Katadyn Vario Microfilter

Katadyn Vario Microfilter

Average Rating: rated 3.50 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 15 Trailspace users

Description

The Vario Microfilter is a water filter made by Katadyn. It has an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5), based on 15 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Campmor:
"The only water filter adjustable for different conditions. It combines the two best technologies, ceramic and pleated microfiltration. This two filter system combines the benefit of easy operation with high water output and extended cartridge life. In dirty water conditions, a ceramic disk protects the primary filter. In normal water, it is easily adjustable to provide maximum water output. Microfiltration method includes cleanable ceramic disk which lengthens the life of the primary microfilter. 0.3 Micron high surface area, pleated glass fiber microfilter removes waterborne bacteria and cysts. Fast flow mode filters clean water with ceramic filter disengaged. Output in fast flow mode up to 2 quarts per minute (2 liters per minute). Output in longer life mode with ceramic filter produces 1 quart per minute. Replaceable carbon core reduces chemicals, pesticides and bad taste in water. Attaches to standard wide mouth bottles. Cartridge Capacity: Up to 500 gallons (1875 liters). Includes 2 bags, replaceable carbon prefilter, deluxe carry bag and cleaning pad. Wt. 1 lb. 1 oz. Size: 6.5 in. x 3.8 in. x 3 in."

From Backcountry.com:
"Katadyn's lightweight Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter adjusts for dirty water or normal water conditions, so you get the cleanest, freshest water possible no matter where you're backpacking. A simple turn engages the ceramic prefilter when you're pumping out of a muddy lake so the pleated glass-fiber filter inside doesn't get destroyed. After a long, hard hike, this Katadyn water filter's dual piston pump works smoothly and easily-pumping out up to 2-liters per minute. The Vario Dual Technology Filter removes waterborne bacteria so you can drink safely on your camping trips, and uses a replaceable carbon core and cleanable ceramic disc. Attach Katadyn's adaptor base directly to your standard Nalgene water bottle opening, or use the output hose for larger water containers."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"The Katadyn Vario is the first ever water filter to combine the benefits long life and fast flow in one product. Katadyn Vario Features: Combines Ceramic and Pleated Technology = Adjustable for different field conditions Dual Piston Technology = Most efficient, fastest flow available Replaceable Carbon Core = Keeps water tasting fresh Multi-Water Adaptor Base = Easiest to fill and water container/ bladder Microfiltration Method: Cleanable ceramic disc lengthens life of primary pleated microfilter. 0.3 micron high surface area pleated glassfiber microfilter removes waterborne bacteria and cysts. Replaceable carbon core reduces chemicals, pesticides, and bad taste in water. Output: Up to 2 quarts (2 liters) per minute. Cartridge Capacity: Up to 500 gallons (1875 liters), depending on water quality Weight: 15 oz."

From Moosejaw:
"On Sale. Free Shipping. Katadyn Vario Water Filter (Fall 2009) The Vario Water Filter by Katadyn is the first ever water filter to combine the benefits long life and fast flow in one productFeatures:Microfiltration Method: Cleanable ceramic disc lengthens life of primary pleated microfilter. 0.3 micron high surface area pleated glassfiber microfilter removes waterborne bacteria and cysts. Replaceable carbon core reduces chemicals, pesticides, and bad taste in water. Output: Up to 2 quarts (2 liters) per minute. Cartridge Capacity: Up to 500 gallons (1875 liters), depending on water quality Weight: 15 oz. Height: 6.5in. Hose Length: 36in. Includes: Prefilter, Cleaning Pad, and Deluxe Carry Bag"

User Reviews

rated 3.5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Boyscout21, Jul 12, 2009

"Great product. It got the water perfect. The only problem is that it takes a long time to pump it."

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rated 1 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Kay, Jun 06, 2009

"I gave this product one star due to the fact that when I'm in the BWCA and the winds are too high to be out on the lake I would rather sit on shore for an hour pumping water then leaning over the side of my canoe with my bilge pump.

This product work one or two time before the seal popped the first time."

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rated 4.5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by mike068, Apr 22, 2009

"I have used this for a full season and it works very nice. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. If the water is extremely dirty you do get a hint of a mucky taste but no big deal. I put a piece of cloth over the pre-filter if the water is very dirty."

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rated 0.5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Starwind, Jan 05, 2009

"I wish I could write a positive review of this filter to squelch the naysayers, but I really can't. I read the reviews before I purchased it and thought "hey, I'm no fool, I will put in the extra time and effort to make this filter work" it seemed like a high quality item by a reputable company so I went with it."

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rated 0.5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Bruce Bolger, Oct 25, 2008

"Bought brand new from Bass Pro. Tested at home before trip worked fine. First time I used on 10-day trip worked fine. Then every time after that I tried to use it would not pump water. This was a perfectly clear stream in Alaska and filter was not getting dirty."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Timber Jim, Oct 17, 2008

"I just spent 3 long days hiking the Bigelow Mt. range and used this filter for all my water needs. It's easy to use, easy to pump and easy to clean. Fills a 32 oz. water bottle quicker than other filters.

It comes apart easily and goes back together quick and slick."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by AJ, Apr 20, 2008

"This is a great water filter...the adjustable flow is a great feature. It is maintained with ease and you do just a little to take care of it, it will take care of you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!"

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Gman, Mar 04, 2008

"I love this pump. I used it about 12 times this summer and it pumped beautifully every time. Perfect fit for the nalgene and pumps super fast!! It saved me from carrying a lot of extra pounds of water on the 15+ mile day hikes in the DAKS."

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rated 2 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Jason Thomas, Feb 19, 2008

"This water filter left us without water. We only used this filter for 1 and a half trips when it started acting up and not pumping with much flow. Water started spewing out the top despite our best efforts to clean the ceramic filter and the main paper filter."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Russ, Jan 13, 2008

"This review is for everybody that is very smart and people who are not so smart. I read a lot about reviews of the Vario and people who do not give a 5 star to this product are people that are just not smart enough to figure this simple machine out."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Eric Mathurin, Nov 28, 2007

"I used this filter on a two-week cycling trip in Cameroon. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is quick and easy to use and I encountered no issues or clogs despite filtering water of dubious clarify on many occasions. By the end of the trip the flow had slowed a bit and a little water would leak over the top."

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rated 0 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Perry, Nov 26, 2007

"It worked for one trip and then problems began. Once the disc got dirty it started leaking and cleaning the disk helped little. Then one of the bellows broke... Junk.

Buy a Guide."

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rated 4 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Owen Branson, Jun 14, 2007

"I bought this product over the MSR version and am very pleased with it. I recently used it for 12 days in the Boundary Waters and it preformed well for 10 days of filtering all drinking water and some dish water (in a fire ban conserving liquid fuel) for a 4 person crew."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Karman, Mar 13, 2007

"Just an update: four more trips in with the new Vario and I have nothing more to add but praise. . . or more praise rather. I miss the lightweight aspect of the Katadyn Exstream, but that's about it. Simply re-stated: I'm a big fan of this filter system."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Vario Microfilter
Reviewed by Karman, Jan 11, 2007

"My old treatment system was a great product, but my lovely wife bought me a new one. My old Katadyn Exstream XR was awesome in most respects, especially for its reasonable price. Actually, the Exstream isn’t much less than this Katadyn Vario: $50 vs."

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Have you owned or used a Katadyn Vario Microfilter? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Vario Microfilter at 13 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Campmor
Vario Microfilter$79.98Buy Now

Backcountry.com
Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter$71.96Buy Now

Oregon Mountain Community
Vario Water Filter$73.95Buy Now

Moosejaw
Vario Water Filter$76.46Buy Now

CampSaver.com
Katadyn Vario Water Filter$80.96Buy Now

REI
Vario Microfilter$89.95Buy Now

Ramsey Outdoor
Vario$89.95Buy Now

RockCreek
Vario Water Filter$89.95Buy Now

Gear for Adventure
Vario Microfilter Water Filter$78.95Buy Now

Massey's
Katadyn Vario Microfilter$94.99Buy Now

EMS
Vario Microfilter$89.95Buy Now

US Outdoor Store
Vario Microfilter$89.95Buy Now

Vargo Outdoors
Vario Dual Tech Filter$90.00Buy Now

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