I currently have the Platypus 4 liter system for at camp. It works amazing for 4-8 people. Never had an issue.

I am looking for a portable water filtering solution.

I dont want a Steri-pen due to using batteries and not having something to filter out sediment etc.

I want something to use while paddling, fishing, portaging etc.

I have narrowed my options to the Katadyn Befree or MSR Trailshot Microfilter.

I like that both have built in filters which are easily cleanable. I wish the hose was a little bit longer on the MSR but I could deal with it. I know Butthead has used the MSR and likes it I believe. I also think the MSR would be better for streams etc.

I love the flow rate of the BeFree and either would be good I think to fill up each person in the canoes water bottle. Just curious if anyone here has an opinion on either.

MSR Trailshot

Katadyn BeFree

Thanks

Haven't tried either of those models. Last year I bought a Sawyer Mini, quit using my Platypus gravity system. I now simply dip an old, one-liter tonic water bottle in the lake, screw on the filter and drink. Doesn't get much more portable than that.

Others, I believe, have added hoses to use their mini as a gravity system.

That being said, if you like the MSR, it's pretty easy to replace the stock tubing with whatever length you want.

quote NotSoFast: "Haven't tried either of those models. Last year I bought a Sawyer Mini, quit using my Platypus gravity system. I now simply dip an old, one-liter tonic water bottle in the lake, screw on the filter and drink. Doesn't get much more portable than that.


Others, I believe, have added hoses to use their mini as a gravity system.


That being said, if you like the MSR, it's pretty easy to replace the stock tubing with whatever length you want."

+1

I use a sawyer mini mainly as a gravity filter, occasionally as squeeze filter, would be reluctant to buy a filter that does not back flush.

I've used the Befree and it works great. Great flow and can be back flowed

I have a Sawyer mini as well. The flow is too slow for me and too much of a pain to fill the bag it comes with.

Do both the models I mentioned above protect against giardia?

quote Birdknowsbest: "I have a Sawyer mini as well. The flow is too slow for me and too much of a pain to fill the bag it comes with.


Do both the models I mentioned above protect against giardia? "

Yes-both protect against giardia. I have the BeFree and love it. It squishes down to nothing. And the flow of water is quite good.

tg

" I wish the hose was a little bit longer on the MSR but I could deal with it. I know Butthead has used the MSR and likes it I believe."

I did change to a 5 foot piece of tube, specifically to use seated in a canoe.

butthead

quote butthead: "" I wish the hose was a little bit longer on the MSR but I could deal with it. I know Butthead has used the MSR and likes it I believe."


I did change to a 5 foot piece of tube, specifically to use seated in a canoe.


butthead"

Ive seen some YouTube videos on the MSR. It seems the squeeze is pretty easy to do.

I guess the MSR would be better for multiple ppl on the move but the Katadyn I would just squeeze into someones water bottle if they needed clean water on the go.

I have a mini and the Befree. I prefer the Befree for easy and fast on the go filtration. Flow rate is great and all you do us unscrew and fill, screw back on. I have used the Befree to fill other bottles and it is good at that as well.


The mini is versatile and you can use it on other bottles, convert to a gravity and so on. If you want to mess with that, it is an option and certainly a very cost effective one. Durability I would give to the mini as my Befree did develop some pin holes (replaced by REI)


John

" I would just squeeze into someones water bottle if they needed clean water on the go."

That is why I changed to the Trailshot, fast and simple to use and filled partners bottles on the water. It takes just seconds in camp to pull the pre-filter and set up for gravity use. Seconds to revert to hand pump carry use.

butthead