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| Water Treatment and Filtration |
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HomeEquipmentWater Treatment and FiltrationKatadyn Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter |
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|  | | | Customer Reviews: | | | Average Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Fantastic filter Jul 06, 2010
This is my first filtration system that I purchased before a 5-day trip to Isle Royale N.P. Used it once at home to work the kinks out and never had a problem. Filtered water from inland creeks, lakes as well as Gitchee Gumee (Lake Superior) herself. Fast filling, low-effort pumping, and most importantly great tasting water no matter the source. Some of the other hikers on the trail had the MSR Mini-Works EX which I considered when looking at filters, but the Vario pulled water faster and tasted better than that brand/model. The screw-onto Nalgene feature is great, and they hose attachment for Camelbaks works well too.
On recommendation of some of the other reviews, I did purchase and carry a backup ceramic filter in case of breakage and I did use coffee filters over the input bob to block large sedement. No need for the spare ceramic filter on the trip and the coffee filter trick worked great.
My one and only beef is how long the inner fiberglass filter takes to dry out. We have been home a couple weeks and my cleaning solution and rinse water is still slowly coming out when I pump it. Other than that, go for it, you won't regret this filter!
Really like it! Jun 21, 2010
This is my first portable water filter. I've used it several times with relatively clean mountain spring water, and with city water. It definitely works well and makes the water taste good. It comes with a nice case and is easy to use.
The negative side is minor. The filter takes a long time to dry out (several days), which you're supposed to do when it won't be used for a while. Instead it seems the better thing to do is pump a mild solution of chlorine/bleach through it before storage (as instructed) and then pump lots of water through it before reuse. Also, the replacement carbon packets seem outrageously overpriced, yet I haven't yet found an alternate source of replacement carbon (I think it can work for a long time).
As for the older negative feedback, I can see how the inlet could break off if pressed hard against something, so take care with it. I'd also not try to pump too hard or fast, as there is a lot of resistance in the pump and is meant to move slowly. And if you avoid filtering really dirty water, it will likely last much longer and work better; this filter is not a replacement for viral sanitation (in some cases use chlorine/tablets and then filter, or vice-verse).
 plastic housing broke within first 4 uses Jun 13, 2010
The plastic housing that goes over the pistons broke almost immediately. I can't find out where to get a replacement. Our Sweetwater was much more reliable, although it, too, broke twice.
I'm not impressed.
 ok Feb 13, 2010
it's ok. sometimes it'll leak out from middle if pump too fast, this can be dangerous if you're in cold conditions. Also if using in below freezing temps water will freeze over the ceramic filter allowing no water to pass through and a lot more leakage from sides. This is the only water filter I've ever used so have nothing to compair it to.
Awesome filter! Feb 04, 2010
I love this filter, it has all the features you could want in a filter and is very user friendly. If you read the instructions and do the maintenence that is required it will last a long time with no issues. The things you need to do to maintain it are simple like lubricating the O rings and disinfecting it when you get home from a hiking trip are common sense stuff. You may have to scrub the ceramic filter when out in the field after heavy use in high sediment water (not rocket science). I bought an extra carbon kit to replace the old carbon when the water starts to taste funny or smell, that cost about $10 dollars. This filter is easy to use and can clean up to 500 gallons of water before replacing the main filter core (about $30 dollars). Another thing to remember is that Katadyn is a great company, if you have any issues with your filter give them a call and they will help you out. Having the versatility to switch from one filter media to two depending on your water quality is a nice option and you get more bang for your buck with this unit at $80 dollars for 500 gallons of purified drinking water!
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