Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L Review

This filter allows for effortless water filtration with a flow rate ranging from 33 to 40 seconds to filter one liter of water. Its weight (9.28 oz) and simple design offer an intuitive setup and easy backcountry maintenance. While not receiving the highest marks throughout our extensive testing process, this Katadyn filter performed well for us during our testing period.

Water Quality

When considering this metric, we sought out various water sources to assess the level of quality each backpacking water filter could produce. We took these filters to various locations, from brown and stagnant water in Indian Creek, UT to the pristine mountain lakes in the High Sierra. The filters that could remove the odor and unpalatable taste of the water received high marks. In addition to our field testing, we also brought in the experts at SGS Labs to further evaluate water samples and confirm or deny the manufacturer's claims. We're happy to report that the BeFree effectively eliminated 99.9% of bacteria and 99.8% of all protozoa. While Katadyn doesn't claim this filter protects against viruses, the results revealed it was 55.1% effective.

The BeFree Gravity 6L utilizes a hollow fiber filter with a 0.1-micron pore size that effectively removes bacteria, protozoa such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and particulates. This filter is ineffective against viruses; it is best to select another option if that is a concern. The BeFree Gravity 6L performs on par with the competition in this category, producing fresh and clean drinking water that will keep you hydrated during your next trip into the backcountry.

Ease of Use

For this metric, we consider how easily each backcountry water filter is set up, whether we need instructions, or if the setup feels intuitive. We also note how easily we could use the filter in different water sources, from shallow streams to deep lakes. The BeFree Gravity 6L is an intuitive set up even though it comes with several separate parts such as the 6-liter nylon water bag, the filter, the BeFree adaptor ring that attaches the filter to the nylon bag, the quick-release valve and connector coupling (are attached to each end of the hose), the hose clamp, and the carrying strap. Keeping track of several items may be annoying, but it goes together easily and logically. In addition to an intuitive setup, the quick release found on the end of the hose allows you to attach the hose to personal hydration bladders for hands-free, effortless filtration directly into a personal reservoir.

A gravity-fed filter like the BeFree Gravity is often the simplest way to remove sediment and bacteria from your water source. Gravity-fed filters require no pumping or squeezing. However, the 6-liter capacity of this filter requires you to fill the nylon bag and carry roughly 15 pounds of weight from the water source to the campsite. The filter comes equipped with a strap that allows you to attach the bag to a tree, but we found it a bit cumbersome to lift the bag and hang it high enough to allow for enough room for the 46-inch long hose to hang straight below the filter. We noted earlier that allowing the hose to hang straight below the bag provided the maximum flow rate. One attachment we found very useful is the hose clamp, which allows you to control the water flow rate, stopping the filtering process and storing the remaining water inside the nylon bag.

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Durability and Maintenance

When considering this metric, we gave higher scores to the backcountry water filters that were easy to clean and maintain in the field. This also gave us confidence that they were durable enough to withstand a remote trip into the backcountry. No one wants to spend hours maintaining a filter during a trip, nor do they want to question whether or not the filter will be rendered useless if dropped or frozen.

The BeFree Gravity 6L is easily maintained in a remote setting. If the flow rate slows, simply remove the filter from the nylon bag and swish it around the water source, removing any debris or sediment built around it. Oftentimes, the agitation the water experiences within the nylon bag while walking from the water source to camp is enough to maintain the filter. Be mindful not to allow your filter to freeze, as it compromises the integrity of the filter, rendering it no longer useful. We experienced no durability issues with this filter. Still, we noted that the filter's life is significantly less when compared to the competition, offering a filter life of 1,000 liters vs. 1,500 liters of some other gravity filters tested. However, the simple technology allows you to stay focused on your adventure instead of spending hours performing maintenance in the field.

Treatment Time

In this metric, we considered the time it took to collect water from the source and filter it into a drinkable state. We performed various tests throughout the filter's life, noting the flow rate to determine the average time required to filter one liter of water.

The Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L delivered a competitive flow rate of 33 - 40 seconds to filter one liter of water. We were never able to achieve the advertised flow rate of 2 liters per minute but found that our results remained the same, even after cleaning the filter to remove any sediment that might be disrupting the flow rate. Unfortunately, the hose is so long that it is challenging to dangle the dirty water reservoir sufficiently to filter water efficiently. Without extending the hose fully, the flow rate is significantly reduced. We didn't try it, but it is possible to shorten the hose by cutting it and reinserting the quick-release adapter.

Weight and Packability

For this metric, we consider the weight of each filtration system and how much space they require in various packs. The products that weighed the least and packed down the easiest received high scores in this metric.

The Katadyn BeFree Gravity weighs only 9.3 ounces and packs to the size of a Nalgene bottle. The trade-off for such a lightweight gravity-fed filter is that there isn't another bag that allows for clean water storage. If the water is not treated on the same day that it is collected, Katadyn recommends treating it for overnight storage to preserve the water that has been collected.

Should You Buy the Katadyn Gravity BeFree 6L?

While the Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L produces exceptional water quality and has a lightweight and durable design that is easy to maintain, it is an investment that doesn't quite match the competition. For a similar price, we found other gravity-fed filters that offered a longer filter life, storage capabilities, and adaptors that allowed the filters to convert to showers or hand-washing stations. We were also disappointed with the length of the hose that made it cumbersome to hang the bag high enough to allow for the maximum flow rate as well as the lack of storage if the water was not to be used the same day. In summary, the BeFree Gravity 6L works well, but throughout our testing, we found better options within the same price range.

What Other Backpacking Water Filters Should You Consider?

If you're interested in our overall favorite filter for group usage, check out the Platypus GravityWorks, which offers excellent treatment time within a user-friendly design. The LifeStraw Peak Gravity 3L is not too far behind in overall scores, which isn't quite on par with treatment time but makes up for its affordable price and water quality. It is also interchangeable with other filters in the Peak series, including the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze, our favorite filter for personal use.