Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter

This is my second Katadyn and this model is simple to set up and use. Fills a Nalgene fast. Only a few things to watch out for: After your trip and you clean the filter per the instructions, it takes a couple of days for the filter to dry out so you can reassemble. You should take a ziplock bag with you to store the hose in so as not to contaminate the filter with 'dirty' water. Lastly, the red cap that covers the intake is pretty easy to lose. Other than those minor items, the pump is great.

I’ll preface this review with my cut and paste statement that I work as a backcountry backpacking guide in Yosemite National Park. Nearly all of the products I take the time to review have seen at least a half a season, if not more, of use... and I’m committed to not bothering to write a review until I feel like I’ve really gotten to know a product. I never thought I’d bother to write reviews, but I’ve recently decided that since I’ve spent so much time over these last many years reading reviews, and finding a tremendous amount of value in articulate and well-informed opinions, that I wanted to give back to the community. So, with that being said, here we go...

Since we do some filtering of water in the park we split time between two filters - the MSR Miniworks (which is what I personally own) and the Katadyn Vario. Both are great filters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Each time I wind up filtering water I find myself cursing each filter in one breath, and then praising it the next... for nearly opposing reasons.

The Katadyn is, in many ways, the opposite of the Miniworks. We've had filtering races in the backcountry between the two filters, and the Vario is far and away much faster, and easier to use. Since its a dual action pump you're filtering water on both the up and down stroke. There's also less resistance on the handle of the filter, so if you're not one that wants to exert a bunch of energy while filtering then the Vario is also a good choice.

I only have two issues with the Vario - replacement filters are quite expensive, and the paper portion of the filter is not capable of being cleaned, meaning that over the life of the filter you'll be spending more for clean water. Honestly, this is a relatively minor complaint since most of us are not going to be pushing thousands of gallons through it while quite literally living for months or years in the backcountry. The value of clean, safe water is incalculable, and paying a little more for it is a niggling issue.

My bigger issue with the Vario are the times I've had certain portions of it, namely the 'cup' inside the top of the filter, literally disembody itself, therefore cross contaminating the rest of the filter. The two or three times this has happened we closely watched the seal around the top of it while we filtered, only to see it gently beading up unfiltered water into this 'cup' in the top of the filter, which is located just below the handle pivot point, underneath the smokey plastic lid.

To be honest, this problem is very possibly a result of our treating the filter with less care than it probably deserves. Having gotten used to the bombproof MSR Miniworks it takes a little bit of a shift in your touch to handle the Katadyn. While it might not be the filter you're looking for to deal with the second coming or some other post-apocalyptic scenario... it is lightning fast and easy to use. There have been plenty of times I've been tempted to forsake my MSR Miniworks in favor of this veritable Formula One of a filter... and I still might.

As for care, like any filter... make sure to disassemble it once you're home. Don't put it up with moisture in it and let it fester and get moldy. Check the ceramic element from time to time, scrub it lightly with some Scotch Brite when needed, or back flush it on the occasions that its really dirty, then boil it occasionally.

Regardless, its a great filter. Take good care of it and it'll supply you with clean, safe water for years and years.

I've had the vario for over a year now, and I don't think I could go back to any other water filter. The double piston design ensures constant flow on both the up and down strokes, a nice thing when you have 10 nalgenes to fill. The adjustable dirty/clean water filter system is great for expeditions into the back country where your next water supply could come from anywhere. the additional screw on bottom easily attaches to any wide mouth bottle, and a special adapter allows for a reservoir hose to be attached, removing the hassle of digging it out of your pack.

I bought this just to add to my collection of outdoor gadgets, and didn't get around to using it right away. I've used many others by friends, mostly the 'Katadyn Hiker' model of filters, usually on week+ camping/hiking trips. This one blows it out of the water when it comes to GPM and ease of pumping, along with the ease of connecting it to water bottles; specifically Nalgenes, and Camelbaks. The ceramic filter is great to extend the life of the glassfiber/carbon filter. I highly reccomend this filter!

Groups I've been with have pumped around 100 gallons of back country water through my Vario in the last year. For clean water we've used the Faster Flow option and can pump at 3 quarts a minute-----I've actually timed pumping a quart at 17 seconds.

For dirty water we use mostly the longer life setting and pumping slows to about 2 qts a minute. I have clogged the ceramic filter within 3 quarts in very dirty irrigation ditch water in Peru-----but it cleans up quickly.

I love the Vario, but you have to read the instructions and plan on some maintainance, if you are going to pump a lot of water. I recommend it for group trips, and I still day hike with the slower, but smaller and lighter, Katadyn Hiker------now that filter is idiot-proof.

Awesome filter. Works as good as everyone claims.

I haven't used mine yet but my buddy has this model. We used it on two backpacking trips in the Beartooth Wilderness and I liked it so much that I had to get one. On our most recent trip we filled four 3 liter camelbaks and two 2 liter packs and it took 10 to 15 minutes. When you're on a trip the last thing you want to do is sit around and pump water through a filter and thank God we didn't have to! Many people complain about leaks but we didn't have any problems.

I purchased the Vario after retiring my 13 year old Hiker. The Vario had three features that appealed to me: the ceramic prefilter, the dual piston pump and the ability to attach directly to Nalgene bottles while pumping. We've only filtered about 10 liters of water now, but both my wife and I were very impressed with the pump and how easy it is to use.

Having read all of the comments on this site, I will always use a coffee filter over the prefilter at the end of the hose to prevent the majority of particulate from entering the main filter body. I also plan to be very fastidious about following the procedure for long-term storage of the filter.

Overall though, the filter is easy to use, easy to take apart and reassemble, and it filters water very quickly (even on the long life option).

For now I'm giving the Vario 4 stars - only because of my very limited experience with the filter; if this pump continues to be as impressive as it appears to be, I will definitely update it to a 5 star product.

When I'm out, I'm usually not in any hurry. But I will say the rate of water that goes through this thing is pretty good, even when it's not on fast flow. Very simple to use. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the shape, it's a little bulky. I've gone through approx. 23 gallons on the same filter, so I can say it definitely does it's job. If I ever get sick I may sing a different tune. For now I am satisfied with this buy.

this thing rocks....even in the dual filter set-up ( the ceramic filter in-line) this thing still pumps fast since it pumps both with the up stroke and the down stroke of the pump handle....very versatile for filling various containers...makes non-moving lake water taste great let alone moving creek water....comes fully stocked with field maintenance doo dads and all for what I think is a fair price tho....you can't put a price on staying hurricane dirty free....

I used this filter in the ADKs on a kayak camping trip and it served us well. No sickness, nothing. The water tasted great - fresh. I need to learn more about the calibration of the ceramic filter, as I could have processed more water in the same amount of time. But I love this filter. I love how it screws directly onto nalgene bottles and the provided accessories prepare you for maintenance and varying situations.

The Vario microfilter is an amazingly compact water filter mainly used in the outdoors. It is created by Katadyn. The point of the Vario filter is to make dirty water pure enough to drink quickly so that you are not slowed down. This item is unique because it offers two different types of filters for different water conditions. There is a 'fast flow' or a 'long life' option. Also, the Vario microfilter is able to pump up to two liters per minute. The main competition for the Vario Microfilter is the MSR MiniWorks water filter. The two filters are strikingly similar.

Katadyn is water filter company that was started in Switzerland. Katadyn has been creating personalized water filters since 1928 and has now become the global number one in producing water purification systems. Katadyn has been making products for militaries, health organizations, and outdoor adventures all over the world.

I recently went on a camping trip and I used the Vario Microfilter the entire trip to supply me with water. It is small enough, about the size of a 32 ounce nalgene bottle, and light enough, just under a pound, to go everywhere I went in my backpack. It is one of the easiest filters I have ever used. With a simple twist of the top you can change it from 'fast flow' to 'long life' and back again. I enjoyed using the Vario Microfilter because it was so simple. All I had to do was screw the bottom onto my nalgene (it fits most bottles that size), stick the hose in the water I wanted to purify, and start pumping. In an incredibly short time my bottle was completely full. Also, the Vario Microfilter is not difficult to clean. It is very easy to take apart and put back together. All the supplies needed to clean the tool are included in the box.

The only thing that I did not enjoy about the Vario was the lack of information about getting started with it. After you figure out how everything works it is incredibly simple to use. However, I would suggest becoming comfortable with the water filter in your sink or bathtub before you head out in the woods and try it out there. It took me a little while to figure it out at first. It would have been handy if there was a 'how to' book included in the package. Other than that I think the tool is an amazing piece of work.

I would suggest the water filter to anyone who spends a good amount of time camping and hiking. It is rather expensive, around $80 but if used often will make up for every cent and many more. You will not have to worry about lugging water around anymore.

Worked well for 3 days in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Worked fast and efficient. My only complaint is it leaks when the ceramic filter gets dirty. Holding it upside down keeps your hand dry as you pump.

I've used mine for years now and pumped water from clear mountain lakes to muddy coastal creeks (have yet to try with either salt or brackish) without ever getting sick. Plus I like that I can choose between fast flow for realtively clear water or slow to remove particulates from muddy. Never had any issues with weight or size.

There only two drawbacks: 1) I've never been able to get the output hose to work properly. The water flow usually pushes it out of the pump. 2) If it's on the longer life setting you must pump very slowly or untreated water will flow from the cap and potentially into your bottle, but that's easily overcome if you remember to pump slowly.

Those two factors aside: this is light, filters fast, is easy to use, gets rid of nasty critters from the dirtiest of water, and leaves no chemical taste. It gets thumbs up from me.

After my new MSR filter malfunctioned, our entire party depended on the vario for six days: about 48 gal of filtered water. The faster flow option does exactly what it claims, , and required only a 30 second scrub of the prefilter during the trip. My only con is that its a bit heavier than average-but maybe the reliability and longevity cancel this out. Thea "funny taste" from a previous review can be avoided by pumping a weak bleach solution before putting it away after the trip.

I've recently purchased the vario dual filter after having many experiences with katadyn in the past. It is a great filter with easy pumping and a really fast flow rate compared to others of it's size. I appreciate the low cost and also the very affordable replacement filters etc. I recommend after long treks with this to make sure and clean it very well... try to put it away as dry as possible on the road and when you get home dry it well before putting it back together. I've found that the ceramic plate will appear dry but it really isn't.. a good way to dry it is to put it on a paper towel and let the dry paper seep the last bits of water out of it.. make sure to turn it over and dry both sides! I work as a helicopter rappeller and we use other katadyn models like this in remote areas and i've been very impressed in the past so when i was reasearching one for my personal use katadyn's vario was my choice.. I spend a lot of time in giardia filled waters and i've never had a problem. I bought a katadyn microfilter water bottle for a friend before she left for brazil about a month and a half ago and she said she's used it with the tap water and had no problems. I will be taking the vario with me for a two month excursion to nepal... I'll let ya know how it does!

Went on a 6 day trek in WY. This unit failed after about 10 liters. The dual pump head seals failed and it would not pump any water. I always used a clear running source, but the odd-shaped piston system seemed to have problems holding pressure and therefore moving water. Fortunately, there were two others carrying different brand pumps in our group. I returned the Vario to the store as for a refund soon as I returned.

This is the first water filtration system i ever bought and i am very impressed! anyone can pick this thing up and after 5-10 minutes of playing with it you can know how to take it apart, clean it, or repair and put it back together in a minute.

I put this thing through a torture test the first time i ever used it and filtered water that i wouldn't set foot in. It plugged off after about 20 liters of water but was easy to pull apart scrub and get back to work. Next time ill put a coffee filter around the suction end for dirty water. The water tasted great and no one got sick after 3 days of drinking "duck slough water".

The only time i had any leaks was when it was virtually plugged completely off it leaked around the ceramic disk, cleaning it fixed this problem for me.

Take care of you filter and it will take care of you.

We used this filter on the Boundary waters, and wow can it filter fast, we had another model also and we quit using it after day one because this one is so good.

Bought this pump last year. Used it a few times and am impressed. The water pumps pretty fast once it's going and does not strain your arm like some other pumps can. This pump is worth the money and the little extra weight over some other pumps.

Other than the bulkiness of the pump, this filter is great! Two ways to filter, field maintainable, pumps really fast and allows attachment to Nalgenes as well as a tube clip for everything else.

Solid filter, high flow rate, easy to use. I'm on my second season using the filter, really have not used it filtering a whole lot of water, but it has traveled a lot of miles with me. I pulled it out of its case during a late season high altitude backpacking trip, and the fitting where the tube attaches to the body of the filter had snapped off, it was super cold, so it may have been a little brittle though. It just kind of sticks out there for anything to snag on and torque until it breaks off. Sort of a poor design in that respect in my opinion.

I love this filter. I have never had an issue with pumping, clogging, cleaning or anything. The dual pump mechanism is very quick and the attachment capability with hydration packs and camelback is great and makes for easy pumping. My only issue with it is its a bit bulky in the pack. Not a huge issue. Also, if using it in winter, don't leave it out because it will freeze obviously. And be sure to not try to thaw it out next to the fire because the plastic will warp. I know, stupid. Other than user error, this is a great pump and I take everywhere I camp or hike.

This filter is pretty good. I say this because it does filter crazy fast, and seems to do a good job at it. The only downside at least to mine is that it seems to leak around the joint between the ceramic disc and the filter itself. This only happens on the "longer life" setting, and only if you pump hard. Maybe not a problem for many people, but I expect my gear to be bombproof and this is not particularly. When I put it on "faster flow" everything works fine, but like I said be careful when on "longer life".

Using the faster flow does shave off pumping time if that's what you need. Switching between the two modes takes just a couple twists and turns. The ceramic prefilter is great for removing sediment in dirt filled water. If that gets too mucked up take off the top and give it a wipe or two and you'll be good to go again. The third stage filter is the active carbon core reducing chemicals and bad taste which is certainly a plus. It screws on to the top of nalgene wide=mouth bottles and can hook up to your Camelbak hose so you don't have to remove it from your pack. Sweet!

This water filter was awesome for the first few trips. Pumping was easier than ever. Having a pumping action similar MSR models really eases the strain of pumping. Aside from that, I really noticed little difference from my PUR Expedition, or Katydyn Explorer. The last trip we took, we noticed a distinct taste in the water filtered from the Vario, and it was awful. After talking with some people, it would seem that the carbon can house a particular algae found in the High Uintas if it does not dry completely in between trips. I have to wonder if it is mostly my fault for not running some bleach through the filter, after the second to last trip, as I had done for all the others to kill anything left in there. The trips were so close together I did not think it would matter. With a new filter, and some extra carbon packages, we will give it another chance this upcoming season, and see if the problem is user error or an issue with the design.

Step one find water
Step two use and enjoy.
Really very easy

Well, I was on my second season this year, using the vario. I was pretty happy with it last year, up until the problems with algae growing in the filter. Turns out that was mostly my fault for not running chlorine through the filter, when I got home. I bought a new filter cartridge and replaced all the seals this year, basically making it good as new. We took it on a six day trip this summer, and it worked pretty well for the first two days. For the most part, the eight of us used it to filter over 40 L of water. Then it just stopped working, half way through another routine pump. It was not able to keep a vacuum, or pump the water through the filter. I again took it apart, and replaced the seals, applying sealant, but it didn't work. Another user had a similar problem, with theirs. Luckily, we had a backup filter, and we used that for the rest of the trip. I took it back and traded it for an MSR Sweetwater. In the end the vario let me down twice, when I have been in the backcountry, so the trade-off has been giving up the faster flow rate for something reliable. After all, if it doesn't work anyway, the extra liter per minute is not going to do me any good. I recommend filter designs that have been around for a while and proven, like the MSR Sweetwater, Katadyn Hiker, or Katadyn Explorer - which they may have discontinued.

Stores easily, very fast and I didn't get giardia.

I bought this a few years ago and tested it in my sink and it worked great! Took it canyoneering and ended up having to use it. We pumped from a clear pothole and it would not pump. we tried again at another clear pothole a little later and it would not suck the water through. Tried again later at a flowing stream and it finally started sucking the water and we were able to quench out thirst. I've had multiple other instances where it decides to work and not work. I might have got a dud because everyone else is giving it great reviews.

I do like it though. It is easy to operate when it works and easy to clean. Even though mine is a lemon, I would recommend it. My friend has a Vario and he hasn't had any problem s with his.

We took a week at Red Castle lakes in the Uintah this summer. 12 miles in, these filters were life savers. We had 10 people on the trip and usually filled 20-30 32oz water bottles twice a day. (I'll let someone else do the math) With two filters we could knock out all the bottles in about 15 minutes. It gave us time to enjoy the trip. These are fairly large, but worth both the weight and size tradeoff. When compared with a sweetwater we had with us the Vario filled 2 nalgenes in the time it took the MSR to fill one. We ended up just putting the sweetwater away for most of the trip. Design is idiot proof, remember to occasionally release the air pressure after pumping, this will keep it from leaking like in the review below.

This is my first season with the Vario after having used and loved the older Guide Pro. This is the fastest pump I've ever used and the standard Nalgene-compatible output is a great improvement from Katadyn's older pumps. Great set-up for the money, just be sure to follow the maintenance instructions after your trips...

This filter worked fantastically well, had a great flow rate and very useful attachments. For the first three liters...
The filter stopped being able to pull water. Katadyn Customer Service were very helpful, but a little hard to contact in the backcountry.