# Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter (Katadyn) and Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter (Aquamira) among backpacking water filters. Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter is the cheaper of the two at $29.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter | Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $44.95 | $29.99 |
| Brand | Katadyn | Aquamira |
| Filtration rating microns | 0.1 | — |
| Flow rate lpm | 2 | — |
| Rated lifetime (L) | 1000 | 3785 |
| Filter media type | hollow-fiber membrane (EZ-Clean) | hollow-fiber membrane with Miraguard antimicrobial treatment (Series IV interchangeable cartridge) |
| Removes bacteria protozoa virus | bacteria and protozoa (no virus) | bacteria only on the Backcountry+ cartridge tested here; a separate Worldwide-cartridge variant adds virus removal (rated 120 gal) |
| Weight (oz) | 2.85 | — |
| Field cleanable backflush | Yes | No |
| Cartridge replaceable | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Rated lifetime (L): Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter 1000 vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter 3785
- Filter media type: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter hollow-fiber membrane (EZ-Clean) vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter hollow-fiber membrane with Miraguard antimicrobial treatment (Series IV interchangeable cartridge)
- Removes bacteria protozoa virus: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter bacteria and protozoa (no virus) vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter bacteria only on the Backcountry+ cartridge tested here; a separate Worldwide-cartridge variant adds virus removal (rated 120 gal)
- Field cleanable backflush: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter Yes vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter No

## Sources

- Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter: https://www.katadyn.com/us/us/8020451-katadyn-befree-1.0l (katadyn.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter: https://www.aquamira.com/products/aquamira-frontier-max-backcountry-plus (aquamira.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/backpacking-water-filters/katadyn-befree-1-0l-vs-aquamira-frontier-max/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter ($44.95) vs Aquamira Frontier Max Backcountry+ Water Filter ($29.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/backpacking-water-filters/katadyn-befree-1-0l-vs-aquamira-frontier-max/
License: CC BY 4.0.