Katadyn 8014931 Vario

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The Katadyn Vario Camping Filter is EPA certified for microbiological water purification reducing 99.99% of microbial cysts and pathogenic bacteria. The Vario combines individual performance with utmost ease of use. The Katadyn Vario compares to the MSR Miniworks EX camping filter system. Most backcountry water filters rely on either ceramic filtration or pleated fiber filtration. Ceramic filters have a long lifespan and can be repeatedly cleaned if they become clogged, but have a slow flow rate and can be difficult to pump. Pleated fiber filters do the same job with a faster flow rate, but they can become clogged with silt and other solids and are not cleanable. The Katadyn Vario water filter combines the benefits of a ceramic filter with those of a pleated filter by allowing you to choose whichever filtering mode is best for the water you're treating. When filtering dirty or silty water, the ceramic filter can be engaged, slowing the flow rate of the filter, but lengthening the effective life of the primary pleated filter. The Vario contains three distinct filtering elements:
1) Ceramic disc 1.0 micron prefilter that can be adjusted
2) Pleated high performance 0.3 micron glass fiber filter
3) Replaceable activated carbon for eliminating odors
In longer life mode, water passes through all three filter elements at a rate of up to 1 liter per minute. As the name implies, this mode lengthens the effective life of the pleated filter by first forcing water through the ceramic prefilter. When used in dirty water, the ceramic filter catches the worst of the contaminants. The idea is that this prefiltering will keep the pleated filter from clogging prematurely. In faster flow mode, the Katadyn Vario can treat up to 2 liters per minute, bypassing the ceramic prefilter and relying on the pleated filter. In areas where the water is mostly free of suspended solids, the pleated filter can work quickly without fear o