Price Comparisons of Katadyn TRK Drip Ceradyn Water Filter

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Katadyn TRK Drip Ceradyn Water Filter Product Description:



  • Practical filter for long-term use like camps and construction sites
  • For 1 to 6 persons
  • Gravity filter--convenient water filtration without pumping
  • Comes with three ceramic filter elements
  • Ceramic filters can be cleaned several times

Product Description

No pumping required - water container with built-in ceramic filters. Used and trusted by relief agencies around the globe for many years.

Customer Reviews

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55 of 55 people found the following review helpful.
5Economical filter
By Worthington K. Bromley
I have used the Ceradyn Water Filter in Ghana, West Africa for the past seven years. It has performed very well, filtering up to 3 gallons a day. I clean it periodically with a moderately abrasive pad. Green algae grows on the filter after the top-fill container drains into the lower one. It cleans up well and I have added a little chlorine at times to cut down the problem.People who are considering such long time use of a water filter should not purchase the Gravidyn Water Filter because the effective life span of the central charcoal core is only six months. When I call Katadyn about its effectiveness past six months, they warned me that the charcoal core could develop mold after that time and is impossible to clean effectively. So I am purchasing a new Ceradyn filter for our up-coming work in Liberia.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful.
5Top-notch item and service, brings confidence in drinking water
By NYC gal
I live in South West Florida. District Water Management officials insist on allowing less-than-healthy water to be provided since we are in a drought. It is un-nerving to have to look at one's water every day and wonder what's in it.Since I have had this Katadyn Drip water filter in my home, I have had complete confidence in what I am drinking and what I am making my pets drink.I bought this filter system after doing tons of research. It is the only one where you are not enslaved to some company in having to buy their expensive new filters every 6 months. I detest companies that enslave their buyers with the need to purchase expensive items in order to use the initial purchase (for instance Epson computer printers, as well as most other water filter companies).I also learned that this filter is used around the world and sits on the kitchen counters of homes all around the world because it works. It is passive and reliable. The filters it comes with are good for so many gallons that it is amazing and gives one a good sense of having a very good water filter. In this day and age of poor Water Management and the prospect of intense storms and hurricanes that might effect water supply, this filter is perfect.I called the manufacturer and they advised cleaning the three filters when you first get it to wipe off any dust. Then just set it up, very simple and a child could do it. At first the drip was so slow I thought I'd be waiting a life-time for a cup of water. But it speeds up overtime and it is easy to keep a good supply of clean water at all times. You get used to seeing the big friendly white elephant on the counter-top. Especially because you know it is full of healthy, drinkable and reliable water. After the first day or so the water filtered more quickly, having worked its way through the new filters.By the way, I do not work for this company. I do believe in praising companies that provide a good product and do not enslave their customers by creating the need for expensive purchases every 6 months.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful.
5First Impressions of the Katadyn Ceradyn
By DrPrepper
I was looking for an means to ensure I could have a sustained source of potable water. I have a portable Katadyn for times I'd have to relocate to a temporary shelter. But, for home, which is where I tend to stay, if at all possible, I wanted a long term solution to this goal. I thought of a water bladder but anything over 200 gallons gets rather big. A filter seemed to be the best solution. I may still need a means of storage, but even that can become contaminated with bacteria and possible other nasties.There are TWO models of this filtering system, and it is CRITICAL to understand the differences, because they are identical containers from the outside: Its the ceramic filters that are different between the Ceradyn and the Gravidyn.The The Ceradyn can filter up to 39,000 gallons. The Gravidyn filters must be replaced when they are 6 months old. Both of these filters can produce up to 15 gallons / day with clear water. (The more solids in the water, the slower it filters the water.) So.. at BEST the Gravidyn will filter 2,790 gallons before the filters have to be replaced. This is because they have a core that is made of activated charcoal and can start to grow bacteria. Since the charcoal is past the ceramic filter section, the bacteria can re-contaminate the filtered water.That is a big difference: 39,000 (Ceradyn) vs 2,790 Gravidyn) gallons. In fact, at 15gal/day, the Ceradyn will last a little over 7 years (filtering clear, low particulate water.) The point is, one is a long term survival tool (Ceradyn) and the other is a short term survival tool (Gravidyn).The Gravidyn has an important ability the Ceradyn does not have. The Activate Charcoal absorbs odor, bad taste, and some chemicals. So you can take the brown sludge, filter it and it will taste like good ole water. The Ceradyn,(from reports I've read) will leave odors, taste, and chemicals "in the mix" though reduced.This is why I bought Katadyn's stand-alone charcoal filter. It is a simple plastic unit, designed for a tube in, tube out system. What is nice about it is that it can be opened and the charcoal replaced. I've found a place on the internet that sells 1 gallon container of the right sized / type carbon for about $35. That will probably last the life of the ceramic filters and thus give you the benefit of both designs. What I plan to do is see if I can install this under the ceramic filters in the filtered water side of the unit. The outlets to the filters (three of them) have male tubing attach points already there, so it will be a matter of figuring out how to take three tubes and run them into one, and through the charcoal filter. The down side to this is it will take up space in the filtered water section and limit the amount that can be stored. If this does not work, I'm sure there will be a way to use it with a separate container.The construction of the container is simple but strong. the walls of the plastic are about the thickness of a 5 gal plastic bucket. The plastic has NO odor so it should not leach any plastic taste into the water like some plastic water containers do. There is no way these parts would break under normal circumstances. Maybe even under unusual ones. It might deform a little if crushed, but not crack and break unless it was a tremendous impact or if the plastic was sub zero cold. The weakest part exposed would be the spigot.Now, internally, the ceramic filters are VERY brittle.. If the unit was dropped and the filters hit each other, I think you'd have a fairly good chance of cracking or breaking one or more filters. They have about a 3 inch separation inside the top section so, it would have to be a heck of a fall to get them to collide.. But if your life is dependent on them, it is a caution to remember. It does come with a red rubber stopper that can be put in one of the filter holes if one would break. But of course that decreases your life and output by a third.You can replace the filters, but it costs about the same for a complete unit as it does for three filters... so if you are getting back up filters, you may as well get a complete unit.I have not tasted water through this unit, but a friend who used the Katadyn hand pump filter, in a foreign country's pond said it still tasted like the pond smelled.. I think they bought water instead, after that.. I will be getting the charcoal filter tomorrow or the next day and will see if there is a way to adapt it to these filter units.. If it works, it will be the best of both worlds...For what I wanted, this unit meets my needs 100%... Amazon had one of the best prices. In later research I found some the same price at other places, but few had free shipping too.Be prepared for the unexpected people! We are in unusual times.2/8/2012 - Additional commentsThe stand alone Charcoal Filter that Katadyn sells can not be rigged up to work inside the unit, but I think it can be attached on the spigot itself with tubing. I know this is a crazy way to do it, but it is the only way I have figured out to pass water through the carbon filter too. I have not physically done this but with the right tubing sizes 1) one that fits around the spigot and 2) a tubing size converter, 3) a tubing that fits on the carbon filter), it should work ok... Crude but ok... I'll take crude w/ good tasting water over astheticlly appealing with bad tasting water any day.There was a comment posted about viruses in the water that the Katadyn does not remove.. true the katadyn does not remove all viruses. So you should boil or chemically treat, the water too to be safe... I'd elect to boil if this was an option..This is from the Katadyn website.. [...]Viruses (~0,02 - 0,2 Mikron*)e.g. Hepatitis A, Norwalk virus, Polio virus. Viruses can only propagatein living cells since they do not possess their own metabolism. Theirminimum size makes it difficult to filter them from water mechanically,and so filters with a pore size of < 0.02 microns are needed. However,viruses are sensitive to heat and chemical disinfectants. Usually boundto particles in cloudy water, they can also be removed to a large extentwith filter pores up to 0.2 microns.

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Compare Prices Katadyn 1040 KFT Expedition Replacement Element

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Katadyn 1040 KFT Expedition Replacement Element Product Description:



  • Ideal for outfitters, base camps and expeditions
  • Exclusive silver impregnated ceramic element lasts up to 26,000 gallons
  • Durable stainless steel design

Product Description

Ceramic replacement element for the Expedition and old Katadyn group and home systems.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
4Great Filtering System
By Joel Bubna
We have lived in West Africa for more than 20 yrs and have tried different water filtering solutions. The katadyn in line system is the most practical and functional system we have found. It also works! Great product!!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
5Katadyn Ceradyn
By Jrlinds
The Katadyn Ceradyn is an easy to assemble and yet highly functional drip water filtration system. It is perfect for homes or camps in rural areas where safe drinking water is a concern. Highly recommended.

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Price Comparisons Katadyn KFT Expedition Water Filter

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Katadyn KFT Expedition Water Filter Product Description:



  • Ideal potable drinking water solution for large, mobile groups; often used by trekking outfits and relief organizations around the world
  • Durable and easy to use; exclusive, silver-impregnated ceramic element produces up to 26,000 gallons before it needs replacing
  • Highest flow rate of any portable filter at one gallon per minute; comes with pre-filter and convenient carrying bag
  • Measures eight by 23 inches (W x H); NATO # 4610123490574; cleanable 0.2 micron ceramic depth filter; 183.4-ounce weight
  • Includes limited three-year manufacturer's warranty

Product Description

The best water system for large groups and relief organizations. The most trusted filter used by relief organizations and white water outfitters around the globe.

Customer Reviews

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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful.
5Works great
By Ash
This is a really great filter! Used this in Africa. It does take a lot of hard work to get enough water for large groups. We had 29 people in our group. We were digging wells. When we got to the village our first priority was to get clean water for the team. The only water for miles was a watering hole. The water was, murky, gray and well.... frightening. After we ran it through this filter it was clear and safe to drink. We put two people on water duty per day. Taking turns two people working at least eight hours can get enough drinking and cooking water for a large group.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
5Dr
By Nancy Bierschenk
I have the smaller version. This is a great product especially for a large group or when camping you don't have to bring water with you

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Reviews Katadyn Combi Replacement Element

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Katadyn Combi Replacement Element Product Description:



  • Exclusive 13,000 gallon capacity with cleanable silver impregnated ceramic element
  • Replaceable activated carbon reduces chemicals
  • An excellent choice for multi-function use.
  • Faucet adaptor kit (for homes, boats, cabins, etc) available

Product Description

Ceramic replacement element for the only portable outdoor water filter that can be converted for RV, emergency, or temporary home use

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
5It's a spare
By fred
It looks intact and appears to be the same as the one in the combi. I bought it as a spare so have not used it yet. Amazon was the cheapest place to buy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
5back up
By Big Junda
Back up filter, nothing glamorous.But, it's nice to have a backup. Katadyn products are great, so no anticipated problems. Have I reached the twenty word minimum yet?

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
4It is great stuff
By Kambona
I will recommend to all people who are looking around for a stuff like this, should put this filter replacement on first option, I have been using now for a number of years and never had problem with it.

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Discount Katadyn Combi Water Microfilter

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Katadyn Combi Water Microfilter Product Description:



  • All-around filter for 1 to 4 persons
  • Perfect for camping or trekking expeditions
  • Long lasting and extremely reliable
  • Cleanable ceramic filter element--also filters very cloudy water
  • Measuring gauge supplied--indicates when the filter element should be changed

Product Description

The most versatile water filter. The only portable outdoor water filter that can be converted for RV, emergency, or temporary home use. # 1 selling water filter for emergencies.

Customer Reviews

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35 of 35 people found the following review helpful.
51 of the best filters
By JD
i have had my katadyn combi since 1995 it gives you not only safe drinking water but good tasting with the carbon filter and it's cheaper then the katadyn pocket filter made of plastic but it's really tough. i found if you use a coffee filter on the hose the ceramic filter lasts longer

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
5Worked Awesome
By David J. Blondheim Jr.
My wife and I bought this for back-country camping in the UP of Michigan and it worked awesome. The filter is very sturdy and well built. I was not worried about "breaking it" when we were using it. It also is fairly simple design and straightforward to take apart. Plus, it provided good tasting water!!We are looking forward to taking it to Isle Royale and giving it a good workout there!UPDATE 6/3/10 - We have used this filter multiple times now (Porkie's SP in MI, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks NLS, backpacking in Utah) - it has stood the test of repeat use over a few years now!Continues to work well for our backpacking trips. No issues with it, as long as you take care of it (clean it after every trip; when you put new charcoal in it, clean the ceramic filter after pumping water through it; use a coffee filter on the end to help keep the ceramic in better shape). Good product, I like the design of the pump. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good filter.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful.
5Kept Me Healthy in Nepal
By Dzogchenpa
I used the Combi for three months in Nepal. The filter allowed me to avoid polluting that beautiful country with hundreds of empty mineral water bottles. Another excellent reason to schlep your own filter is that travelers who must buy their drinking water tend on average to drink much less than the body needs. With a Combi you will spend less, pollute less, and enjoy consistently clean, good-tasting water. I do suggest traveling with a few more activated carbon refills than you anticipate you'll need. The water quality in developing countries can be rather poor. Replacing the carbon often keeps the water tasting good and provides additional peace of mind. Be careful about taking the Combi to cold climates -- the wet ceramic element will crack if allowed to freeze.

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Low Cost Katadyn Pocket Replacement Element

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Katadyn Pocket Replacement Element Product Description:



  • Katadyn water filtration products offer potable drinking water solution for people on the move in the great outdoors
  • Pocket ceramic replacement element has been on the market for more than 30 years
  • Offers rugged, long-lasting micro-filtration
  • Proprietary, cleanable, silver-impregnated ceramic element filters up to 13,000 gallons of water
  • Includes limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty

Product Description

Ceramic replacement element for the most rugged, longest lasting microfilter available

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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful.
5Katadyn is TOPS!!
By Rifleman
I bought the Katadyn Pocket water purifier system many years ago and really had no reason to buy this replacement filter other than to have a replacement on hand if needed. I have filtered and drunk lake and river water several times. This system does not remove all the bad taste, but lake water does NOT taste like fish after going through it. It is very much drinkable in a non survival situation. In a survival situation this same water taste like a wonderful cool glass of bottled water...just plain refreshing! Having the ability to refill my canteens and water bladders, with great confidence that no one will become ill from it, is the only reason you need to buy this water purifier. However, not having to plan your outings around the ligistical aspects of hyration takes a load off your mind as well as your back. There are many ways to purify water, but none faster than this and with the use and approval of all US Special Forces and the SAS, as well as most of the worlds militarys and rescue organizations, if there was ever a flaw in the "Katadyn Pocket" design, it's been correected long ago during it's 50+ year history. At a possible 13,000 gallon filter life, I will be handing this down to one of my sons, and he can possible wear out the original filter and start on the replacement.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful.
5Best filter for your money
By tortugaveloz
after all this years, there is not another filter in the market that can provide you with such a huge lifetime (over 49,000 liters), great filtering capabilities (0.2 microns), small size/weight, simple and super reliable design and fast effortless filtering, for this price.The only thing missing from this filter is chemical filtration which you get by attaching an in line carbon filter to the output hose.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
5Katadyn Pocket Replacement Element
By Mairi
This replacement was shipped in perfect condition. It is small, lightweight, and ready for use in the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter. It's perfect to have in an emergency, or when camping to prepare water for cooking, drinking or any other use. Because dried food is lighter and easier to transport, it's perfect for rehydrating meals. This is a great compliment to the actual filter and perfect for any one concerned with being prepared.

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For Sale Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

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Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter Product Description:



  • Pocket water filter designed four outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers
  • Filter's silver-impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa
  • Filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns to produce clear, drinkable water
  • Round pump handle for easy pumping; outlet hose attaches to containers with clip

Product Description

The most rugged, longest lasting microfilter available. Chosen by the U.S. military and expeditions due to it's extreme durability and dependability. For those who want the best.

Customer Reviews

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376 of 381 people found the following review helpful.
5The Classic, Reliable Water Filter You Can Trust To Drink From
By 410
The Katadyn pocket has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability. It is one of the pricier filters but is also rated to pump much more water than its competitors. The Katadyn pocket isn't light (20 oz), but the better competitor pumps are also about 16 oz., so this isn't too much heavier. Some of the others pump a little faster, but they are usually 0.3 micron filters, whereas this is a superior 0.2 micron filter. The Katydin pocket is also the only pump with a lifetime warranty (excluding wear of the ceramic filter).If you search the web, you'll find a lot of reports of the $75 pumps eventually breaking, especially plastic handles. If you have to replace them (or their short-lived filters), you've already well into what it would cost to buy a Katadyn Pocket. This thing is pretty damn tough, and the only way to break it would be to take it apart and drop the inner ceramic filter.I've found it easy to use, though you need to hold it upright to keep water flowing. During 8 years of trips through the Sierra Nevada, Utah, New Hampshire, and Wyoming this filter has never disappointed.General tips to extend the lifetime of any water filter:1) Use running water from streams/rivers whenever possible2) Position the floater so that water inflow comes from the top of the stream and not the bottom (where a lot of sediment stirs about)3) Rubber band a coffee filter around the prefilter to keep particulate matter out.4) After pumping, unscrew the filter and drain the excess water. This filter is silver-impregnated though, to prevent microbial growth.If you want to keep your packing weight down, carry your water in collapsible water bladders instead of thick plastic bottles. You can buy a cheap adapter so that water is pumped from the filter right into the water bladder. If you search around the web you can find the Katydin Pocket for around 180 or less. I tend to pack light and have lots of fancy lightweight gear, but I am serious about my water sources and don't plan to compromise on this beauty.

176 of 176 people found the following review helpful.
5Incredible Deal
By Crews7
This is the most amazing water filter on the market. If you are looking for a cheap piece of junk with a plastic handle that might break, buy any of the others on the market. This is used around the world. I have used it in the US and abroad. My friend convinced me since he had used it on a mission trip in the Philippines. I talked to a guy who, while in Utah, could not find anything better than a mud puddle to drink from. He pulled out his Pocket Katadyn and it worked great. Other filters have a relatively short life span. Think about this. The Pocket has possibly a 13,000 gallon life on one filter. If you were to use this filter to pump only one gallon a day, you would need to buy a new filter element 35 years later. That's assuming your not normally drinking from a mud puddle. Even when the filter gets hard to pump and dirty, all you have to do is open it up and clean it out and it will pump smoothly again. If you consider the life span of this pump it may be the cheapest filter on the market. But if you are one of those people that like to buy cheap things that break and have to be replaced buy one of the cheap filters out there.True this one is a little heavier, but it is worth having a filter that will work and has a metal handle so you won't have to worry about breaking it. Although if you do drop it on a rock it is possible to break the filter element. So caution is still needed.I added the Carbon charcoal extension that enables you to drink from virtually any source. The extension was only around 10 to $12.This is the best filter on the market.Well worth the money.

194 of 207 people found the following review helpful.
5It took 30 years for me to pull the trigger on this
By remote camper
In 1980, this thing was $180 at REI. After a bad experience with the Lifesaver LS6000 last year, I finally pulled the trigger for the Katadyn Pocket. This review compares my experience using the Katadyn Pocket Micro/external carbon cartridge/Steripen Classic as a system vs the Lifesaver LS6000/4000 water purifier. I won't spend much time on the external carbon cartridge and Steripen here because they will be reviewed separately with links to them at the end of this review. Use this review to supplement what others are saying.I originally chose the Lifesaver LS6000 (also now available through Amazon) over the Katadyn for a remote Arizona camping trip because it was a PURIFIER rather than just a filter. The LS6000 (LS4000 is the same technology, just smaller capacity) seemed like it would be more convenient because in actual operation, it is essentially a single, self contained collector/water bottle with an integrated activated carbon filter. But after a frustrating 1 week experience with the LS6000 putting GALLONS of water through trying to get rid of a cheap plastic taste, I finally returned it to the distributor.I paid return shipping for the privilege of testing the LS6000 and I still wasn't going to have a filter for my trip. Not too happy about that. While it was probably filtering to the 15NM spec, more than 13 times the filtering power of the Katadyn (200NM), it just didn't hold up to the video claims that the water produced tasted like bottled water. That was my only real beef with the LS6000. See my review under the LS6000.The backup plan was to order the Swiss made Katadyn Pocket Microfilter, along with the Katadyn activated carbon filter cartridge and the Steripen Classic...all at fantastic sale prices + free super saver shipping at Amazon. The Pocket retails for $289 and I paid $189 with free super saver shipping. Source the Eneloop batteries for the Steripen from whom you choose, but they are the only batteries I recommend for the Steripen. It took 8 months to get everything together but the batteries taking advantage of Amazon's best discounts.With the 2 hoses (intake/output) plus the charcoal filter cartridge and Steripen, this system becomes a bit more of a project to filter and purify water than the Lifesaver. But, I have to say that that in terms of water that was just pure joy to drink, this busier (and initially pricier) setup was superior to the simpler Lifesaver system. I was also into this combination for about $313 for everything ready for the wilderness vs $179 for the LS6000 on Amazon.Another downside of the Katadyn is that after you are done with it, it's a little busier to put away. It's a good idea to remove the hoses, carbon cartridge taking care to put the output hose (along with the carbon cartridge) in a separate ziplock bag to prevent cross contamination. The covers for the hose connection ports should be installed, also to prevent cross contamination. It all fits in the Katadyn's pouch. If you used the Steripen, too, then you should dry it off, recap it and return it to its ventilated neoprene pouch. With the Lifesaver, you just close the teat, snap the cap back over the teat and put the bottle back in your pack.Using the Katadyn with the Steripen- Much of what I've read points to treating for viruses in pristine free running North American waters possibly being overkill. In clear running mountain streams I probably wouldn't bother with the Steripen as the Pocket alone probably will take care of the "bugs" that would be found under those conditions and the carbon cartridge will do its job to provide the fresh clean taste you might expect. However, the closer you get to high use areas by people and animals, the more I would look at some way of dealing with the potential for viruses, e.g., Steripen. Treating with the Steripen takes about 90 seconds for 1 liter of water and 48 seconds for 16 oz. The LS6000 removes viruses during the filtering process without the need for any further treatments. I would be cautious drawing water from sources where boats with fossil fuel motors operate no matter which filter system is used..I tested the output of the Katadyn without its optional carbon filter under the same conditions as the LS6000 and found the water also had an off taste, most likely imparted by the ceramic filter. The taste wasn't the same or as offensive as the LS6000 with its integrated activated carbon filter, but you could still pick up that the Katadyn's output was "off". I put the Katadyn activated carbon filter on the end of the output hose, pumped a new cup of water and VOILA(!), the water was PERFECT! **************IMPORTANT UPDATE 5/12/2010************Re: Off taste in Katadyn Pocket Microfilter-- After reading reports of others obtaining the fresh clean water taste WITHOUT an activated carbon filter, I pursued this a little further. After drying the filter for a few days, I reassembled everything and tried again, except this time NO CARBON FILTER. After pumping 12 oz of water through the dry filter into a measuring cup, there was NO OFF TASTE AT ALL. Referring to the user guide it says to flush .5L (~1 pt) of water through the filter before 1st use, .2L (~7 oz) before each use thereafter and 1L (~1 qt) after having air dried the filter for long term storage. As reported in this update, I had pumped only 12oz of water through the dry filter. It would seem that if an off taste is occurring, it can managed by flushing the filter before filling the container. Will look at this further and update this review again. However, the carbon filter might still be needed to remove mossy or fishy tastes from streams, etc. The original review continues below.So far I have tested the Katadyn with our hauled tap water, from our rain barrel system (not available for the LS6000 test) and then on to the (brown) spring streams of the Kaibab National Forest, natural standing water "tanks" in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and the nicely flowing waters of the Upper Verde River. While the rain barrel water tasted like the tar from our asphalt shingle roof, water filtered from the other sources with the Katadyn/carbon cartridge was a pleasure to drink (used the Steripen in ALL of these waters!). The LS6000 had no follow-on testing because I couldn't produce satisfactory results from our hauled water source.The output hose for the Katadyn has a spring loaded clip that attaches nicely to my canteen, cup, or most any other container. When using the Pocket with the activated carbon filter, an extra length of tubing is recommended from the output of the carbon filter if it does not fit stably onto your water container. Empty containers with narrow bases can be a little squirrelly to fill. With the Lifesaver, you just unscrew the bottom, submerge, replace the bottom, pump a few times, and open the teat and drink. Putting it back in your pack is a snap. You can also use the LS6000 to fill containers by opening the teat and aiming the pressurized stream accordingly. My Katadyn was supplied with an "O" ringed hose adapter for filling camelpacks.Using the Katadyn, even without the optional carbon cartridge, is a bit of work for only a 12 oz drinking cup of water. Once you pull this device out of its pouch, connect the hoses and set up the water container, it is best to fill at least 1 32 oz Nalgene bottle, canteen, etc. plus the containers of others in the group. In the wilderness, I would probably want to remove the Katadyn's ceramic cartridge and air dry it every 3-4 days. I also like to blow out the carbon cartridge and dry it as much as possible. I have not had to clean the ceramic cartridge, even after the tar tasting water of the rain barrel. The LS6000 cartridge is a little busier to remove and dry. The integrated activated carbon filter of the LS6000 should probably be left alone unless you are going to replace it. Probably wouldn't bother drying the LS6000 until returning home.The Lifesaver, because of its teat system, is more of a personal water bottle (kind of like your toothbrush is personal). The teat is designed to be pulled open with your teeth. The LS6000 will become more work in water sources where you are unable to submerge the entire bottle to collect water. Worst case, you have to resort to a smaller scoop, dig or use the supplied sponge to soak up water and squeeze it into the bottle. The LS6000's cartridge can be backwashed, but looks to be a chore. With the Katadyn, I was still able to pump from sources that were only 1 inch deep. As long as you can submerge it, the Lifesaver system gets you collecting water and drinking in seconds while you could still be connecting hoses on the Katadyn. The Lifesaver will be more work to fill containers.Another minor concern I have with the Lifesaver is that if you neglect to secure the cap for the teat or if its seal deteriorates, you could contaminate it when you submerge it in a water source. With the Pocket, the intake and output hoses are separated substantially, minimizing the potential for cross-contamination. The Katadyn also comes with port caps that should be installed prior to putting it away. Remove the output hose and cap the output port first, then the intake.As far as maintenance goes, the Lifesaver seemed a little busier to maintain than than the Katadyn. There's really not much to do with the Katadyn if you draw water from clean sources. Clean the ceramic cartridge if it gets harder to pump and use the supplied gauge to measure the diameter of the ceramic if you are cleaning it a lot. Lube the 'O' ring on the pump with the supplied silicone, when necessary. You can download the servicing instructions for both prior to purchase. I certainly recommend that in the course of your decision making process.If you want to look at the economics of one over the other, have at it. I would project that for the usual hiker/wilderness trekker in North American or Alpine hiker in Europe, the initial outlay for the Katadyn would be a once in a lifetime investment as long as you didn't break the ceramic filter. With the Lifesaver, you are likely to need to buy at least 1 replacement filter plus the activated carbon filter replacements. But you will buy SEVEN TOTAL Lifesaver cartridges over the life of the LS6000 to purify 13,000 gallons of water that the Pocket treats to a lesser degree.Add to that the costs of activated carbon filters for both. The Katadyn cartridge should be recharged with activated carbon after about 60 gallons. Replace the Lifesaver's carbon insert at ~66 gallons. The LS6000 uses a replaceable insert. The Katadyn's optional carbon cartridge can be recharged with packets of fine activated carbon. Also keep in mind that without the Steripen (~$70) plus the cost of Eneloop batteries or some other means of purification, you won't have purification as you do with the Lifesaver system. You will likely use 6 more Steripen bulbs if you choose to go the extra step and PURIFY all 13000 gallons (not likely). The Sterpien bulb replacements are performed at the factory and will run ~$35 that includes shipping both ways. Add a few dollars to replace rechargeable Eneloops to that picture. The LS6000 replacement cartridges are around $120 with free shipping. The reality of reaching the 13,000 gallon mark for most of us is probably not too likely.Bottom line- In my opinion, money is not likely to make that much of a difference. If you can afford one, you can most likely afford the other. We are near retirement on a fixed income. I would have kept the LS6000 and likely never would have gone to this Katadyn combination had the LS6000 water tasted better. Even with a cost comparison, many are very likely to make their decision based on other factors.If you want the convenience of getting PURIFIED water with a single integrated unit from almost any source you are willing to put your hand in to submerge it...and can put up with the prospect of shallow water sources that pose possible water collection issues coupled with output water that fell WAY short of the "bottled water taste" claim for me, go for one of the Lifesaver bottles. If they have cured that very offensive taste issue, the LS series Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle might be the way to go. Also see Lifesaver Bottle Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Carbon Inserts (4-pk) and Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle Replacement Cartridge.If you don't mind some extra work with a beautifully and solidly constructed Swiss classic, non integrated carbon filter Katadyn Carbon Cartridge and hose setup and the activity associated with returning everything to its pouch to obtain just short of "purified" but very good tasting drinking water under most wilderness conditions in North America, choose the decades time tested Katadyn Pocket with the optional activated carbon cartridge. Spring for the SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier if you want the added insurance in dealing with viruses using AA batteries. Both systems have their weaknesses for potentially expensive damage by freezing or mishandling. Neither will remove dissolved minerals and salts.An intriguing thought is a device with Lifesaver purification capability and Katadyn Pocket functionality. I am sticking with the Katadyn setup even though it's busier and a bit more to schlep with the extra 2 components to purify and get better tasting water. I rate it 5 stars with the activated carbon filter and 4 stars on its own for its slight off taste.********UPDATE 5/29/201********** re: OFF TASTING WATER--- I have increased the rating on this device to 4 1/2 stars without the activated carbon filter. If you follow the directions in the Katadyn user guide for flushing the filter, you will get perfectly clean tasting water every time.

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