Water Filter Accessories
On This Page
Top Picks
How we choose: The best water filter accessories highlighted here were selected based on 8 reviews of 6 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a water filter accessory that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
Katadyn Carbon Cartridge
This is a fairly inexpensive, simple, upgrade/add-on for filters such as the Hiker, Hiker PRO, and even the older PUR models. I recommend this product for anyone using those models, especially if you are getting water from a source that is used by recreational watercraft, or the source water has a bad taste or odor.
Reasons to Buy
- Simple "add-on" or upgrade
- Easy to use–no moving parts
- Reduces chemicals, tastes, and odors from water
- Fairly inexpensive (at first)
Reasons to Avoid
- Adds a bit of weight and bulk
- Filling/re-filling carbon granules is tedious
- Replacement granules cost almost as much as product
Trailspace has two (2) group headings for this product, under different names. This product is currently called the "Katadyn Bottle Adapter with Activated Carbon" on Katadyn's website. They are one and the same. I placed this review under the "Katadyn Carbon Cartridge" heading because when I purchased them back in 2010, that is exactly what they were called. I have no idea when Katadyn changed the name. And, depending on where you purchase from , and how old their stock is, the packaging may very well still say "Carbon Cartridge".
Read more: Katadyn Carbon Cartridge review (1)
Katadyn Hiker/Hiker PRO/Base Camp Replacement Element
REVIEW/REPLACEMENT WALKTHROUGH: A simple, easy to replace cartridge. With replacement, this will upgrade your Hiker model to the Hiker Pro! Added field serviceable filter protector extends filter life in murky conditions. 4 stars only because I think the replacement element is pretty expensive.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy replacement
- Comes with all needed parts for maintenance
- Easy to find for purchase
Reasons to Avoid
- High price
Servicing my 20-year-old PUR Hiker this weekend, I decided to post a walkthrough of the filter cartridge replacement. This kit will maintain all PUR and Katadyn Hiker/Hiker PRO models. This model of element has been readily available for a long time, and I think it will continue to be. The replacement specification of the cartridge is every 300 gallons/1135 liters. It is also recommended to disassemble the filter after use to dry all parts out in order to prevent mold & bacteria growth. There are two main differences betwixt the Katadyn Hiker and Hiker PRO.
Read more: Katadyn Hiker/Hiker PRO/Base Camp Replacement Element review (1)
Sawyer Water Filter Squeeze Pouch
Light, easy to use, we came up with a few solutions to some of the downfalls Weak bags and dripping bags in rivers.
Reasons to Buy
- Light
- Pack into small area
- Easy to use
Reasons to Avoid
- Sawyer bags are weak and break
- Dipping hand in to COLD stream to fill
We found the Filter Squeeze Pouch system easy to use, But dripping the bag in to the cold stream first thing in the morning was not fun. We found storing the system into a 1 gallon heavy duty ziplock bag allowed us to fill the bag and pour the water into the filter bag. The other downfall is we have had the squeeze bags break. Sawyer does not support this failure of their product and will not listen to your complaints... We found the Platypus bags screw right on to the filter (we also experimented with others and found some 1 ltr.
Read more: Sawyer Water Filter Squeeze Pouch reviews (2)
Sawyer Cleaning Coupling
A simple and brilliant accessory for the Sawyer Squeeze filter that allows one to improve back-flushing success with a device that is smaller and weighs less than the syringe provided for this purpose with this filter. At a price just south of USD $9, it's doubtless overpriced but still well worth it for any Squeeze users.
Reasons to Buy
- Small in size
- Light in weight
- Highly effective
Reasons to Avoid
- Overpriced for a small piece of plastic
Background Sometimes less is more, and sometimes experience allows one to "smooth it" in the woods, to borrow a phrase from nineteenth century outdoorsman and conservationist George Washington Sears. My long quest for the perfect water filtration device has led me through many devices and brands over the years in search of a fast, reliable, and simple water purification solution. At present I carry a Sawyer Squeeze filter attached to a dirty water bag with a hose. This allows the Squeeze to be used as a gravity filter.
Read more: Sawyer Cleaning Coupling review (1)
Katadyn Exstream/MyBottle Virustat Kit
Great filter. Only imparts a slight iodine taste.
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent filtration
- Easy to replace cartridge
- Reliable
Reasons to Avoid
- Slight iodine taste
I've used this setup for a few years to filter water on hikes up to a week long. I have filtered water from disgusting cow ponds and have never gotten sick. The flow rate is on the slow side, but it's a small price to pay for a great filtration system. This kit gives me enough confidence to drink water from pretty much any source if necessary. I find that the slow flow rate actually makes me drink more often and keep hydrated as opposed to chugging water which can produce a dangerous electrolyte imbalance. The filter does impart a slight iodine taste, but it doesn't taste bad at all—perfectly drinkable.
Read more: Katadyn Exstream/MyBottle Virustat Kit review (1)
More Reviews of Water Filter Accessories
Trailspace reviewers have shared 8 reviews of 6 different water filter accessories.
or add yours
Other Types of Water Treatment
Find more water treatment reviewed in these related categories:
Water Purifiers
Pump and Gravity Water Filters
Bottle and Inline Water Filters
+2 more types
Review Your Outdoor Gear
If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.
Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.
Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace