Katadyn drinking bottles with filter: Ultralight water filter with activated carbon

The Katadyn Group, the Swiss specialist for water treatment and outdoor nutrition, is coming to the market for the summer with the Katadyn BeFree AC water filter bottles. The new models are designed to provide clean drinking water quickly and reliably on the go, even from dubious sources such as wells, rivers or water pipes that could not be used without a filter.

Two-stage filtration for clean water

At the heart of the Katadyn BeFree AC filter drinking bottles is a two-stage filter system. In the first stage, a hollow fibre filter reliably removes bacteria, microplastics and other pathogens from the water, according to the manufacturer. In the second stage, an activated carbon filter is used to improve the taste and reduce unpleasant odours.

The manufacturer specifies a flow rate of up to two litres per minute. Our initial tests initially showed a lower rate. This - like the membranes already tested - does not actually allow any suction at the mouthpiece; you have to press hard on the bottle and squeeze it properly to drink.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to purify water quite quickly. For example, on a bike tour, simply hold the soft bottle in a stream, screw on the filter cap and then simply drink from it.

According to Katadyn, the filter performance is maintained for up to 1000 litres of water. This makes the filter suitable for both short day trips and longer trekking adventures. The integrated EZ-Clean membrane can be cleaned by simply shaking or swivelling it in water, without the need for backwashing or additional aids.

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Filter drinking bottles in 3 versions

Katadyn offers the BeFree AC filter in three different versions, which differ in volume and material thickness. All versions are made of hard-wearing TPU material (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is designed to ensure high durability and low weight.

The smallest version holds 0.5 litres and, according to the manufacturer, weighs just 72 grams. With its slim design, it fits into most bags, drinking waistcoats or rucksacks even when full.

The similarly constructed version with a 1 litre capacity weighs 76 grams. It has a flat, round base and is recommended by Katadyn as an all-rounder for a wide range of outdoor activities.

A second 1-litre version is made of double-layer TPU. According to the manufacturer, it weighs 85 grams and is designed to offer maximum robustness for demanding applications and continuous use.

Practical details for outdoor use

All BeFree AC models from Katadyn have a robust carrying handle on the cap for attaching to a rucksack, for example. A flip cap securely seals the filter, while the silicone mouthpiece can be removed for cleaning or replacement. Katadyn emphasises that the products are PVC and BPA-free.

What is particularly practical, however, is that the drinking bottles, known as soft flasks due to their soft and flexible material, can be folded up small when they are empty. This means they take up little space in your luggage.

With the 42-millimetre thread of the EZ-Clean membrane, these also fit on other bottles, but more like those used for drinking meals. As the Softflask comes from Hydrapak, the caps and filters should also fit most bottles from Hydrapak and other bottle manufacturers.

Availability & Price

According to Katadyn, the new BeFree AC water filters are now available from specialist retailers. The recommended retail price for the 0.5-litre version in slate blue is 50 euros. The single 1.0 litre version in slate blue is priced at 60 euros. The most robust double-walled version with a volume of one litre in black will cost 75 euros.

The scope of delivery includes the activated carbon filter and the hollow chamber filter integrated into the cap. The replacement filters including cap currently cost 40 euros at Katadyn, the activated carbon filters cost 30 euros in a pack of 3. The drinking bottles with water filters are, for example available here.

The Katadyn BeFree drinking bottles at a glance

Katadyn BeFree AC 0.5L

• Volume: 0.5 litres
• Weight: 72 grammes
• Material: TPU
• Colour: Slate blue
• Bottom: Pinch seam
• RRP: 50 Euro >> available here

Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0L

• Volume: 1.0 litre
• Weight: 76 grammes
• Material: TPU
• Colour: Slate blue
• Bottom: Round
• RRP: 60 Euro >> available here

Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0L Robust

• Volume: 1.0 litre
• Weight: 85 grammes
• Material: Double-layer TPU
• Colour: Black
• Bottom: Round
• RRP: 75 Euro

General specifications

• Filter capacity: Up to 1000 litres
• Flow rate: Up to 2 litres per minute
• Removes: bacteria, microplastics, protozoa
• Filter membrane: EZ-Clean membrane
• Thread compatibility: 42 mm
• Material: PVC- and BPA-free