REVIEW: Katadyn BeFree Military Water Filtration System

Special forces have a drinking bladder on the plate carrier. But what if you need to quickly take in water on the go and can't take off the plate carrier? That's where the BeFree system comes in, which should be stored so light and small in no kit. The magic: drinking bottle and filter in one.

This is what the drinking bottle looks like. Here the 0.6 liter model.

We tested the 1-liter version. The bottle body comes from Hydrapak, whose collapsible bottles we have already tested (HERE in the SPARTANAT review). The material is BPA and PVC-free and absolutely tasteless. In addition, reflections are avoided by the dark material and the robustness is significantly higher than with the civilian variants of the BeFree systems from Katadyn.

The back of the bottle is marked with measurements, so the bottle can also be used as a measuring cup for cooking.

The bottom is adorned with the Hydrapak logo and the model designation. The bottle can stand when filled.

If you unscrew the cap, which is PET-compatible by the way, you can fold the bottle to the size of a fist. This also works with the cap screwed on, if you loosen it a bit to let the air escape.

The filter is designed for bacteria, suspended particles, and protozoa. It is a hollow fiber filter with 0.1 micron. The filter has a very good flow rate, you don't have to suck like crazy until something comes out, it works like a regular drinking bottle. Also, when gravity-fed upside down, the filter works with a flow rate of 2 liters per minute.

The filter is designed for 1,000 liters. If you use it daily with about 2-3 liters, it should be replaced after a year. The filter should be cleaned every 5-6 liters by simply swishing it in a water source, if necessary also in the bottle, to rid the filter of interfering particles.

Actually, the filter is intended for clear or slightly cloudy water. We once again overdid it and poured in a real sludge. The result was a clear, slightly yellow liquid that could still be drunk despite discoloration.

In daily use, the BeFree system is ideal. With just 70 grams including the filter, the bottle is one of the lightest and most robust on the market. When not in use, the bottle can be rolled up quickly and takes up hardly any space in the equipment. For extra security, add Micropur tablets to the equipment and you have a reliable protection against bacteria AND viruses (through Micropur).

CONCLUSION: Not exactly cheap, but unbeatably small and light. The BeFree Military Drinking Water System from Katadyn combines a good water filter with a robust collapsible bottle in one package. Add Micropur tablets and you have a safe addition to your emergency kit, equipment, or bug out bag.

The BeFree drinking bottle is available from €50 at ATG Kriminaltechnik. There you can get the 0.6 liter and 1 liter versions.

ATG on the Internet: www.atg-polizeibedarf-shop.de