Katadyn

Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter

Outlet nipple is easily broken

EDIT: Repalcement parts were promptly sent without a hiccup, filter works fine again. Inlet nipple is positioned close to handle, but is still very exposed. Mine broke off the first time it was in my backpacking pack - I hadn't even taken it out yet. This would be fine in a day hiking pack where there's more room and fewer hard objects, but in my backpacking pack, or strapped onto the back, it's really a pain to have to keep it in mind so you don't break it even when just setting your pack down. What is nice, is the flow rate, and there is charcoal inside the filter which is there to remove taste etc from water - great if you don't want to taste the water. I don't really mind the taste of pristine alpine water. Other than the inlet nipple breaking off the body of the filter (which I superglued back on, at least it's got a flange that yields before busting, at least the first time, since I doubt the flange will be able to separate from the body after the glue), I had one of the very thin O-rings tear when I first took it apart. It does come with extra O-rings. My filter is currently totally usable, and sitting in my day pack. I bought this to get the output rate of my Hyperflow with the ease of use of my Miniworks - without having to clean or scrub so often. I wound up just ordering a few filters for my Hyperflow, which annoys me occasionally, but has never let me down. The bottom of the filter has wide mouth Nalgene threads, and there's a plastic cap you can stick on there to fill a hose for a bladder - it seems sketchy as hell. As noted above, I never bothered to try it after it broke before we left for a trip.

fantastic pump for the size and weight, it provided clean, tasty, water for 4. on a canoe trip up north. the flow was reduced by the 6th day, but a spare filter or cleaning would easily fix this

Works perfectly

Although this water filter is a bit bulkier/heavier than other options, it performs amazingly. The ability to filter water, even from the most difficult to access spots, is unmatched. I used it recently on a backcountry elk scouting trip and due to its ease of use, my two buddies didn't even get their water filters out of their packs. I was able to to filter water for three people in the time it used to take me to filter water for my own supply. Highly recommend this water filter for the weekend hiker and the multi-day backcountry adventure seeker.

Fast flow

I recently used the Katadyn Vario in the High Sierra Mountains, and it was perfect! The double baffles maintained a constant water flow, making the filtration process smooth and efficient. I was able to filter two full-size CamelBak bladders and two water bottles within just 5 minutes. Highly recommend it for any backcountry adventure!

Worked ok

I have used this on a few trips already, the only downside is. That for some reason it lose suction and I have to take the filter apart and put back together. I followed all the instructions that camp with the filter, they could be written a little better.

Extend your trip

Update: I've now owned this filter for 8 years and every time I go into the backcountry, without fail, my filter ends up being the one used to refill everyone's water. Those who bring the tiny Sawyer filters end up putting them away and opt to use my filter instead because it is quicker and more efficient. I'll take the extra weight because I know I can trust this filter to get me back on the trail quicker while knowing my water is safe. Previous review: Instead of packing several bottles of water, this lightened my load on multi-day backpacking trips! Drawbacks: It is kinda tricky to clean, and it doesn’t filter out the sulfur taste in water that has natural thermal water mixed into it. Granted no filter can get rid of the sulfer taste.

I use this in my hiking pack. It works and filters at a decent rate but its not a sturdy at all be careful. The pump seems like it wants to break and the one I recieved will lose vacuum just by pumping it. I wouldn't rely on it entirely I learned my lesson.

Easy to use and works great. Only problem is the size, does take up more space then I would like.

So easy to use!!

I have only used the Katadyn Vario a few times while hiking but am very inpressed with the filtration capbilities. I found some very shallow mucky water and decided to try the filter. It performed flawlessly, even to the point that the filtered water tasted cleaner that the bottled water my friends had with them. I am looking forward to using the Katadyn Vario on many more adventures to come. I think this will work very well for groups of 3-7 people due to the high flow rate.

10 Years & Counting - Awesome Backcountry Filters

I have used Katadyn products for over 10 years on backcountry hunts and hikes. These are super reliable and do a great job filtering water. I have tried UV lights, gravity and other pump filters to try and save weight or effort but have always been disappointed. It does take a long time and quite a bit of effort to pump a large amount of water such as 1-5 gallon containers for base camp. In those situations it is nice to have a buddy that you can take turn with on pumps. I get close to 1oz per pump with the Vario.