Katadyn Hiker Pro Hand Pump Water Filter for Backpacking, Camping, Emergency Survival

Katadyn Hiker Pro hand pump water filter uses a 0.2-micron glass fiber filter to remove bacteria and protozoa from backcountry water sources — pumping directly from a stream, lake, or standing water source into any container without the gravity bag or squeeze pouch that other filtration systems require. The pump format provides complete user control over flow rate and filtration pressure, making it effective with partially clogged filters that would reduce flow to impractical levels in gravity or squeeze systems.

Hand Pump Filter vs. Squeeze and Gravity Filters

Gravity and squeeze filters rely on elevation head pressure or manual squeeze pressure to push water through the membrane — when the filter clogs from sediment accumulation, flow slows significantly and backflushing becomes necessary before filtering can continue. A hand pump allows consistent mechanical pressure independent of filter condition, maintaining usable flow rates longer before requiring maintenance. This makes pump filters the practical choice for high-sediment sources and emergency use where filter maintenance mid-filtration may not be practical.

• 0.2-micron glass fiber filter — removes bacteria and protozoa
• Hand pump operation — consistent mechanical pressure independent of filter condition
• Field-replaceable filter element — extend life in the field without returning the whole unit
• Compatible with wide-mouth bottles — direct fill into any standard water container
• Katadyn quality — Swiss engineering and construction for demanding conditions

Filter Maintenance in the Field

Backflush the Hiker Pro when flow rate decreases by removing the filter element and flushing water backward through it using a clean container or the included backflush syringe. Replace the filter element at 750 liters (Katadyn's rated replacement interval) or when backflushing no longer restores adequate flow rate. Carry a replacement filter element on trips of 5+ days where high-use filtration may approach the element's capacity, or where high-sediment sources will reduce effective filter life below rated capacity.