Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Filtration System Review

Swiss-based Katadyn makes world-renowned industry-leading water treatment systems, and they recently released the Gravity BeFree 3.0L Filtration System, the fourth addition to their BeFree water filtration system lineup. The Gravity BeFree 3.0L holds more than 100-fluid ounces while providing the same rapid 2-liters per minute flow rate and unique shake-to-clean filter technology that is common to the BeFree line, providing you filtration for clean water on your outdoor adventures.

Features

The Gravity BeFree 3.0L system utilizes a convenient output hose with quick-connects that allow for hands-free filling of water bottles, hydration bladders, dog bowls, mugs, cups, and cookware. The kit consists of the 3L Reservoir with Filter, Hanging Strap with Biners, Quick Connect Hose with On/Off Clamp, Carrying Bag. At the filter end, the HydraPak 3.0L reservoir comes with an integrated `Bail and Carry` handle that simplifies fill-up from streams and taps. It comes with a long adjustable hanging strap with two carabiners, and a separate carrying bag makes storage fast and easy.

Operation

It’s pretty simple to use with only a few steps to follow. Holding the reservoir with the `Bail and Carry` handle fill the reservoir or scoop up water from a stream or water source until you have the desired amount. While holding the handle and bracing the top in your hands or on the ground, screw on the filter until it’s tight, and then you can flip it right side up and carry the reservoir with it’s top carrying and hanging handle.

Drape the hanging strap system over a tree branch or other suitable location and clip the straps carabiners onto the reservoirs top carrier holes. Make sure the pincher clamp (i.e., on/off output hose valve) on the hose is in the closed or shut position to stop any flow of water and snap the quick-connect of the hose into the filter on the reservoir.

Once the system is hung up, place the free end of the hose into a water bottle, hydration, cup, etc. and pop open the pincher/clamp to begin flowing water into the receptacle. Once you had the required amount just squeeze the hose pincher/clamp shut and closed to stop the flow of water. To clean the filter in the field for clogs, slow flow, etc. add fresh water to the reservoir and give it some good shakes or swish the filter by itself in clean water to dislodge things. Due to the design of the reservoir, it can be tough to get it completely dried out, though hanging it up and putting an internal spreader can help accelerate that endeavor.

EZ-Clean Membrane Filter Cartridge

Katadyn’s filter technology safely removes up to 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa to EPA standards using the new 0.1-micron EZ-Clean hollow-fiber filter. The BeFree filter protects users from harmful organisms such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E-Coli, and Salmonella. NOTE: The filter does not meet EPA standards for virus removal, so if you’re traveling in less-developed areas of the world, this system isn’t adequate for that task, but fortunately Katadyn has plenty of other more powerful systems in their lineup. The filter is rated for 1,000 liters of water filtration, and then a new replacement cartridge should be procured.

Bottom Line

The Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L Filtration System was a joy to use while out camping, hiking and backpacking where the water source might be contaminated or of unknown quality. Following the easy to use steps; fill, hang, filter and drink; and you can let gravity provide you with safe and fresh water quickly at your campsite with little fuss. If a suitable tree or other object isn’t available, you’ll need to have another person hold it up above the hose outlet or have some dexterity to do it by yourself. Although the pinch clamp or on/off output hose valve system worked just fine, it was sometimes a bit cumbersome to use, and I’d like to have a simple inline on/off shutoff valve that’s common to most hydration entities. Also, I do wish the Bail and Carry handle was a tad taller so you could easily screw on the filter without having to brace the reservoir.

The 3L capacity was useful for most of the day for two people while I was testing it at Havasu Falls and it was nice to have the gravity-based system hanging from a close by tree to simplify getting water for any receptacle (mug, hydration bladder, or cooking pot). The system is lightweight, compact and easy to use and provides clean and safe water while out on outdoor adventures.

Specs

• Easy to use: fill and hang the ultra-durable HydraPak® 3.0L reservoir using the integrated Bail Handle & Carry Loop; filters up to an impressive 2 liters per min.
• Easy to clean: simply shake or swish the EZ-Clean Membrane™ to remove debris
• Collapsible 3.0L reservoir packs down small
• 0.1-micron microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms, removing protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%) to EPA standards
• Please note: the initial packaging incorrectly stated that this product meets EPA standards for virus removal. Refer to the product manual for more information.
• 43mm, wide-mouth opening makes for easy filling from any lake, river, stream or faucet
• Tested to 1,000 liters; individual results will depend on water quality
• BPA-free