Katadyn Vario Water Filter

I used this filter on my first trip to the boundary waters and was not impressed. Filter output decreased noticeably day by day and was slowed to a trickle even on the high output setting after four days. Then, I suspect due to the filter plugging up and pressure increasing, it sprung leaks. There were only myself and one other person in our group so I doubt it even filtered 20L max. It also had many moving parts that were likely to break in my opinion. On the plus side I didn't get sick. Replaced filter with a katydyn hiker last year and it worked great for a six day bwca trip with a six person group as well as multiple shorter camping trips.

I have had very good luck with my Vario. In 3 years I have recharged the charcoal and replaced the filter. It does have lots of parts, but I can fill a quart in no time flat. I have found that pumping water from shore tends to plug the filter quick. A quick scrub of the ceramic filter and you are back to pumping water. Usually we will go out and get water and pump it from a bag after it sits for a couple of min.

This water filtration system does require cleaning and maitance while out camping but I think overall is a good buy. I do retrieve my water from the middle of the lake rather than from shore.

All in all a good product, I like the different settings for filter longevity. Not perfect since if you pump too fast on the long life setting the pressure inside will get too high and the seals will leak, but if you pump and let the outflow indicate the pace it works flawlessly. Best part is it screws to the top of a wide mouth nalgene so you don't have to fumble around with anything, just lock it on and pump.