

According to Bobby, it's just about impossible to successfully balance the container while pumping the water.

Bobby was in Yosemite National Park, taking some great pics of Lower Cathedral Lake last summer.

He went to a stream to get some water with his Katadyn Hiker water filter for the hike back to his campsite. He was having a hard time keeping hold of the bottle he was trying to pump water into and it fell into the river.

It wasn't a fast moving stream so he tried to lean over and pick it up, only to fall headfirst into the water. And the capper? He had his camera slung around his neck. Totally ruined.

Of course, I can't blame this portable water filter entirely for this mishap, but it sure didn't help.

Both Bobby and I say: you can do a whole lot better than a Katadyn Hiker Pro.