I've had my eye on one of the Katadyn Endurance series filters - they start at $169 and go up to $1200 depending on gallons per minute, but they all appear well built, with long warranties and good throughput. http://products.katadyn.com/brands-and-products/produkte/Endurance_Series_23.html. The Katadyn Pocket for example is $240, pumps 13,000 gallons at 1 quart per minute, screens to 0.2 microns, and appears to have metal moving parts, and a 20 year warranty. Replacement filters are appropriately enough just about as expensive as the device itself. Compare this to a Katadyn Hiker filter, all plastic, same 0.2 microns, same throughput, but lighter and more suited if you're mobile / hiking. Still, the hiker weights 11 ounces, the Pocket 20 oz - not much difference in weight, alot of difference in gallons treated, 13,000 vs. 200, it might be a good idea if you're using it in a home instead of on the trail. Several in the Endurance series appear capable of integrating with pressurized water systems too. At the high end there's the Expedition, 4 gallons a minute, but 11 lbs and $1200. And there are several gravity filter solutions as well, as low as $169.

To my eye the Pocket looks interesting, it would appear that the pump handle is directly inline rather than off to the side, which should make pumping water somewhat easier than with the Hiker model. I think I'll get a Pocket for my long term supplies.

Disclaimer: I've never set eyes on any of these filters except a Hiker, which I've used for several seasons and like alot. I don't work for Katadyn or any supplier etc.


Edited by Lono (10/26/08 04:26 PM)