I've seen the new Katadyn Vario Water Filter being advertised at the usual websites. I'm considering purchase of a Vario for my BOB.

Has anyone purchased and used this filter? I'm interested in any feedback.

I haven't used or heard anything about the Vario, but Katadyn is a well know maker of quailty filters. I have this one:



Pro's: size, weight, field cleanable ceramic filter
Con's: Slooooow filtering speed


If you end up purchasing the Vario, let us know how it works for you.

well i don't own the vario, but i have owned there pocket and there mini filters. Those models where very simple in design, the vario, however has a much more complicated design. Using a dubbel action leverage pump and both a ceramic disk and a fiberglass element. This combined with it's suprisingly light weight, has made it appear to be less reliable.

We have used the "Guide" version of their filter on dozens of trips. The filter seems to avoid clogging better than some of the smaller units, and it fills a liter Nalgene bottle a lot faster than the MSR filters I've used. I think it only takes 30-40 strokes to fill a bottle. The quality of their products is quite good, I have friends with the "Hiker" model also who have had no problems, but, the filter element seems to be replaced more often.