Katadyn Vario Water Filter -- Opinions?

[Ben]

Does anyone have the Katadyn Vario water filter? It looks like a really nice water filter, but being a relatively new product, I'm interested in opinions. Besides its other features, I really like that it has a carbon filter -- it makes filtered water taste WAY better in my opinion.

Katadyn Vario webpage:
http://www.katadyn.us/brands-products/katadyn/katadyn-filters-and-purifiers/backcountry-series/katadyn-vario.html

[charby]

I have been looking at the Katadyn Pro but the Vario looks interesting for $10 more

also I was looking at one on campmor's site.. this little warning popped up.

PLEASE NOTE: If you live in the state of Iowa, we are unable to sell you any water purification system due to Iowa Department of Public Health Restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

eek!

-C

[Ben]

If you live in the state of Iowa, we are unable to sell you any water purification system due to Iowa Department of Public Health Restrictions.

So what does Iowa put in the water that they DON'T want you to filter out? (tinfoil hat firmly in place) 

[charby]

Kind of what I am thinking.  Too much pig poop in our water, we do have high fecal and nitrate materials in a lot of our streams and rivers.

I'm trying to figure out why? These are personal filters, not filters that are capable of mass producing bottled water, which then makes sense to be regulated by the state.

The local outdoor store sells them, so I am at a loss.

[Ron]

http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/wpd/CompareDevices.aspx

Here is a site that compares filters. It doesn't have the filter you were asking about but you can compare it's specs to all the others.

Usually pumps don't filter out viruses. If you have a lot of feces in the water then that is probably why they are covering their butts (so to speak).

The work around is to use tablets or a filter and purification tabs together.

Usually in the back country here in the states viruses aren't very common.

[charby]

so filter and then drop in a iodine or clorine tablet, should cover it then?

-C

[Ron]

so filter and then drop in a iodine or clorine tablet, should cover it then?

Some of the companies sell a water purification "system".

That is all the system is, filter and drops/tabs.

From what I understand that is over kill for anything back country here in the states.

It is a concern when in third world countries where there is poor sanitation practices.

I carry both but never use both. I pump usually and have tabs in the event of pump failure.