KATADYN BeFree Water Filtration System 1L

Clear water is not necessarily free of contamination. Choose fresh water with a lower risk of contamination and avoid water that is known or suspected to be chemically contaminated. BeFree does not remove viruses, chemicals or salt; if there is a virus risk, the water needs separate suitable disinfection, and you should follow the manufacturer's manual.

The 0.1 micron hollow fiber membrane removes bacteria, protozoan cysts, sediment and microplastics. This should not be extended to every microorganism or every contaminant.

Bachema report 201607801 (2016-09-13) lists E. coli, enterococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as not detected in any of four filtered water samples. Katadyn's cover letter is dated 2016-11-24. The results are limited to the report's samples and conditions; the documents state neither a flask capacity nor a product article number, so they cannot be treated as batch testing of the current product or as an EPA product certification.

No. The manufacturer states up to about 1,000 L, and the actual figure depends on source water quality. If flow stays severely restricted after proper cleaning, the cartridge is damaged, or the integrity check fails, stop using it and replace it.

Fill the flask with water, reattach the cartridge and shake it vigorously, or hold the cartridge and swish it in water; untreated source water can be used. The outlet (mouthpiece) must not touch untreated water; keep it clean afterward. Hold the flask end lightly while swishing; do not squeeze the filter itself. Do not touch the hollow fibers with tools or fingers, and do not rinse the cartridge horizontally under running water. See the manual for the detailed steps.

The manufacturer warns against letting the cartridge freeze. Freezing can damage the membrane and let microorganisms pass through; if the cartridge may have frozen or been damaged, stop using it, and do not judge it safe just because it still delivers water after thawing.

Before long-term storage, clean, disinfect and fully air dry it following the manufacturer's manual, then store it in a dry place. Simply pouring out the water or only air drying does not replace the manual's full care procedure.

This page is the original BeFree 1.0L (manufacturer's article no. 8018007). It uses a hollow fiber membrane and has no activated carbon stage like the BeFree AC. When choosing cartridges or accessories, first confirm which model they fit.

The manufacturer's English fact sheet lists the weight, dimensions, flow rate, filter and flask material of 8018007; read the operating and care instructions together with the manual.

Returns and exchanges follow Mabu Valley's refund policy; if you have questions about the model or how to use it, contact customer service first.

No. The manufacturer's manual states that the BeFree does not remove viruses, chemicals or salt. If viruses are a concern, use a reliable drinking water source instead, or treat the water separately.

The BeFree AC 1.0L adds a replaceable activated carbon stage after the same 0.1 micron hollow fiber membrane; the maker states it improves taste and reduces odor and chlorine, with carbon rated for up to 200 liters, and the Slate Blue model weighs about 76 g. The original 1.0L on this page has no activated carbon and weighs about 63 g.

The set includes a Hydrapak SoftFlask 1.0 L soft flask and a BeFree EZ-Clean cartridge. The flask is made of TPU, free of PVC and BPA, with a 42 mm opening for easy filling.