KATADYN Water Filter BeFree Personal Water Purifier 1.0L Military Edition BeFree 1.0L - Black Edition

The product description lists the Black Edition as an upgraded pouch with a reinforced, more durable body, 1.0 L capacity and about 73 g. The cartridge is the same 0.1 micron hollow fiber membrane, with the same flow rate and life specs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Capacity is 1.0 liter, weight is about 73 g, and size is about 26.5 x 8 x 6.5 cm. It comes with a Hydrapak SoftFlask TPU soft pouch and a BeFree cartridge.

Not recommended. The product description lists bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment and microplastics as removal targets. Salt is not listed, so do not use it for seawater desalination.

The Black Edition's product description lists only a hollow fiber membrane cartridge, with no activated carbon, at about 73 g. The AC reinforced model has a double-layer pouch with an extra replaceable activated carbon layer (about 200 liters or 3 months), at about 85 g.

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 drink nozzle; 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.

Before long-term storage, follow the long-term storage procedure in the manufacturer's manual: clean and disinfect it, then let all parts air dry completely before reassembling for storage; 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 drink nozzle in a dishwasher or microwave; the flask can go on the top rack of a dishwasher.

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.

The product description lists a Hydrapak SoftFlask 1.0 L soft flask and a BeFree EZ-Clean cartridge. The manufacturer's fact sheet lists the flask as TPU, free of PVC and BPA, about 73 g for the whole set, with a 42 mm opening; the manufacturer's product page places it in the Black Edition line, aimed at survival, bushcraft, hunting and general outdoor activities.