Katadyn
Clean water is non-negotiable in the NZ backcountry. While NZ mountain water looks pristine, Giardia is present in many waterways — including high-country streams. A filter is the responsible choice on any multi-day trip.
Katadyn is the world's leading portable water filtration brand — Swiss-made, trusted by expeditions and trampers globally. The range runs from ultralight squeeze bottles to pump filters and gravity systems for groups.
Choosing the Right Katadyn
For most NZ trampers, the BeFree 1.0L is the right call — fill from any stream, squeeze through the hollow fibre filter, drink. 44g filter weight, fast flow, 1,000-litre cartridge life. Simple. The BeFree Gravity 6L or 10L suits groups and base camps where filtering individual bottles becomes tedious — hang it, let gravity do the work.
For more demanding conditions or higher daily volumes, the Hiker Pro pump filter is more robust and handles turbid water better than the BeFree squeeze system. Slower but more thorough.
Micropur Forte tablets are worth carrying as backup regardless of which filter you use — they provide a virus kill step that hollow fibre filters don't cover, and add reassurance if your filter fails in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a water filter for NZ tramping?
Yes — Giardia is present in many NZ waterways, including streams that look completely clean. It causes serious gastrointestinal illness and can end a trip. Hollow fibre filters like the Katadyn BeFree remove Giardia and bacteria reliably. For standard NZ backcountry use, the BeFree is appropriate. Carry Micropur tablets as backup for any uncertain source.
How long does a Katadyn filter cartridge last?
The BeFree cartridge is rated to 1,000 litres — hundreds of days of use for a typical tramper. Flow rate slows as the filter accumulates particles; backflush by shaking with clean water to restore it. Replacement cartridges are available from Dwights. On extended trips, carry a spare cartridge or Micropur tablets as insurance.
What's the difference between the BeFree and the Hiker Pro?
The BeFree is lighter, simpler, and fast — fill, squeeze, drink. It's the right choice for most NZ solo and paired trampers. The Hiker Pro is a pump filter — heavier and more involved, but handles higher daily volumes and turbid water more effectively. Better suited to groups or situations where you're filtering from variable sources over extended periods.
Why Buy Katadyn from Dwights?
Dwights is an authorised Katadyn dealer in New Zealand — genuine Swiss-made water filtration backed by the full manufacturer warranty. Katadyn is the benchmark brand for backcountry water treatment, trusted by trampers, hunters and expedition teams worldwide. NZ-stocked, fast delivery.