Filter Technology
Precision Filtration.
Built for the Wild.
A 0.1 micron hollow fibre membrane that stops bacteria, protozoa and viruses — independently tested by SGS — so you drink clean wherever the trail takes you.
Filtration Capability
What Gets Stopped.
What Gets Through.
At 0.1 microns, the hollow fibre membrane is a physical barrier smaller than any bacteria or protozoa on earth. Here's exactly what that means in the field.
E. coli, Salmonella, Cholera, Campylobacter — and every other known bacterial pathogen. The smallest known bacteria is 0.2μm, so our 0.1μm membrane physically blocks them all.
✓ BlockedCryptosporidium, Giardia (flagellates), Entamoeba histolytica, and hydra. Protozoa are far larger than the pore size — stopped completely without question.
✓ BlockedViruses are technically smaller than the pore — but in natural water they almost always exist bonded to bacteria or organic debris, which the filter captures. Result: >99.9999% removal in real-world conditions.
✓ 99.9999% RemovedHeavy metals and agricultural chemicals exist as dissolved ions — far too small for any hollow fibre membrane. Only reverse osmosis (RO) removes them. In the field: choose your source water wisely.
✗ Not FilteredSize at a Glance — Micron Scale
*Viruses in natural freshwater almost always attach to bacteria or organic particles, capturing them during filtration. SGS challenge testing confirmed >99.9999% removal.
How To Use
Using Your HydraTrail Filter Flask
Simple in the field. Follow these six steps to get clean water flowing every time.
Choose Your Source
Fill from a running stream, river, or lake. Avoid stagnant water, water near farmland, or any source that may carry chemical or heavy metal runoff. The filter handles biological threats — not chemical ones.
Fill Correctly
Open the cap at the correct grip point so the filter cartridge can rotate freely inside the flask. Fill with raw water and tighten the cap gently — never force-twist it, as this can cause leaks.
Squeeze & Drink
Squeeze the soft TPU flask to push water through the hollow fibre membrane. Every drop through the bite valve is filtered. Water flows at 0.8 L/min — enough for steady hydration on the move.
Keep It Flowing
Every 5 litres, shake or swing the bottle to dislodge trapped particles and restore flow rate. On multi-day trips, carry a spare filter cartridge in your pack.
Never Freeze It
Do not use or store the filter in sub-zero temperatures. Ice crystals can fracture the hollow fibre membrane — allowing unfiltered water to pass through. In cold conditions, keep the flask inside your jacket.
Protect the Nozzle
Never let raw unfiltered water touch the bite valve. If the nozzle contacts contaminated water, clean it before drinking. Don't share the nozzle with others unless necessary.
Maintenance
Cleaning Your Filter
Regular cleaning is the single biggest thing you can do to extend filter life and maintain flow rate. Two methods — both gentle on the membrane.
A Shake to Clean
Fill the flask with clean water. Shake gently back and forth for 30–60 seconds. The agitation dislodges trapped particles from the fibre bundle without touching or stressing the membrane. Pour out and repeat once if needed.
Best for: quick trail maintenance every few litres.
B Static Water Rinse
Remove the filter cartridge from the bottle cap. Submerge and rinse gently in a bowl of clean, still water — no scrubbing, no rubbing. Allow trapped particles to wash free naturally, then reassemble.
Best for: deep clean after filtering silty or muddy water.
⚠️ Never Do This to Your Filter
- Rinse directly under a tap or any pressurised water source — pressure can rupture the fibres
- Use brushes, cloths, cotton buds, or any abrasive on the membrane surface
- Put the filter in a dishwasher, steam oven, or microwave — heat destroys the membrane
- Poke, prick, or forcibly squeeze the filter element — any puncture means immediate replacement
- Filter anything other than fresh water — juices, sports drinks, or salt water will contaminate and block the membrane permanently
Lifespan & Storage
Looking After Your Filter Long-Term
Storing for More Than a Few Days
Once the filter has been used, it must be disinfected before storage to prevent mould or bacteria growing inside the membrane. Follow these steps:
Reactivation after drying: If the filter has dried out completely, soak in clean water for at least 1 hour before use, then squeeze several times to restore normal flow. After disinfecting, filter 2 litres of clean water through before drinking to remove any residual odour.
🔍 Filter Integrity Test
Not sure if your membrane is still intact after a hard trip? Run this quick field test:
Know Your Water Source This filter removes biological threats — bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. It cannot remove heavy metals, agricultural chemicals, radioactive substances, seawater, or brackish water. In areas near mining, farmland, or industrial zones, choose your source with care. When uncertain, boil filtered water before drinking.
Challenge-tested by SGS — one of the world's leading independent testing bodies — against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). Incoming water: 9.3 × 10⁶ CFU per 100 mL. Filtered output: <1 CFU per 100 mL.
Flow rate 0.8 L/min · Tested at start-up of service life