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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#4 on this list
Pocket Filter
Katadyn
Ceramic pump with a lifetime warranty. The old-school expedition standard, still made.
- Price
- $390 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#5 on this list
Ultra
SteriPEN
UV purification for clear water — kills viruses and protozoa without touching flavor.
- Price
- $390 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Pocket Filter | Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | Pump, Ceramic depth filter | — |
| Pore Size | 0.2 microns | — |
| Removes | Bacteria, Protozoa, Cysts, Sediment | — |
| Flow Rate | 1 liter per minute (approx.) | — |
| Filter Lifespan | Up to 50,000 liters (ceramic) | — |
| Weight | 20 oz (550 g) | Approx. 140g (5 oz) |
| Purification Method | — | UV Light |
| Effective Against | — | Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoa |
| Treatment Time | — | 45-90 seconds per liter |
| Power Source | — | Integrated USB Rechargeable Battery |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Pocket Filter
- Unmatched durability with all-metal construction
- Exceptional filter lifespan (up to 50,000 liters) and field-cleanable ceramic
- Highly reliable and trusted for expedition use
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind
- All parts are replaceable, promoting long-term sustainability
- Significantly heavier and bulkier than most modern filters
- Higher initial cost compared to many alternatives
- Does not remove viruses, limiting use in some global regions
- Pumping can be physically tiring for large water volumes
Ultra
- Neutralizes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa effectively
- No impact on water taste or chemistry
- Lightweight and highly packable design
- USB rechargeable battery, convenient in the field
- Fast treatment time for individual servings
- Does not filter out sediment or particulates
- Requires clear water to be fully effective
- Battery dependent, needs recharging
- UV lamp is fragile if dropped or impacted
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.