On the positive side, the Mini is extremely small and light. (It will actually fit into a pocket, while the Pocket Filter won't.) It uses the same superior ceramic technology as Katdyn's other filters. On the negative side, it's even more difficult to handle and to pump than the Pocket Filter. It's slow, and it's a struggle. If you want a good upper body workout, go no further. My filter eventually exploded. In the struggle of pumping, I apparently created enough pressure to shatter the ceramic element.

Customer Service

I called Katadyn USA after my Mini Filter exploded. I wanted to upgrade to a Pocket Filter. I can't remember the exact price, but they would have charged a lot. Also, the person answering the phone was Swiss (though this was the US affiliate), so there was a bit of a language barrier. Campmor got me a better upgrade price, and they got it to me quickly.

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Katadyn Pocket Filter

This filter is difficult and slow to pump. I've owned my pump for five years and used it everywhere from India to Guatamala and lakes in the Coastal mountains of BC and am yet to get sick drinking it's cleaned water. There are a few problems with it though including its speed and how fast the seal wears out.

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I find this thing really slow, but that's to be expected for such an ultralight compact .02 micron filter. It filters as fine as you can get, so it offers loads of protection, where viruses arn't a concern. Overpriced.. light.. Slow.. hard to pump.. Expensive cartridge.

Customer Service

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MSR waterworks MSR miniworks Sweetwater Guardian

Overall not a bad product but it is hard to pump (you can develop very large forearms in no time). Easy to use and clean. I have had no problems with mine. Also, hard to get water into container, it could use a second hose that would feed into container.

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For durability this filter gets a 5. For usability, are there negative numbers? Just try to pump it. To use it, you have to place it between your knees while trying to keep the intake hose in the source, while trying to direct the output into the container. If we had three strong arms, this would be the best filter out there. But we don't. After several years of struggling, I went back to pilling my water. Despite my investement of $130, this filter now sits on a shelf in my closet. I bought a Pur Hiker instead and compared to the Katadayn, it is a joy to use. It isn't nearly as well made, but who cares!

Customer Service

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Purchased the Pur Hiker and found it to be, by far, much easier to use. It probably won't last as long, but it is half the price.

I have had my Katadyn Mini for over a year now, and love it. I would have to agree with the reviews that follow, it's hard to pump, but if size and weight are prime on your list of considerations, this is the pump for you. Compared to other pumps it's very easy to clean and replace parts (I haven't had to replace anything as of yet).

Customer Service

I use Platypus water bags from Cascade Designs. They have a pump attachment that fits the output of the Mini perfectly. This allows you to place the base of the unit on a hard surface. I could not imagine having to hold the thing in your hand and aiming it into a bottle.

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PUR Hiker, Sweet Water.

Sure this filter is slow, but it sure is light and small!! I like to travel light so this filter works well for me. I wouldn't want to have to pump water for a group though. I have used it for four years and never had a problem.

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I've had the mini ceramic for about six months now and I am satisfied with its performance. It's hard to pump and slow, but its nice features make up for those things. The filter is small enough to fit into your back pocket and it's one of the lightest on the market at about eight ounces. Another nice thing, the ceramic element will clean 2,000 gallons. You won't have to spend a fortune on replacements, making a great value as well.

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