| A member of Katadyn's Backcountry Series of water filters, the Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter is the first water filter that is adjustable for different conditions. It combines two leading technologies into one high-performance pump: ceramic for a longer life and pleated glass fiber for easy operation. The Vario offers a high output and also contains a replaceable carbon core to keep the water tasting fresh. Key Details: - Output: Up to 2 quarts (2 liters) per minute
- Cartridge Capacity: Up to 500 gallons (1875 liters)
- Weight: 15 ounces
- Height: 6.5 inches
- Hose Length: 36 inches
- Includes prefilter, cleaning pad, and deluxe carry bag
About Katadyn
Katadyn of Switzerland has been producing high quality portable water systems since 1928. Their history has been one of innovation and durability. Katadyn products are used by militaries, health organizations and outdoor adventurers world-wide. No other water system provides higher quality or longer lasting performance. Katadyn is the global leader in portable water treatment. With subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, France, and Singapore; Katadyn develops, produces, and distributes high quality products which are used whenever safe drinking water isn't available--for travel, camping and humanitarian operations. From Backpackgeartest.org
The Katadyn Vario Microfilter is part of the backcountry series filter line. The manufacturer indicates this filter line is good for all round use. The manufacturer claims that this filter meets the industry standards for reduction of bacteria (99.9999% Klebsiella terrigena) and protozoan cysts (99.9 % Giardia and Cryptosporidium)...read the entire review
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 Clean Water in the Amazon |
| Review Date: December 18, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Andreas Julseth, My sailboat, Aruba |
I recently went to the Ecuadorian Amazon and spent a week living in the rain forest with indigenous people. I went on long treks and relied on the Vario to deliver drinking water from streams I passed on the way. The fact that I never got sick is a testament to the effectiveness of the Vario.
It was easy to hook up directly to my CamelBak, so there was no chance of contamination. Whenever I used it, I had it in the "longer life" setting where you pump a little less water per minute, but it passes through both filters inside. I've used several other filters and the speed and ease which I was able to fill up my 100oz Camelbak is far superior to any of them. The pumping motion is easy to use and it pumps a lot more water even on the "Longer life" (slow) setting than other filters.
Overall I think it is a fantastic product that I would recommend to anyone traveling to locations where you don't know if you can trust the water. |
Works great, holds up well, just read the directions and don't abuse it.
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| Review Date: June 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ejwitt, United States |
I've had mine out multiple times and so far it's worked flawlessly. One item to note is that the intake connection sticks out from the side of the unit and is plastic. I would prefer to have had it covered or protected but I just make certain I pack it so that part won't get stressed.
As others have said, this thing filters water extremely fast. I've not had to use it in situations where the water has been highly contaminated or loaded with sediment so I can't say whether it has issues in those situations. The bottom is sized to screw right onto many water bottles and hydration bladders which saves having to use the outlet tube (included). Since I don't camp every week, I follow the long-term storage instructions on the unit before packing it away. This involves running 1L of water with either Katadyn's water purifier tablets or a small amount of bleach through the unit. Next comes removal of the ceramic disc filter to be scrubbed off, and finally removal of the paper/carbon filter to allow it to air dry. After about 24 hours I put some included silicone lubricant on the O-rings and put it back together. I haven't replaced the activated charcoal yet but it's not difficult to find and not overly expensive. If the unit is dried properly the charcoal should last quite a while.
The filter parts have tabs which are designed to make certain the unit goes back together properly, but I have to wonder if some of the problems reported are the result of improper re-assembly after cleaning.
I will agree with others that it is a bit bulky (it doesn't present any problems for my pack) but it's also pretty light, and compared to some of the more compact units, this one produces a lot more filtered water a lot faster. As with most camping products, the buyer should consider the tradeoffs of ultra-small and lightweight vs. lower expense and more usability. |
Worked Great
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| Review Date: October 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: G. Risner, Scottsdale, AZ |
Purchased to take on Scouting Backpacking and hiking trips. I used it for refilling approximately 40 - 32 oz water bottles on first trip. Water filtered was from a fairly clear creek, so I set the filter to the extended life setting and still pumped water at an incredibly fast rate (seemed much faster than advertised). Other Adult leaders were amazed at its speed and soon were asking to borrow it rather than use their model (the one I used to borrow). The water tasted great!!!
We later found out that one of the older Scouts was drinking water straight from the Creek without filtering and/or treating with chemicals. That scout ended up vomiting during the trip. Not sure if it was related or not. No one else got sick and we were a group of 30.
Once I got home, I proceeded to clean the unit, very easy to do. This is now an essential item for each of my future trips. Be sure to use it at home prior to taking out into the field. You will want to flush out the carbon black dust and make sure it works prior to your trip. This is a well constructed unit. However, I recommend that you bring some back-up chemicals just in case you break it. You wouldn't want to be left without safe water.
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great filter, pretty fast, good tasting water
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| Review Date: June 22, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Sean Bova, Schenectady, NY USA |
as the title says, this is a great filter. One of the faster ones I've used in a long time, though there MAY be faster ones out there, I'd be aftaid to see what they cost.
water pumped through tastes just like it came out of my Brita pitcher at home, though I'd never trust the Brita pitcher to remove the nasties that this filter does (namely crypto and giardia)
I like that I can screw my nalgene (wide mouth only I believe) directly to the bottom rather than mussing with an extra hose... though you DO have that option if you are using a bladder system. |
small..light..fast flow....AMAZING!
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| Review Date: February 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Christopher K. Bangs, |
| I bought the katadyn vario about 7 months ago for my first water filter, and since then its done nothing short of amazing me!! I do alot of spelunking, and regularly spend a week or more on location. Now I can't begin to describe what lives in cave water, but this filter takes care of it all!! It's easy to use, clean, it's light, and the water is clear..pure..and great tasting. But most of all i rely on this filter with my life. Now the real test comes when i walk the cdt this year. |
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