Who it is for
Good fit
- A shared water point for camps or small groups, using gravity with no pumping
- A 6 L bag with a graduated window to check the remaining water
- About 263 g for a light, collapsible group water filter
- Filtered water needs to go into another container, bottle or hydration bladder
Key specifications
| Article no. | 8020859 |
|---|---|
| Weight (product) | Approx. 263 g |
| Water bag size (in use) | 23 x 38 cm |
| Hose length | Approx. 122 cm |
| Capacity | 6.0 L |
| Filter | 0.1 micron EZ-Clean hollow fiber membrane |
| Effective against | Bacteria, cysts, sediment and microplastics |
| Microbial reduction | Bacteria 99.9999%; protozoan cysts 99.9% (Giardia, Cryptosporidium); maker states these meet U.S. EPA standards |
| Maximum flow rate | 2 L/min |
| Cartridge capacity | Up to 1,000, depending on water quality L |
| Material | Silicone, EZ-Clean hollow fiber membrane, durable food-grade plastics |
| Delivery | Gravity filtration, no pumping; outlet hose with quick-release valve and auto shut-off |
| Level window | Window with scale to check the water level |
| Accessories | Water bag, EZ-Clean cartridge, adapter ring, quick-release valve, quick connector, hose, hose clamp, transport bag |
| Optional replacement filter | 8019641 BeFree replacement filter (1 included in the set) |
FAQ
How many people is the BeFree Gravity 6.0L suitable for?
Capacity is 6.0 liters. The manufacturer's product page lists the group size as '1, >10, 2-5' for the 6L and 10L together, with no single recommended number of people, at up to 2 L per minute. It suits mountaineering, fishing, boating, family camping and group activities.
Can the BeFree Gravity 6.0L connect directly to a hydration bladder?
Yes. The product description lists an included adapter kit that lets you put filtered water straight into a hydration bladder. It also comes with a soft hose, flow control valve, shoulder strap and storage bag.
Where does the filtered water go with the BeFree Gravity 6.0L?
The manufacturer says you can fill another container, bottle or pouch (using the included quick-connect fitting). The receiving container should have a small opening to keep dirt out. The outlet hose has a quick-release valve that can be detached when refilling to avoid contact with dirty water.
Can the BeFree Gravity 6.0L filter viruses?
The product description does not list viruses. The listed targets are bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment and microplastics, with a 0.1 micron filtration pore size. It should not be relied on for virus protection; if virus contamination is a concern, the water needs separate treatment.
What does the BeFree Gravity 6.0L filter out?
The cartridge is a 0.1 micron hollow fiber membrane. The product description lists removal of bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment and microplastics, at up to 2 L per minute.
How long does the BeFree Gravity 6.0L cartridge last?
The specification lists a cartridge life of about 1,000 liters, depending on source water quality. When the flow rate drops noticeably, first clean the cartridge: fill the pouch with water, reattach the cartridge and shake it vigorously, or hold the cartridge and swish it in water to clean it; untreated source water can be used. However, the outlet (mouthpiece) must not touch untreated water; keep it clean after cleaning. Hold the pouch end lightly while swishing — do not squeeze the filter itself.
How do I clean the BeFree Gravity 6.0L cartridge when the flow slows down?
Fill the pouch with water, reattach the cartridge and shake it vigorously, or hold the cartridge and swish it in water to clean it; untreated source water can be used. However, the outlet (mouthpiece) must not touch untreated water; keep it clean after cleaning. Hold the pouch end lightly while swishing — do not squeeze the filter itself. Do not rinse it horizontally under tap water, squeeze it by hand, or touch the hollow fiber membrane with tools or fingers.
How do the BeFree Gravity 3L, 6L and 10L differ?
Capacities are 3, 6 and 10 liters. On group size, the manufacturer's product page lists 2–5 people for the 3L, and no single recommended number for the 6L and 10L. The cartridge specs are the same: 0.1 micron and about 1,000 liters.
Can the BeFree Gravity 6.0L be used in freezing conditions?
No. The manufacturer's manual warns against using it in freezing conditions, because a frozen membrane could let microorganisms bypass the filter and cause illness. If the cartridge has frozen, been dropped hard or may be damaged, stop using it and run the manual's integrity test: with the membrane wet, try to blow air through the output hose; if you cannot blow through, the fibers are intact, and if you can, the fibers are broken, so stop using it and replace the cartridge.
How should the BeFree Gravity 6.0L be prepared for long-term storage?
Before long-term storage, follow the long-term storage procedure in the manufacturer's manual: clean and disinfect the filter, hoses and bag, then disassemble all parts, rinse them with filtered or treated water, air dry them completely, reassemble and store them in the carry bag; the manual has the detailed steps. When taking it out of long-term storage, flush it with 2 liters of filtered or treated water to remove stale taste. Do not put the membrane or filter cap in a dishwasher or microwave.
What does the manual say about viruses and chemically contaminated water for the BeFree Gravity 6.0L?
The manufacturer's manual states that the BeFree does not remove viruses, nor chemicals, radioactive materials or particles smaller than 0.1 microns, and that it must never be used on seawater, brackish water or chemically contaminated water (for example water from mine tailing ponds or near large agricultural operations). If the water raises these concerns, use a reliable drinking water source instead, or treat it separately.
Can the BeFree Gravity 6.0L filter cloudy water?
The manufacturer's two documents differ: the fact sheet says 'Also for cloudy water', while the product page lists the water source type as Clear Water. The manual's advice is to always use the best fresh water source available and to avoid still water or water in areas of heavy human or animal use, to extend membrane life; when the flow slows, clean it by shaking or swishing, and replace the cartridge if that does not restore the flow.
About KATADYN
Sources & last review
- https://www.katadyngroup.com/Downloads/katadyn/factsheets/filters/BeFree/8020859_Gravity%20BeFree%206L_en.pdf
- https://www.katadyngroup.com/us/en/8020859-katadyn-gravity-befree-6.0l~p6807
- https://www.katadyngroup.com/Downloads/katadyn/manuals/filters/current/Manual%20BeFree%20Gravity%206L-10L_EU_en.pdf

















