Katadyn Hiker Pro Review

A standard pump water filter, the Hiker Pro is reliable and easy to use but is becoming outdated by new technology consisting of smaller, lighter and faster filters.

Performance Comparison

The Hiker Pro is making its way down the ranks in our chart, being pushed out by the newer technology of gravity and personal sized filters.

Reliability/Effectiveness

As a durable and reliable pump filter, this contender effectively eliminates bacteria, protozoa, and cysts, but not viruses. It uses an AntiClog pleated cartridge made of glass fiber that includes activated carbon granules. One detail of note is that a simplistic standard for comparing water filters is measuring pore size. Typically, a pore size of 0.2 microns or under is the ideal size for capturing the smallest bacteria. The smaller the pore size, the more harmful organisms are strained out of the water. This filter has the largest pore size of any we reviewed, at 0.2 microns, though it is still approved for eliminating bacteria from water. The MSR Guardian has a pore size of 0.02 microns and can eliminate viruses. The Hiker Pro and other common pumps like the MSR Sweetwater Microfilter and MSR TrailShot also have a pore size of 0.2.

Ease of Use

This filter is simple to use, although we do not like its strange pump handle and find it harder to hold on to the filter while pumping than any other conventional pump handle like the Katadyn Vario or the MSR Miniworks. Another issue is that sometimes the pre-filter gets clogged when filtering silty water. Attaching a coffee filter around the outside of the pre-filter keeps this from happening and allows it to work smoothly.

Treatment Capacity

This water filter is good for 750 liters before needing a replacement cartridge ($39-49). This is not nearly as much capacity as a ceramic filter like in the MSR Miniworks EX, which is good for 2000 liters, but it is more than the MSR Aquatabs. Although it pumps water at about one liter per every 90 seconds, this pump is not the best for large groups and would take it on trips with 1-3 people maximum. We think a gravity filter like the Katadyn Gravity Camp 6L is best for large group scenarios.

Speed

Relatively easy to pump, the Hiker Pro takes a little over a minute and a half to pump a liter, which is not long to wait, however not nearly the fastest of the pack. The Gravity Camp is the fastest of the bunch at 40 seconds per liter, followed closely by the Guardian at 42 seconds.

Weight

At just over 14 ounces including the storage case and hoses, this filter is average in weight. Not too heavy, but not ultra-light either. We think that gravity filters like the Platypus GravityWorks are a better, more lightweight choice over heavier conventional pumps.

Best Application

This is a durable and reliable water filter that is good for general hiking and camping, solo or in small groups. We would also recommend the Sawyer Mini for folks traveling in the backcountry solo or in pairs.

Value

At $85, this water pump is average in price for this type of product. It is less expensive than UV treatments such as a SteriPEN, but more expensive than a chlorine dioxide treatment like Aquamira Water Treatment Drops.

Conclusion

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is is middle of the road when it comes to pump-type filters. It is relatively inexpensive and can treat a moderate volume of water in its filter's lifetime (750). It is on the heavy side and we found it's unique handle more difficult to pump with than traditional filter handles. Generally, we prefer gravity filters over this type of pump.