Overall
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Effectiveness
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Size
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Appearance
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Usability
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Cost
Summary
Table of Contents
Katadyn is a dominant producer of several water purification products, one of which is the Katadyn Vario Water Filter. With this lightweight water filter which works with a three-stage filtration process, you choose how you want it to work. Want to rush the filtration process? Use the fast mode to double the speed. Want to extend the water filter’s lifespan? Use the ceramic pre-filter. You even choose whether you want a cheap replacement filter or a long-lasting costlier one.
Pros
- Has a 3-stage filtration process, so you can replace parts individually when needed
- Has a speed mode that doubles the rate of filtration
- Has a ceramic pre-filter that prolongs the shelf life of the product
- Attaches easily yo water bottles, or a hose can be used to fill larger containers
- Pretty cost-effective
Cons
- Not as large of a capacity appropriate for large number of adventurers
- Not the lightest water filter out there
Founded in Switzerland in 1928, the brand Katadyn has been dominating the world of water purification systems with its ceramic filter elements. The nine decade dominance has spread worldwide with subsidiaries in the top developed countries like the USA, France, Germany, Singapore. Katadyn’s water filters and purifiers are so world-class that they are even used by relief agencies and special forces throughout the globe.
How has Katadyn accomplished this glorious feat? By making a wide range of water purification products catered to all sorts of people. There is the ultra mini water filter, and there is the industrial-quality water filter for 20 people to drink at once, and everything in between. Today we bring you a review of a specific Katadyn water filter :- Katadyn Vario Water Filter.
Who Needs This Product?
The Katadyn Vario Water Filter is an economical option for casual-to-mildly-serious adventurers in groups of up to 4. In other words, it is a budget-friendly product for most travelers. Why for casual and mildly serious adventurers? That’s because large adventuring groups will do well to choose a water filter with a larger capacity.
Still, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is versatile and has optional filter installations. If you want a more enhanced filtration system and longer shelf life, then be on the ready for those optional buffs.
Why We Recommend This Product
Effectiveness
As far as effectiveness goes, you need to understand that water filters can’t compete with water purifiers as the latter deals with viruses and does a far more thorough clean-up job than the former.
With that being said, the Katadyn Vario is a water filter with international acclaim and certifications. That means that the product is highly effective. The water filter takes care of visible sediments and harmful chemicals, and also makes water taste plain better, with no odor.
Size
At a height of 6.5″ and 15 oz., it is a lightweight water filter fit for backpackers. However, we should point out that lighter water filters exist, and Katadyn has many of them. Still, 15 oz. is light enough.
Appearance
We feel that the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is a tad tall. But we like it that way. It gives off a dependable vibe, if that makes any sense. Moreover, the design kicks butt; it is extremely edgy in all the positive sense of the word. Especially the ceramic layer adds a robust look to it. Normally, water filters have a vertical pump, but this one has a side pump, making it unique.
Usability
This is where the Katadyn Vario Water Filter truly shines. With its extremely savvy dual pumping mode, you now have the option of using a fast speed function of filtering 2 quarts per minute. A quart equals to almost a liter, so the fast mode is very useful in a pinch. The normal, longer life mode filters 1 quart per minute, which is still not bad.
We love the sheer versatility of the Katadyn Vario Water Filter. You need not replace the entire product in case of an unfortunate malfunction. You can replace each of the individual parts separately. For example, you can elect to replace the glass fiber filter or just opt for the activated charcoal. The former has a capacity of 500 gallons while the latter is not that long lasting. We recommend you think about your budget when deciding which to buy.
There is further an optional ceramic pre-filtration disc. This will extend the shelf life of your water filter significantly. As we said, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is a hit due to its versatility and flexibility of choice.
One last thing to note that adds to the ease of use of the water filter is the fact that the adapter base can fit directly to the mouths of water bottles. Alternately, an output host can be used in order to fill larger containers or hydration bladders.
Cost
Priced $95, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is an economical choice when considering its top-tier features. The most attractive feature being versatility, the replacement cost of the filters is in the hands of the user. You may choose to replace the glass fiber filter for less maintenance, OR you can opt for the activated charcoal for maintaining a budget.
Either way, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is cost-effect by dint of its three-step filtration process. And if you really want to take it up a notch at the expense of some extra cost, then the ceramic pre-filtration disc will add to the quality.
Alternate Choices
With the title promising everything you could want out of a water filter, some of you may not be buying it (in both the sense of the word). You may think that the Katadyn Vario Water Filter does not have as premium of a quality like bigger capacity that you were expecting. OR, you may have been expecting a cheaper model.
Katadyn knows all of that, and that’s why it has manufactured a wide spectrum of choices fit for all potential buyers. For example, take a look at the following products:
Katadyn Mini Ceramic Microfilter
Being the lightest and most compact Ketadyn water filter, you might wonder how good it can be. Think again. This water filter comes with the following:
- a ceramic microfilter catridge
- an input hose with prefilter
- an output hose
- a cleaning pad
- a measuring gauge
- a Deluxe carrying bag
- refillable activated Carbon core
This mini water filter takes care of 99.9999% bacteria, sediments and also makes water drinkable and tasty. So, put your mind at ease about a mini filter not performing well enough. We highly recommend this product for those on a budget and solo hikers, adventurers.
Katadyn KFT Expedition Filter
From the smallest to the biggest, this product will show you the two opposite ends of the spectrum that Katadyn has in store. This water filter is of industrial quality, fit for professional outdoor companies and international rescue missions.
Costing over a thousand dollars, this water filter is not for everyone indeed. However, it is for people who want the very best, exactly the way it was designed to be. Capable of filtering 26,000 gallons before needing replacement, it is the most reliable water filter ever. What’s more, its replacement filter costs just about $200, which is a really good deal considering the fact that replacement of other water filters cost half as much as the filters themselves.
Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter
From the two ends of the spectrum to the our personal favorite – let us introduce you to the Katadyn Hiker Pro. As its name reveals, it caters to pro hikers. That means superior quality. If you thought water filters can’t hold a candle to water purifiers, think again. This water filter pushes the boundaries of what a water filter can do – its superior features cut down bacteria and protozoan cysts down to 0.2 microns.
- Proven protection against bacteria and protozoan cysts down to 0.2 micron with pleated glass-fiber filter media
- Activated carbon in the core of the filter improves the taste and reduces chemicals in your drinking water
Did you think that since the features are so premium, the water filter will be heavy? Absolutely not! Weighing at just 11 oz., it is ultra light. And if you think that a few oz. of difference is nothing, ask professional hikers and you will change your mind. What’s more, this Katadyn water filter is transparent, so you can see for yourself how pure and refreshing the filtered water looks! Oh, and you get to see the process of filtration as well. Fun, huh?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Katadyn Vario Water Filter really light in weight?
At 15 oz., the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is indeed a lightweight water filter. However, if you want the most lightweight water filter on the market, and if you are okay to compromise filter capacity in the process, then try out the Katadyn Mini Ceramic Microfilter.
2. How long does it take to filter water with the Katadyn Vario Water Filter?
You can get 1 quart (0.946 L) of water every minute. However, if you are on a hurry, or just want to try it out, then choose the fast mode to get 2 quarts in a minute!
So convenient, isn’t it? But just keep in mind that the fast mode will eat at the lifespan of the water filter. If you plan on keeping the filter for a long time, we recommend only using the fast mode when actually necessary.
3. How much water in total will the Katadyn Vario Water Filter filter throughout its life?
Unless damaged, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter will filter a total of 500 gallons. That’s 1875 liters. Thousands of less plastic water bottles to harm the enviroment!
4. Does the Katadyn Vario Water Filter eliminate bacteria completely?
The Katadyn Vario Water Filter eliminates 99.9999% of bacteria in water. That’s pretty close to 100%, but you should know that no water filter or purifier in existence can promise a removal of every bacterial cells in water.
Is that a cause for concern? No. Many bacteria are even good for health! Did you know that human bodies are home to 100 trillion bacterial cells? That’s 10 times the number of body cells we have!
5. What is the most selling point of the Katadyn Vario Water Filter?
In our opinion, it has to be the Katadyn Vario Water Filter’s versatility. You decide whether or not to speed up the filtration process. You decide whether or not to use the pre-filtration ceramic disc. You decide which filter to replace.
Final Words
Katadyn caters to a wide range of water purification products, and all are worth looking into. We have provided an extensive Katadyn Vario Water Filter review, along with some tidbits of a few other choices you can make. Surely, the Katadyn Vario Water Filter is a lightweight and flexible choice for adventurers or travelers to have on their backpack to ensure a thirst-less journey. We think it looks pretty darn unique to boot.
- Dual pumping modes
- Removes particles
I like you use water every day in everything I do. I love to find better ways to filter water I drink, soften hard water and find amazing water bottles for when I’m on the go.
I want to share what I find with you and review the options you might be looking for.
Author Profile – Tony Cosentino
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.
It’s impressive to see how Katadyn, a brand founded almost a century ago, has continued to dominate the water purification systems market. The use of ceramic filter elements in their products is a real game-changer. This technology has numerous real-world applications, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited or compromised.
One significant application is in disaster-stricken areas. During natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, access to clean water becomes a major challenge. Traditional water sources
If you’re interested in learning more about water purification systems and specifically about Katadyn’s ceramic filter elements, I recommend checking out their official website. They provide detailed information about their products, including the technology behind their filters and how they work to purify water. You can also find customer reviews and testimonials to get a better understanding of the effectiveness and reliability of their products. Additionally, there are many outdoor and survivalist forums and blogs where you can find discussions and recommendations from experienced users who have used
This is a great review of Katadyn’s water purification systems! I’m so impressed with the brand’s long-standing reputation and commitment to providing clean water solutions. I would love to help spread the word about this post by sharing it on my social media platforms or even on my own website. Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll be more than happy to promote it to my followers. Keep up the great work!