KATADYN's "B-Free AC 0.5L" review: Water purification speed even faster! A highly practical water purification bottle that can be used like a water bottle
written by Yosuke.C
Hydration in the field. In Japan, where water resources are blessed, there is often no access to the water and spring water from streams that flow near mountain trails without the drinks they bring in, so there is relatively little concern about water problems in the field. However, it is also true that compared to the past, it is no longer possible to say that "any stream or spring water is absolutely safe."
Even if the river looks beautiful at first glance, the pollution situation is difficult to understand, and it would be difficult to judge on the field. There are also invisible dangers such as E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, and Echinococcus (Hokkaido region). It's safe to have a portable water purifier so you don't have to worry about securing water in the unlikely event of an emergency.
There are many outdoor portable water filters in the market, but this time I'd like to review them because I had the opportunity to use KATADYN Be-Free AC 0.5L I also have the old model on hand, so I will also share the differences that have been renewed. The Be-Free AC0.5 has a fast water purification speed and can be handled with one hand, making it a highly practical water purification bottle that can be used actively while climbing, even when climbing. This item is recommended for those who want not only "drinking water" but also "drinking delicious water."
table of contents
Main features of Be-Free AC 0.5L Blue
KATADYN is a specialized water purifier brand that was founded in Switzerland in 1928. It is a highly reliable water purifier brand, being adopted by military forces and public institutions around the world, and has been introduced by the Three Self-Defense Forces, both land, sea and air, in Japan.
The Be-Free AC 0.5L is a compact model that is convenient to carry and is a water purifier perfect for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, camping, etc. A two-stage water purification system is adopted, a holofine filter and an activated carbon filter. The holofine filter has a macaroni-like holofine membrane with countless micropores of 0.1 microns (0.0001 mm) that removes 99.9% of microorganisms and 99.9999% of bacteria, purifying safe water, and the activated carbon filter reduces the odor and chlorine of the water that is bothering you. Hydrapack soft flasks are used, and the supple material is given importance on light weight, and they can be folded after use, making them less bulky to carry.
The flip cap, which can be opened and closed with one hand, is highly operable, and the mouthpiece is silicone, making it a comfortable and comfortable water purification bottle, and each part can be disassembled, making it an easy-to-maintain water purification bottle.
Favorite points
- Two filters remove 99.9999% of protozoa and bacteria in the water and reduce odor
- The shape has no gusset, making it easy to put in side pockets or bottle holders (0.5L only)
- Soft and durable flask
- Large diameter that makes it easy to fill with water
- Filter that can be purified by turning it upside down
- Lightweight at 72g
- Simple structure that is easy to maintain
Interesting points
- Replacement cartridges are slightly expensive
- Cannot be used except for the dedicated bottle
- Activated carbon filters have a water purification amount of 200L, not a large amount.
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | Be-Free AC 0.5L Blue |
|---|---|
| size | 8.5 x 5.4 x 27.3cm |
| material | Soft flask material TPU (Uses Hydrapack soft flask)/with scale |
| weight | 72g |
| output | Up to 2 liters/min |
| Cleaning capacity |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Water purification performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Weight & Portability | ★★★★★ |
| Filtration speed | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of maintenance | ★★★★☆ |
| Filtration capacity per session | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Durability & Usability | ★★★★☆ |
| Suitable activities | Long-term tent stays, including solo or small group day trips, hiking and mountain climbing |
Detailed review
Two filters remove 99.9999% of protozoa and bacteria in the water and reduce odor
Bee Free AC 0.5L purifies water using a two-stage structure: a macaroni-shaped hollofiber filter and an activated carbon filter with macropores, mesopores, and micropores. The holofia filter has countless pores of 0.1μm (0.0001mm) and removes 99.9999% of protozoa such as amoeba and daphnia, as well as bacteria (bacteria) such as E. coli in the water. The activated carbon filter also reduces the smell of water and chlorine, making the water you have secured even more delicious.
Many of the water purifiers on the market are models that are structured only with holofine filters, and if you just want to ensure drinking water, a holofine filter alone is sufficient, but the Be-Free AC 0.5L has been updated to include an activated carbon filter, so we are particular about not only the water quality but also the taste of the water. Although the river water appears to be clean at first glance, it often has a unique smell, but the water purified with Bee Free AC 0.5L The activated carbon filter has a water purification capacity to purify 1,000L of safe water, and the 1,000L of activated carbon filters has the ability to purify 333 days of water if you need 3L per day for cooking in addition to drinking water.
Large diameter that makes it easy to fill water, and a soft flask with a flexible and durable soft flask
When the filter is removed, the soft flask has a diameter of approximately 33mm, which is larger than the diameter of a plastic bottle, making it easy to collect water, and it is possible to refill it quickly at the water source. Water purifiers that can be used with plastic bottles have advantages in terms of versatility, but the disadvantage is that they are inefficient when putting water in containers. Furthermore, while bottle-shaped containers are highly durable, they cannot change their shape, so they may have trouble drawing water in shallow water areas, but the Be-Free AC 0.5 is a supple, soft flask, it was easy to collect water even in water areas that only came out.
Soft flasks also have scales so you can see the remaining amount at a glance
It uses a material TPU, which combines elasticity like rubber and strength like hard plastic, and by using Hydra Pack's soft flask, it is highly durable and also flexible, so when not in use, it can be rolled up and stored.
Replacement cartridges are slightly expensive
One thing that bothered me was the running cost of replacing the cartridge. The replacement hollofiber filter for Be-Free AC 0.5L Because it has a high water purification capacity, there is no need to replace it that frequently, but it is slightly higher than the water purifiers on the market. The fact that it comes with an activated carbon filter improves the quality of the water and allows you to drink delicious water is the best benefit, but considering that it will last a long time, running costs are a bit of a concern.
Lightweight, fast water purification speed, and no gusset shape makes it easy to use while you are on the move
Just turn it upside down and you'll see purified water coming out.
the Be-Free AC 0.5L upside down, the water purification begins immediately. The water purification speed when sucked in with your mouth becomes even faster, and you can drink it in the same way as if you were drinking it normally using a straw. It has a flip cap structure that can be opened and closed with one hand, and the use of a silicone mouthpiece with a drinking mouth makes it easy to drink.
Can be operated with one hand
The combined water purifier and container are 72g, making it extremely lightweight, and the bottom has no gusset, making it easy to put in the side pockets and bottle holder, making it possible to use it as a water bottle for use while you are on the move. The capacity is 500ml, which is a little smaller than the old model with a bottom gusset. The smaller size reduces the capacity by about 100ml, but whether or not you consider this a benefit depends on the user, but for me, the smaller size is not stressful, and the lack of a gusset made it easy to insert into side pockets, etc.
Comparison of size with the old model. Because it has a gusset, the older model is larger and has a capacity of 600ml.
The holobine filter has a loop, so by using a carabiner, it can be attached to a backpack without using a bottle holder or something similar. This method of using the product is in the way when the bottle is hanging out during intense activities such as running, but it's not too bothersome when hiking, and it's easy to use as you can do everything with one hand, including operating the carabiner. Because it comes with a loop, it is about 13g heavier than the previous model, but it has become more versatile and has expanded the range of uses.
You can also use a carabiner to hook it onto your backpack
Simple structure that is easy to maintain
The thing that worries you with a water purifier is storage. Many water purifiers have a structure that prevents the water from drying out once they are used, so it is a concern for the hygiene aspects of storage. The Be-Free AC 0.5L has a simple structure, but two filters can be removed, allowing you to dry thoroughly. Therefore, after use, remove the container and filter, dry thoroughly before storing, so there is no need to worry about hygiene.
Summary: This is a truly long-awaited car for hikers looking for lightness and comfort!
We introduced the KATADYN Be-Free AC 0.5L
Be-Free AC 0.5L, which requires no effort to filter , you can ensure delicious water without stress for a wide range of outdoor activities, whether it's just mountain climbing or hiking. It is said that more than half of the human body is made up of water. Why not go out into the field with Be-Free AC 0.5L so you can enjoy such an important "water" in a delicious way at any time
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Yosuke
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.
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