I'm looking for some advice on the katadyn base camp. Some of the reviews aren't the best and was wondering if anybody on this site has used one before? I'm needing a purifier that can handle a group of five on a week long trip. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

I just bought one too. I'm going to rubberband a coffee filter around the basecamps filter plus I may pour the water thru a nylon as I fill the basecamps reservoir. Others may have some better ideas, but this is where I'm starting based on hearing that the biggest problem was clogging.

cowdoc,
I just found another website that had reviews for this. Almost all were positive, except for the occasional filter problem. The coffee filter/rubberband sounds like a great idea.

How much are the replacement filters?

I have one; it works great. Make sure clean and dry it between uses. This too will keep the nasties from multiplying and clogging up your filter when not even using it.

Have one and love it!

Thanks for the help. I'm putting it on order.

Bought one before last year's group trip. Six of us used it for six days. LOVED it. Fetch water from a clear area away from shore and all will be well. MUCH better than a pump in a group situation from my experience.

I just got mine on Tuesday and tested it out that night. Slower than I thought it would be. But it sure seems better than sitting hunched over the pump for that amount of time. I'm going to "coffee filter" it as well.

Also a good idea to let it hang for a while before you start filtering the water. The larger chunks in the water will settle to the bottom instead of getting sucked in to the filter.

Great tip, PJ!

I've said it before and I'll say it again.... we use the "extreme series" replacement filter for our base camp filters. They last TONS longer and are much easier to just wipe clean. We really have to watch it not to have too much water on a portage day. On several occasions we have dumped out water after filling every bottle and stomach we could find.

Snipit,

can you post a link for the "extreme series" filters? I've looked for the cleanable ones in the past but have not been able to find them.

mwd---

If I were computer literate I would.... I have purchased several on e-bay. They are becoming fewer and farther between. You really have to read each one that is for sale. They are NOT the "pleated" ones. I have bought them from Katadyn also but they are more expensive. This is my best attempt at a "link" as you call it....

Http://shop.katadyn.com/product/1120070?catalog_id=1&language_id=1

It is really easy to find on katadyn's web site.

good luck

I'd love to see a picture of this extreme series filter you are talking about. The link you posted is to a siphoning filter. Is that what your filter looks like & does it work with the basecamp?

You could contact katadyn directly.... I believe that is the exact one that the customer service rep suggested to me and I in turn purchased. If I am not mistaken.... It comes with a new "bushing", "nut" and discharge hose. Actually... you don't even 'need' the bag that the base camp comes with...you could use a pot if the bag is damaged or torn... it is just a fancy siphoning filter in a cool blue bag. katadyn: 1 800 755 6701

where might I ask are you all ordering this product from? I'd like to from REI but they are only available on backorder and fear it may not arrive before my trip date.

If you have a hrd time finding one contact me. We have a few left in stock and I am sure we can work something out.

OK - might give that one a shot. Kinda weird, though - it doesn't have the big o-ring gasket on it that makes the proper seal with the bag.

I tested out my Base Camp last night, and man mine is slow. I don't remember my friends being as slow, so I am wondering is something is different with it. It's like a drop every couple of seconds. Guess we'll see how long it takes to fill my 2.5 gallon cube. :)

MNdan: Is this a brand new filter you are trying? i have found that i need to 'prime' the filter a bit on a new one (meaning sucking on the hose until you see water...actually you will see excess carbon from the filter first (dark grey/black) and then it will eventually clear up. should go faster than you described unless it is a used filter)

FYI That Guy

Bass Pro has stock. Have had great luck when ordering from them in the past.

I spoke with MooseTrack via email today who offered me a terrific price on a unit, however have decided to take my chances with REI and use last years dividend after being all but assured it would arrive to the Bloomington store by my trip date.

Thank you Moose for you quick response and generous offer.

Not a problem. Good luck and glad to help.