I have yet to get myself a water filter and like most have been trying to find which one would work best for me. I really like the way these work together! It will probably be what I purchase. Great video! 👍
If you go this route my suggestion is this: get the BeFree with the .6L soft flask, then get this bottle. You can then use the soft flask as an ultra lightweight backup just in case. You'll never have to worry about it again!
My Sawyer bag failed on our canoe trip last weekend. It was the only water source for 4 people. It opened at the neck, and I had to hold it closed as tight as I could and get about half of the water actually through the filter. Bought the Katadyn the day we got home.
This could be your bottle for drinking water while canoeing and the others could be used at camp. Either way, please come back on here to let me and the rest of us know what you think of it!
Thanks for the video. I ended up getting both bottles/filters. And for anyone who still likes to have a regular clear plastic bottle on their hike (like Smartwater bottles)- the BeFree also fits onto any size Gatorade bottle. Happy hiking! Thanks again.
Ah awesome info. I've punctured my 1L Katadyn somehow in my bikepacking quick access handlebar bag. No idea how. I understand all my gear can be prone to injury but this one's a mystery and I really like and need my filter
Great review. Do you happen to know if the black version leaves a plastic taste in the water? Looking at one on a website and they don't have it in the blue version in 1.5 L (only have it in the 1L version). BTW the Swayer Squeeze works great with the CNOC collapsible bladders. I have both the BeFree and Sawyer Squeeze (always great to have a backup on a canoe trip).
I don't think it would matter blue vs. black. I do find that if you leave water in it for awhile it will start to pick up the plastic taste. I tend to just use it straight from the canoe or if I'm at camp I filter it from the Hydrapak into another bottle. Always smart to have a backup!! I've been on a couple trips where the backup became the primary.. 😅 Thanks for watching, Denise!
Great review. Thanks for sharing. I have the Katadyn and love the filter but had a similar issue with pin hole on about my fourth trip. Replaced with a CNOC bag and that didn’t last to long either. And I take care and don’t abuse my stuff. I will definitely give this a try!
This bottle should hold up even if you do abuse it! The pin holes in the other ones are so frustrating..but I'll be shocked if you or I got one in this Flux bottle. I even bought another just to fill and keep around camp. 👍
Thanks for this review. I was looking at the hydrapak stash but did have some concerns about durability. Definitely was interested in the compatible water filter - thanks for demonstrating. Think I'll be going with this model now
@@BackcountryPaddler sawyer squeeze w a 2L platypus dirty water reservoir and filter into my platypus 3L bladder or Nalgene in winter. Ditched the sawyer plastic pouches.
Yeah that's definitely better than using that plastic pouch. It's like using a freeze dried meal pouch like Mountain House to get your water.. and then breaks easy! 😂
I do love the Hydrapak products! I also use the Hydrapak Stash bottle that has its own built-in storage on the ends of the bottle that also facilitate a more rigid place to stand, hold and pour from the bottles and the wide mouth works great for the UV sterilization wand if your water source is already clear. They dip fill really nice in Adirondack lakes and streams.
Spot on! Those are really cool too! I meant to mention in the video how the Stash model has a wide mouth like a Nalgene. I will have to get my hands on one of those next.
Yes, but only if the water has been sitting in the bottle for an extended time. Filing it from my canoe and drinking it while out on the water I don't notice anything. If there's one downfall to this bottle that would be it though. -Mark
@@BackcountryPaddler 1 day i just googled how to get plastic taste out of soft water bottles/bladders. Almost everyone said lemon juice. I did it and it worked lol. Every single time I get a bottle/bladder with plastic taste I use lemon juice which completely gets rid of the plastic taste. I wouldn't leave it in too long since the acidity "could" eat through plastic but a few hours should do the trick. Mixing lemon water and baking soda is pretty popular too. I use denture cleaner tabs to clean my bladder if it's going to be stored for a long time as well. Camelbak is dishwasher safe but i haven't tried this yet.
I think you'd like it, Dennis. Brian J says it may not be available in Canada. Hope you guys are able to get one ssomewhere. PS: this week's show with Jason was the absolute best. Really glad you had him on!! -Mark
@BackcountryPaddler I just ordered hydra and 42mm cap that is all I need for filtering the water ? No tablets needed? Sorry all question just getting prepared.
No worries, I love helping with this stuff. You will need the Katadyn BeFree filter and any compatible reservoir that has a 42mm threaded opening. Hydrapak makes some really nice ones. Sounds like you bought the bottle already but still need the filter.
Great video, I have heard the Katadyn bottle has some flaws. I upgraded my Sawyer products to CNOC Vecto. I was considering the CNOC for my Katadyn, but love this solution and how much it compresses. Well done and I love the background maps and paddles.
Thanks Mike, I need your critique on videos like this! You are the king at it. Just don't blast me on here too bad. 😂 but yes, this bottle is great. I haven't seen the CNOC yet, I'll have to look at it!
Similar logic led me to choose the Hydrapak Seeker bottle. I prefer the attachment loops for adding a tether over using the bail loop. Sidenote: My original BeFree bottle has yet to fail even after 3 years and some chipmunk gnawing.
The Seekers are great..I wish I had picked one up for around camp. I may have gotten unlucky with my BeFree, I'm not even sure how it got punctured but it did. I fixed it with epoxy after they sent me a new one so I have a total of 4 bottles now.. I think I'm set on bottles for awhile. 😆 thanks for watching and subbing! -Mark
I picked up one of the seekers myself but had definitely considered getting the Flux 1 liter for more on the go and use the seeker at camp. But since then I ended up with The Grayl Geopress and fell in love instantly and will probably get the new Ultra Press they came out with as well. Great video!
@@BackcountryPaddler one big difference is they are actually purifiers so they take care of alot of viruses as well. A downside is they take up more space because they are hard bottles.
Awesome!!! Great info....we also got a few small holes in one of our Befree bags on a week long canoe trip....love this option....AND...a giveaway!!!! Woohoo🇨🇦🇺🇸
Things are moving slow on the channel at the moment so it might be a while to 500 😂, we shall see. I'm excited for people who bought one for their BeFree and more excited to give one away! Maybe some stickers too..🤔
Hey man great review. I have the small be free I keep on me for dipping as I paddle then use a gravity filter at camp but I like that this can stand up! may consider one - I'll have to see if your link will work from this side of the dotted line.
Are you still using this system? Just got back from a canoe trip using the Lifestraw Go bottle. It was really difficult to get a reasonable amount of water through and almost ruined the trip. It was so hard to get any water out that it felt like I was constantly drinking in order to maintain any hydration. Does this have an adequate flow rate?
The flow rate on the BeFree is the best thing about it. I've had trips ruined by a bad water filtration setup (Sawyer Squeeze) but everything changed when I went this route. I just suggest keeping a separate bottle for after you filter the water. When the water sits in the Hydrapak for a while it can taste "plasticky"... hope that helps! Mark
i picked up a flux bottle for my befree. filter i have never used the befree .6 L for my befree . i like the flux 1L . i also have a hydrapak seeker 4 L if i need to filter more water.
I like my flux bottle . I took my Befree out for the first time on a 4 day seakayak trip on Georgian Bay this past sept and the befree flux combo worked great it fit nicely in my deck bag with a 1L stainless nalgene
If you leave water in the bottle all day or even for hours yes, you will taste it. I still think it's perfect for canoe trips where you have an endless supply of water though. No need to keep it in the bottle all day.
do you know if any cheap plastic bottles fit the be free water filter threading? My be free bag also broke, and i’m looking for a quick cheap fix, the bottles you mentioned seem like a great purchase, might grab one.
Right on, I bought a Befree a couple years ago, it was awesome for me with the 3 liter bag. I never had an issue with the bag itself. But the filter, as good as I took care of it just progressively started to slow way down as far as flow rate. I ended up using my Sawyer squeeze original. With smart water bottles ! No issues. The sawyer mini is a joke, I have one of those and the flow rate is sad. Then I tried a CNOC bag with a large folding end. It worked great for one weekend trip, then on a eight night canoe trip in the Adirondacks it failed me, developing pin holes , not impressed. And I take care of my gear. Cheers
It really is a challenge to find a quality filter and bottle setup! Everyone has different needs and preferences but this is the setup that works for me so I had to share that with you guys! I haven't experienced a change in the flow rate of my BeFree yet.
@@BackcountryPaddler Nice, I did notice a dramatic drop off in flow rate ,and Have never filtered murky water,or silted water. I will most likely get another BeFree filter and give it another go!
@rawveganfoodforthought2333 sure can. I just got a comment the other day that mentioned rinsing the bottle with a little lemon juice. They said it works perfectly! Hoping to try it out before & after my next trip.
Great review. How are you still liking it now a month later? I am interested in ordering one but cant find your amazon link? I saw you on another hiking channel and thought I would check yours out. New follower here. Looking forward to watching your journey!
The .6L bottle that HydraPak makes for the BeFree is a bit on the thin side, so thats why I suggest the Flux bottle. I was near the end of a trip when I noticed a couple of pin holes near the top. It was an easy fix with a little epoxy but they were nice enough to send me a new one.
Yeah doesn't everyone..? Haha no, they just puncture very easily. Was very careful with mine on a trip and low and behold I went to use it on the last day and there were pinholes in it. Best to have a good bottle and a backup.
@@BackcountryPaddler I just purchased some of those bottles. I also have a “normal” water bottle too in case. I wonder if it’s something you had in your bag or if you squeezed too hard. If the same happens to me I’ll comment again but I hope not.
Perfect timing to see this before I buy :)
Awesome to hear!! 🤘
I have yet to get myself a water filter and like most have been trying to find which one would work best for me. I really like the way these work together! It will probably be what I purchase. Great video! 👍
If you go this route my suggestion is this: get the BeFree with the .6L soft flask, then get this bottle. You can then use the soft flask as an ultra lightweight backup just in case. You'll never have to worry about it again!
Looks very nice. Maybe going have to try these water bottles.
They're really reliable and that's the most important thing in my opinion.
My Sawyer bag failed on our canoe trip last weekend. It was the only water source for 4 people. It opened at the neck, and I had to hold it closed as tight as I could and get about half of the water actually through the filter.
Bought the Katadyn the day we got home.
Ouch I've been there, but that definitely sucks for 4 people, wow. The durability of the Hydrapak is such a relief when out there now!
Perfect compliment to my 2 and 3 liter HyraPak seekers
This could be your bottle for drinking water while canoeing and the others could be used at camp. Either way, please come back on here to let me and the rest of us know what you think of it!
Best filter in my opinion. I'm definitely going to pick up a bottle to go with my filter.
Do it Jason, you'll love it. Perfect for use in Algonquin.
@@BackcountryPaddler can I add water tabs inside them if I decide to not attach my filter.
@@jasonintheforest7936 Sure, you could do that too and not use the filter. The cap that comes on these Flux bottles is nice too, it's spill proof!
Thanks for the video. I ended up getting both bottles/filters. And for anyone who still likes to have a regular clear plastic bottle on their hike (like Smartwater bottles)- the BeFree also fits onto any size Gatorade bottle. Happy hiking! Thanks again.
Follow up: fits most 28-32 oz. Gatorade/Powerade bottles.
Sure does, a great option as well. Thanks Jason.
But Gatorade bottles don't crush, right? How do you squeeze them to filter?
That's a good point, there's no way it would work as well as the BeFree or Hydrapak bottles. But in a pinch or for a backup it's something.
Ah awesome info. I've punctured my 1L Katadyn somehow in my bikepacking quick access handlebar bag. No idea how. I understand all my gear can be prone to injury but this one's a mystery and I really like and need my filter
Thanks for the review! Was looking for an alternative to the squeeze!
Nice, you'd be really happy with this. I am!!
-Mark
With a plug and play cap by HydraPak you also can use a squeeze
Nice video! I’ve heard great things about the Hydropak bottles, I’ll have to pick one up!
Giving one away very very soon!
apparently the CNOC 42MM Vesica 1L also works with the Befree . just saw a video on youtube.
Thanks Jeff, I'll look into that one too!
You can also use the Sawyer Squeeze with a HydraPak plug and play cap.
Good tip I'll have to check it out!
Un vídeo muy clarificador.
Saludos desde España!
Thank you for watching. Gracias por ver!
Thanks. Just ordered one from Amazon
Nice! You'll be happy you did!
Great product, compact and durable. I’m glad you found something that is better quality. Awesome product.
Great review. Do you happen to know if the black version leaves a plastic taste in the water? Looking at one on a website and they don't have it in the blue version in 1.5 L (only have it in the 1L version).
BTW the Swayer Squeeze works great with the CNOC collapsible bladders. I have both the BeFree and Sawyer Squeeze (always great to have a backup on a canoe trip).
I don't think it would matter blue vs. black. I do find that if you leave water in it for awhile it will start to pick up the plastic taste. I tend to just use it straight from the canoe or if I'm at camp I filter it from the Hydrapak into another bottle.
Always smart to have a backup!! I've been on a couple trips where the backup became the primary.. 😅
Thanks for watching, Denise!
Great review. Thanks for sharing. I have the Katadyn and love the filter but had a similar issue with pin hole on about my fourth trip. Replaced with a CNOC bag and that didn’t last to long either. And I take care and don’t abuse my stuff. I will definitely give this a try!
This bottle should hold up even if you do abuse it! The pin holes in the other ones are so frustrating..but I'll be shocked if you or I got one in this Flux bottle. I even bought another just to fill and keep around camp. 👍
Thanks for this review. I was looking at the hydrapak stash but did have some concerns about durability. Definitely was interested in the compatible water filter - thanks for demonstrating. Think I'll be going with this model now
Everyone who has bought it loves it. I think you'll he happy with it!
@@BackcountryPaddler ta
Great video and very nice video editing. I may make the switch now.
What are you currently using?
@@BackcountryPaddler sawyer squeeze w a 2L platypus dirty water reservoir and filter into my platypus 3L bladder or Nalgene in winter. Ditched the sawyer plastic pouches.
Yeah that's definitely better than using that plastic pouch. It's like using a freeze dried meal pouch like Mountain House to get your water.. and then breaks easy! 😂
I do love the Hydrapak products! I also use the Hydrapak Stash bottle that has its own built-in storage on the ends of the bottle that also facilitate a more rigid place to stand, hold and pour from the bottles and the wide mouth works great for the UV sterilization wand if your water source is already clear. They dip fill really nice in Adirondack lakes and streams.
Spot on! Those are really cool too! I meant to mention in the video how the Stash model has a wide mouth like a Nalgene. I will have to get my hands on one of those next.
I 3D printed an adapter for the katadyn so it fits on a regular water bottle. If you need one yell.
That's awesome!
Have you noticed a plastic taste when drinking water from the hydrapack flux container?
Yes, but only if the water has been sitting in the bottle for an extended time. Filing it from my canoe and drinking it while out on the water I don't notice anything. If there's one downfall to this bottle that would be it though.
-Mark
lemon juice is was fixes this for any bottle
Really? How?
@@BackcountryPaddler 1 day i just googled how to get plastic taste out of soft water bottles/bladders. Almost everyone said lemon juice. I did it and it worked lol. Every single time I get a bottle/bladder with plastic taste I use lemon juice which completely gets rid of the plastic taste.
I wouldn't leave it in too long since the acidity "could" eat through plastic but a few hours should do the trick. Mixing lemon water and baking soda is pretty popular too.
I use denture cleaner tabs to clean my bladder if it's going to be stored for a long time as well. Camelbak is dishwasher safe but i haven't tried this yet.
Awesome info! Just a few drops of lemon juice I assume? Thank you!
Hmmm very interesting. I have been trying to find something like this for my Katadyn filter... Thanks
I think you'd like it, Dennis. Brian J says it may not be available in Canada. Hope you guys are able to get one ssomewhere.
PS: this week's show with Jason was the absolute best. Really glad you had him on!!
-Mark
Thanks! just what i was looking for.
Glad to help!!
@BackcountryPaddler
I just ordered hydra and 42mm cap that is all I need for filtering the water ? No tablets needed? Sorry all question just getting prepared.
No worries, I love helping with this stuff. You will need the Katadyn BeFree filter and any compatible reservoir that has a 42mm threaded opening. Hydrapak makes some really nice ones. Sounds like you bought the bottle already but still need the filter.
I love the Befree and I need to order a new one, so I will be looking at this when I order. Thanks!
It's got my seal of approval. If that means anything... 😂
Great video, I have heard the Katadyn bottle has some flaws. I upgraded my Sawyer products to CNOC Vecto. I was considering the CNOC for my Katadyn, but love this solution and how much it compresses. Well done and I love the background maps and paddles.
Thanks Mike, I need your critique on videos like this! You are the king at it. Just don't blast me on here too bad. 😂 but yes, this bottle is great. I haven't seen the CNOC yet, I'll have to look at it!
@@BackcountryPaddler No need, you are doing a great job!
Similar logic led me to choose the Hydrapak Seeker bottle. I prefer the attachment loops for adding a tether over using the bail loop. Sidenote: My original BeFree bottle has yet to fail even after 3 years and some chipmunk gnawing.
The Seekers are great..I wish I had picked one up for around camp. I may have gotten unlucky with my BeFree, I'm not even sure how it got punctured but it did. I fixed it with epoxy after they sent me a new one so I have a total of 4 bottles now.. I think I'm set on bottles for awhile. 😆 thanks for watching and subbing!
-Mark
I picked up one of the seekers myself but had definitely considered getting the Flux 1 liter for more on the go and use the seeker at camp. But since then I ended up with The Grayl Geopress and fell in love instantly and will probably get the new Ultra Press they came out with as well. Great video!
I will have to look into those too! Never heard of them before.
@@BackcountryPaddler one big difference is they are actually purifiers so they take care of alot of viruses as well. A downside is they take up more space because they are hard bottles.
Interesting nonetheless. I'll give them a look!
Awesome!!! Great info....we also got a few small holes in one of our Befree bags on a week long canoe trip....love this option....AND...a giveaway!!!! Woohoo🇨🇦🇺🇸
Things are moving slow on the channel at the moment so it might be a while to 500 😂, we shall see. I'm excited for people who bought one for their BeFree and more excited to give one away! Maybe some stickers too..🤔
Hey man great review. I have the small be free I keep on me for dipping as I paddle then use a gravity filter at camp but I like that this can stand up! may consider one - I'll have to see if your link will work from this side of the dotted line.
If not maybe Amazon.ca has it for you guys up north? I hope you can get your hands on one!
-Mark
@@BackcountryPaddler yup -still a reasonable cost just wanted to support your link - have a good weekend!
@@brianj9635 I appreciate that but no big deal, just glad you could get one!
That bottle is interesting, have to look into that thanks man !
Are you still using this system? Just got back from a canoe trip using the Lifestraw Go bottle. It was really difficult to get a reasonable amount of water through and almost ruined the trip. It was so hard to get any water out that it felt like I was constantly drinking in order to maintain any hydration. Does this have an adequate flow rate?
The flow rate on the BeFree is the best thing about it. I've had trips ruined by a bad water filtration setup (Sawyer Squeeze) but everything changed when I went this route. I just suggest keeping a separate bottle for after you filter the water. When the water sits in the Hydrapak for a while it can taste "plasticky"... hope that helps!
Mark
It is of such quality that I would rather have it in my home for hiking in the dry season.
i picked up a flux bottle for my befree. filter i have never used the befree .6 L for my befree . i like the flux 1L . i also have a hydrapak seeker 4 L if i need to filter more water.
That's the perfect combo if you ask me!
I like my flux bottle . I took my Befree out for the first time on a 4 day seakayak trip on Georgian Bay this past sept and the befree flux combo worked great it fit nicely in my deck bag with a 1L stainless nalgene
You've got your setup locked in and when it comes to water it's always good to know you can trust it. 👍
What about the taste? Taste plastic after using filter ?
If you leave water in the bottle all day or even for hours yes, you will taste it. I still think it's perfect for canoe trips where you have an endless supply of water though. No need to keep it in the bottle all day.
do you know if any cheap plastic bottles fit the be free water filter threading? My be free bag also broke, and i’m looking for a quick cheap fix, the bottles you mentioned seem like a great purchase, might grab one.
Yep get any of the Hydrapak ones. I do like the Flux for the durability. Also, in a pinch, a Gatorade bottle works!
@@BackcountryPaddler sweet thank you! didn’t know the gatorade bottles fit, thank you!
Welcome!
Right on, I bought a Befree a couple years ago, it was awesome for me with the 3 liter bag. I never had an issue with the bag itself. But the filter, as good as I took care of it just progressively started to slow way down as far as flow rate. I ended up using my Sawyer squeeze original. With smart water bottles ! No issues. The sawyer mini is a joke, I have one of those and the flow rate is sad. Then I tried a CNOC bag with a large folding end. It worked great for one weekend trip, then on a eight night canoe trip in the Adirondacks it failed me, developing pin holes , not impressed. And I take care of my gear. Cheers
It really is a challenge to find a quality filter and bottle setup! Everyone has different needs and preferences but this is the setup that works for me so I had to share that with you guys! I haven't experienced a change in the flow rate of my BeFree yet.
@@BackcountryPaddler Nice, I did notice a dramatic drop off in flow rate ,and Have never filtered murky water,or silted water. I will most likely get another BeFree filter and give it another go!
@@MeetMeOutside I'll keep an eye I mine thanks for the tip!
@@BackcountryPaddler 👍
Can you address the reviews that mention the chemical plastic taste? Thank you
@rawveganfoodforthought2333 sure can. I just got a comment the other day that mentioned rinsing the bottle with a little lemon juice. They said it works perfectly! Hoping to try it out before & after my next trip.
In areas with hard, mineralized water, the befree clogs very quickly.
Ah, that's a shame. Good to know thanks for sharing.
Great review. How are you still liking it now a month later? I am interested in ordering one but cant find your amazon link? I saw you on another hiking channel and thought I would check yours out. New follower here. Looking forward to watching your journey!
I love the Flux bottle and BeFree! Used it on a few trips now. Stay tuned, giving one away VERY SOON! 😁
-Mark
How you get a hole I the be free?
The .6L bottle that HydraPak makes for the BeFree is a bit on the thin side, so thats why I suggest the Flux bottle. I was near the end of a trip when I noticed a couple of pin holes near the top. It was an easy fix with a little epoxy but they were nice enough to send me a new one.
great video. thanks
Thanks David! I'm giving away both of these items on Saturday. Check out my latest video on how to enter!
-Mark
Is this maintained temperature
Hi. Do you mean to ask whether it will keep your drink hot or cold? If so, then no it doesn't.
Does it handle warm/hot water?
I'm not sure of the answer but that's not what it's designed for, so I wouldn't suggest it.
Awsome
👍🏾💯🔆💪🏾
Wtf do you do with your bottles? Drag them on rocks ?
Yeah doesn't everyone..? Haha no, they just puncture very easily. Was very careful with mine on a trip and low and behold I went to use it on the last day and there were pinholes in it. Best to have a good bottle and a backup.
@@BackcountryPaddler I just purchased some of those bottles. I also have a “normal” water bottle too in case.
I wonder if it’s something you had in your bag or if you squeezed too hard. If the same happens to me I’ll comment again but I hope not.