Great video Andy. I still cant convince myself to go with the BeFree for three reasons. The first, and main reason, is that you are limited to using the pouch that the filter attaches to. Second, that pouch cant be easily stored in your water bottle harness ( you have to squeeze the water into the bottle first in order to drink it). Whereas the Sawyer you can just leave it attached to the bottle and drink directly. And third, if that pouch ever gets a puncture, you cant attach the filter to anything else. I too use the Evernew bags (as needed) and just do gravity filtration while im setting up camp, or straight into the water bottle if we happen across a stream and water sources are plentiful. In a SHTF situation, you can rumage through almost any garbage can and find a disposed water bottle that you can use to safely drink water from. You cant do that with the BeFree. For me, i will gladly sacrifice a slower flow rate (i mean, im camping and not in any rush) for greater flexabilty and adaptability. But each person is different and preferances/needs differ just as much. Keep these great videos coming !
Lots of great reasons there. I hear you! The harness issue could be a dealbreaker... One workaround for that may be to use the Zpacks Aquaclip - zpacks.com/products/aquaclip-kit and clip the BeFree to your pack strap. Also, I meant to mention it but the Hydrapak bottle does fit the BeFree filter, so that is my backup in case of bag failure. I also have the BeFree sized Cnoc storage bag - bit.ly/3fKfoNA. Now, I tend to only bring it with larger group outings. But it is a robust 3L option (it also comes in a 2L) for a backup. And recently I've seen more people using the 42mm Hydrapak Seeker Bags (2L, 3L, 4L) as a backup/storage option. So there are now many more options available on the market today that fit the BeFree Filter. Although you are absolutely right, you can find more readily accessible backup options in every gas station around the country. Now, with all the options of bringing a storage bag as a backup, that might only come into play though in thru-hiking or SHTF scenarios. Maybe not on just a weekend camping trip. So many great options out there to choose from... Both the Sawyer Squeeze and the Katadyn BeFree are great options... and they definitely do have different strengths and weaknesses... There is a reason I'm not getting rid of my Sawyer / Cnoc setup... 😉 Thanks for the great points, and for watching. 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors It was your video that has me ordering the CNoc bag as i want to replace my old Platypus. Im going to have to look into those other bag options you mentioned for the BeFree, and its good to see more and more manufacturers jumping on board to adapt to that filter option.
@@TheTarotCardGuy The Cnoc bags have served me well for the last 3+ years and I still think they and the sawyer squeeze are the best setup for when I need to process more water than for just myself (family or troop trips). The gravity filter feature at camp is just too darn convenient to leave at home. The BeFree is my solo trip or day hiking option of choice...
Used the Squeeze for over a year w/o issues. I like my BeFree a lot so far (although I here I should expect clogging). Good to hear you had good experiences. Great point about bear cans and collapsible bottles!
Thanks for checking it out Doug. I'm a fan of using the collapsible bottles when possible. Saving space is never a bad thing... Right? Clogging or Slowing will eventually get you, but how long can we keep them functional is the big question. I'm actually doing a video now on the cleaning process I use for the BeFree and I also compare that "cleaned" 2-year-old BeFree filter against the flow rate of a brand new one. Stay Tuned...
My scout troop typically backpacks with the Platypus GravityWorks filter system (4L dirty water bag, 4L clean water bag, filter cartridge and tubing in between). For a group of about a dozen, we like that system. Relatively quick and easy, and affordable since the cost is shared by many. At 11.2 oz and $100, it's less than $10 per person and 1 oz per person (plus the weight of personal water storage).
When camping with my family, i run essentially the same system. However, i modded my Platypus system to allow me to quick disconnect and switch it to my Camelbak (i have a video of it). With a troop or family, theres always work to be done and gravity fitration just makes sense.
Picked up the befree and I love it...for day hikes. Just scoop and go. But for my backpacking trips I still prefer my sawyer mini. Doesn’t clog as easily, and I’d rather just fill a couple bottles and then stash the filter away. Gets me from camp to camp. Also, I tend to have multiple people with me on my weekend warrior trips and by bringing a 3’ rubber hose to use between filter and clean container, I can do a liter every 45 seconds. The hardest part is keeping the dirty bag filled up to keep the filter process going.
I love your style! I love the Befree as my solo trip option. Super easy to use... For groups, I would still bring my Sawyer squeeze and cnoc bags. Great solutions for different situations!
I have both. Even though the Sawyer is a bit slower it’s more adaptable, you can even add the Platapus charcoal filter to it for nicer tasting water, a pre filter screen, connect it in-line to a water bladder, bottle to bottle filling, or use it’s quick disconnect system to fill your water bladder. It can use a variety of bags and can run a tube from it into anything. The Be Free is more limited, lighter by a hair and slightly faster, but still not as adaptable.
Agreed. I would also add the the befree for a solo hiker is also super convenient. Filling the bag & drinking is easier. I use the cnoc bags with my Sawyer. And I love using that as a gravity filter setup, especially when I go with the scout and have larger volumes to process... The Sawyer also lasts longer and is easier to clean thoroughly... in my experience...
One of the main advantages of the sawyer is its ability to fit a standard water bottle. If you bust a hole in the BeFree's bladder you are done, you are not going to replace it on or near the trail ; If i bust the bladder that i'm using for my Sawyer, i can buy a standard water near the trail or most likely someone will have one on trail.
It is a nice feature that the Sawyer squeeze can fit on a plastic bottle... That is for sure! But the Befree fits on both of my water bags... So if one breaks, I'm still good... And if I really wanted redundancy, then I bring my cnoc water storage bladder that also fits my befree. Unless I'm thru hiking, and on the trail for months, then I'm totally covered...
Great suggestion, I also introduced the Befree into my kit this year. There is a new Cnoc made specifically for the Befree, with a 42mm connection. I don't mind the extra ounce or so, but like the convenience of being able to fill in most kinds of streams. I also tote around a MSR Trailshot filter. I hike in areas that can be tricky with water, and have very small sources in the Summer. Thanks again
Hey Doc, Thanks for stopping by. I have the 42mm 3L Cnoc bag, but I typically only bring it for longer dry sections or with larger groups. It is definitely a more robust option versus the Evernew bags... I'm not familiar with the Trailshot. I'll go take a look at it. Thanks!
Morning Andy! I agree 100% with new kit. I have switched to almost the same kit, except for bladder brands and I still like a Gatorade bottle as my smellable as it can take “hot” water for coffee or tea. For bags I have a 3L hydrapak that fits the be free, a 2L Cnoc that fits the befree, and a 2 L hydroblu bag that stands up like your evernew. In case of emergency, I also have a 3D printed adapter that allows you to use the befree on traditional thread pitch. Same 1 Liter smart water bottle and. 700ml Gatorade bottle for my smellables. Pretty great kit, abs weights about the same as one Nalgene bottle! My biggest issue with the befree is cost per liter when compared to the sawyer or hydroblu but I guess you pay foe the better flow rate. Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful
Sounds very similar! The cost is definitely higher, although I'm not sure I totally believe the total life capacity of the Sawyer Squeeze. It is fair to say that I would expect to get more life out of the Squeeze, but I'm not sure how much more in real-life conditions to make an accurate calculation... Do you use the Seeker 3L bottle from Hydrapak? Also, just FYI, the UltraFlask can take liquids from frozen to 140°F per their website - hydrapak.com/collections/soft-flasks/products/ultra-flask-600-ml
@@AndyParrishOutdoors good to know about the ultra flask. 140 is hot enough for trail coffee, but I still think I like a hard sided container. Maybe I’ll try one to see if I like it. Gotta stay open to new things or you might miss out on “the one”. I don’t trust the 100,000 gallon claim of the hydroblu, but I don’t trust the 1000 of the befree either. Like I said, you pay for that awesome flow! I do love the way you backflush the befree as well. Just fill it and shake really hard! No syringe needed! Thanks again for another great video. Be well. -Grateful
@Michael Gardenier Touche! 😂 ...I have a 5-year-old sawyer squeeze that is going strong and a BeFree that is 2+ years old that still has a lot of life yet... I'm hoping they are both years away from needing replacement... here's to hoping... 🍻
@@AndyParrishOutdoors my saywer is about that old too, the hydroblu is 3? I have had no issues with them at all, other than they are slow. The sawyer is worse than the hydroblu but always was. That being said, I’m not filtering high sediment water. 99% of the water I filter is clear. I have heard of people out west killing a saywer in a week from ultra fine particulate and I know one AT hiker I follow replaced their befree after 60 days or so. Maybe where you live or hike matters more than I think? I never really thought about it like that (Other than no steri pens for melted snow, but that’s a whole different discussion) I am 100% with you on the convenience and ease of use factor. Nothing I’ve ever used is as easy as the befree and I like that. I also like that it keeps my stomach free of the nasties! Can’t wait for the next video! Are you guys doing any training trips for Summit Bechtel?
Hello Andy, great to meet you at the Indiana Meet Up. I support your channel, connected, watched video in full, and commenting. I look forward to seeing your videos. Anytime you want to do an adventure just let me know. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking equipment review! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, Andy, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Best regards, Yuriy!
I use the Platypus quickdraw, a 2ltr cnoc bladder, and a 1.5ltr smart water bottle, It allows me to attach a line and draw water from wells and banks without actually dipping by hand. I can still gravity filter and go direct to the bottle for convenience. flow is better than sawyer, and can be resealed for cold weather. I dislike the hydro flask water carriers and skipped using the Befree system.
Great video Andy! I had a major issue with Sawyer when the filter locked up on trail. After I soaked it in warm water, I was able to unplug the filter. Senior Hiker 77 love his Katadyn and has a lot of great things to say about it. Maybe your endorsement and this review was enough to push me to purchase. Hope you are doing well!
I think both are really good and I had a tough time moving from my Sawyer squeeze and cnoc vecto bag setup to the Befree. Ultimately the weight and the convenience pushed me towards the Befree. I've been really happy with it and as much as I like the Sawyer, I don't ever choose to bring it anymore.
I’ve been seriously considering switching to the Be Free. I think this video did it! I think I’m ordering the Be Free and the Evernew bag. Does the Be Free fit the Evernew bag or do you pour from the Evernew to the Be Free bag? Also, new sub. I like your style. 🦑
The Evernew does not fit the befree. I use it as a clean storage bag. I filter water into it when I need a bit more capacity (4L). Otherwise I just take the Smartwater bottle and the Befree for 2L standard capacity. If you want to have your storage bag fit the filter, there are 2 other great options. The Hydrapak Seeker in multiple sizes - amzn.to/37tBBvS and the Cnoc Vecto 42mm in 2L or 3L - bit.ly/3g2bzVt I did a video on the Cnoc a while back... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F6S74HQ0iMI.html
@@KatadynGroup thanks. I’ve already ordered and I’ve been using it on a couple of trips. I ordered it with the 3 liter bag which was critical for me on my last trip. I only wish there was a fitting to connect it to Smart Water bottles with a hole to allow air to escape. We’re looking at you, engineers.
😅😅 no one telling you about the be free slow down after 6 most of use, it slow down so bad it next home will be the landfill be free is garbage, I gave up after my second purchase I will stick with Sawyer.
It is true that the befree does not last as long... I get about 2 years max out of mine before I have to swap it out... I'm on #2 now with #3 waiting in storage... 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors about a year now. It as never clogged. I would like get the larger capacity one. I am hiking the KHT this summer and water sources are unpredictable.
It totally depends on what you're looking to get out of your filter. I think the Sawyer is better in many ways. The ability to back flush it increases its lifespan dramatically. But you definitely can't tell me that it's more convenient to use than the befree.
Sawyer fileters SUCK. I have all three models and they have all failed. They nolonger output any water. They have not been used more then just a few times each. So just say not to Sawyer.
