Katadyn Water Filter Reviews

The Famous Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, and Other Innovative Products, Have Brought Reliable Drinking Water to All Corners of the Earth

Why consider a Katadyn water filter? This Swiss company has more than 80 years of experience in water purification, and has led where other companies follow.

A history of consistent innovation, quality and value for money has turned Katadyn into one of the world's leading suppliers of water filtration equipment.

Katadyn is best known for its camping, hiking and other portable water purification systems.

The company acquired the American subsidiary, PUR Outdoor, in 2001, and through other company purchases has positioned itself in various aspects of the outdoor market, including stoves and freeze-dried food products.

Katadyn Water Filter Reviews

At All Water Purification, we not only test the Katadyn water filter products ourselves, with each member of the family having their own input: we know that taste can be subjective.

So we also pay careful attention to what actual consumers say about each product. If you're like us, then you usually feel better buying a 4-star rated product, or higher.

Products which have been tested by other real users should give confidence to anybody looking for one more good reason to buy.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

Read reviews of the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter at Amazon

Here's the most rugged and longest-lasting micro-filter available in the market. This famous Katadyn water filter is the first choice of many experienced activity freaks, especially by extreme adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, because of its durability and reliability.

The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is the only portable water filter we've ever found that comes with a lifetime warranty.

The Pocket comes with an ergonomically-designed round pump handle for easy pumping, and outlet hose that attaches to containers with a single clip, and a cushioned base that makes pumping easy on all surfaces.

Other features include a pre-filter, a measuring gauge that indicates when the filtering element should be changed, and a carrying bag.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter: How It Works

This Katadyn water filter system is very simple to use. Simply place the input hose and the pre-filter into any untreated water source. Connect the output hose to your water container, and start pumping.

The Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter features a unique silver ceramic element that is very effective against bacteria, other microbes and harmful sediments, even in the most extreme conditions.

This microfilter has maximum flexibility. It works for a wide variety of containers, and can even pump directly into a hydration pack. Click to order the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter from Amazon.com

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter: Pros and Cons

Durability and reliability. No other product comes close to this sturdy water filter made of heavy duty materials, which is ideal for long-term, continuous use. This water microfilter can still perform well even under extreme circumstances. This product has a 13,000 gallon life on one filter -- more than 60 times more durable than typical water filters that usually last around 200-600 gallons

Easy care and maintenance. The ceramic cartridge can be cleaned over and over again to restore flow rate. A hard-to-pump filter means it is dirty. All you have to do is open it up and clean it out, and it will pump smoothly again.  Pumping thousands of liters of safe drinking water is very likely as long as the directions to avoid cross-contamination are followed

Great value for money. While this filter might be one of the most expensive water filters in the market, you will soon realize that you'll be saving a considerable amount of money over the life of the filter. The product is good for 13,000 gallons, whereas the vast majority of portable water filters can only last around 550 gallons before you have to replace the filters. When you add the cost of those filters, you will eventually realize how much this product saves in the long run

Consumer confidence. A 5-star rating on Amazon is not easy to maintain, yet dozens of reviews later, the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter still scores top marks. It is highly recommended by other consumers

Weight. This product weighs 20oz, which isn't light, but not that much heavier when compared to its competitors. It may be a little heavier for its size due to the nature and quality of the materials used. It is designed to be tough, whereas other products are made of lighter and less sturdy materials

Slow output. This microfilter system slightly falls behind other filters that pump a little faster. But keep in mind that this is a superior 0.2 micron filter, and others are usually 0.3 micron filters

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter: Conclusion

The Katadyn Pocket Water Filter is the best choice if you are looking for a long-lasting product that consistently delivers, no matter where you are and how bad the local water is.

If the price of this excellent Katadyn water filter baffles you, then you should understand that quality and safety (not to mention a lifetime warranty) should not be compromised for a couple of dollars.

Buying a more expensive, yet peer tested and highly recommended product gives you a peace of mind, knowing that you have a water filter that can provide clean drinking water for a very long period of time.

If you consider the life span of this product, it may work out to be the cheapest one available on the market.

Click to order the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter from Amazon.com

Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow Portable Water Filtration System

Read reviews of the Vario Multi-Flow at Amazon

If you're looking for a simple, effective way to purify water, anywhere in the world, then check out this incredible Katadyn water filter.

The Vario can purify water from virtually any source, including lake water, rain water butts, even standing water pooling in rocks!

It's designed for people who enjoy the great outdoors. The Vario interfaces neatly with water bottles, or the famous CamelBack backpack drinking water carrier.

Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow: How It Works

This easily portable water purification system's a snap to use. Start by hooking the Vario up to a water bottle (the base screws neatly onto standard size bottles) or a personal hydration system like the CamelBack. The hose end simply dips into whatever water you have found and want to purify.

To use this Katadyn water filter, you simply hold the unit in one hand and pump the handle with the other, until your storage is filled.

There are two modes: Faster Flow and Longer Life. We recommend only using Longer Life, as the filtration is a higher standard, using both ceramic and charcoal filters -- and really, the speed is more than acceptable when compared to competing camping water purifiers.

Some users have reported issues when attempting to use the Vario in Faster Flow mode, which bypasses the ceramic water filter and only uses charcoal. (The equivalent of charcoal jug filters used in many homes.) Water may leak from the seals. Always use in Longer Life mode for added safety.

When filtering especially dangerous water supplies, we would recommend using a portable UV water filter once you have passed the water through the Katadyn water filter. Click to order the Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow Portable Water Filtration System from Amazon.com

Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow: Pros and Cons

Easy to use; pump action is easily operable without requiring personal strength

Excellent value for money versus comparable systems

Small and portable, go-anywhere filtration that connects neatly to most common water storage devices, like water bottles and backpack hydration systems

Charcoal and ceramic water filters for added protection; Faster Flow mode skips the ceramic filter for higher speed filtration, but is not recommended under most circumstances

Advertised filter life is misleading; claims 500 gallon life, but instructions recommend changing filters after 50 gallons

Some users report issues with durability. The hose outlet has been known to break during transit, and you should take care to pack the Vario to avoid damage

Faster Flow mode can cause issues of water leakage

Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow: Conclusion

For keen campers or hikers looking for a simple, safe and easily portable water purification system, it's hard to beat this Katadyn water filter.

It's been used "in the field" by young and old consumers, including people who have travelled to areas of the world where municipal water supplies cannot be trusted, with good results.

While it's a great way to get a quick fix of drinking water from virtually any source, we would not recommend this Katadyn water filter as a long-term solution, as the short life of 50 gallons for various parts, and some reliability concerns, mean you could spend a fair amount of time dismantling it and rebuilding it. If you're staying in the same place for a while, consider a countertop water filter system.

But for active folks who need something they can throw into their backpack and carry along with them, the Vario is a great choice of Katadyn water filters.

Click to order the Katadyn Vario Multi-Flow Portable Water Filtration System from Amazon.com

Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter

Read reviews of the Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter at Amazon

If you are looking for a water filter system that can handle and store large quantities of water, this Katadyn water filter is a great find.

This is a very practical tool for use in camps, outdoors, and areas where water sources with potentially dangerous substances and microbes are likely to be encountered.

While the Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter is primarily designed for outdoor use, this water filter has also been used and trusted by relief agencies and households around the globe for years, simply because it works so great. This filter does its job of providing you nothing but safe and potable drinking water.

The product comes with three built-in filter ceramic elements that efficiently filter out harmful microorganisms. These filters can be regenerated, and the filter capacity is measurable.

Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter: How It Works

This Katadyn water filter works on gravity pressure from the upper compartment, which means there is no pumping required. Start by filling the container with up to two gallons of untreated water. It will slowly drip through the three ceramic filter elements into the bottom reservoir of the container.

There are reports that green algae may grow on the filter after the top container drains the water into the lower one. Adding a little chlorine cuts down this problem.

While Ceradyn does a great job of removing bacteria and other microbes, viruses are too small in size, so a large number are likely to pass through the filters. If you want to be extra careful with viruses, it is recommended to use a stand-alone UV water filter after filtering the water through Ceradyn to treat and eliminate any virus present in the water. Click to order the Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter from Amazon.com

Ceradyn Katadyn Water Filter: Pros and Cons

Simple design. There are no moving parts, which makes maintenance simple. Setup is a breeze too

Convenient. This product is gravity-based, so it is safe, reliable water filtration without the need for pumping

Extremely durable. The container is made of plastic, but it is very strong. Its walls are about the thickness of an average 5 gallon plastic bucket, so there is no way this would break under normal circumstances. The filter that provides up to 150,000 liters of potable water can be cleaned several times, providing longer use and lower operating costs

Filtration by-product issues. Some users reported that the Ceradyn leaves a slight odor and taste after filtration, probably because the unit doesn't make use of activated carbon granulates, which are known to reduce unpleasant odors and tastes

Very delicate ceramic filters. There's a good chance of breaking one if they are not handled with extreme care. The unit comes with a red rubber stopper that can be put in the filter hole if one does break. Of course, if this occurs, then that means the life and output is decreased by a third

Katadyn TRK Ceradyn Water Filter: Conclusion

Overall this Katadyn water filter serves its primary purpose. It is particularly suitable for large groups. With its long lasting life, it's a very practical choice for long term use.

Consumers can attest to the Ceradyn's unfailing performance. It has been used around the world, especially in undeveloped countries, where water sources are not that reliable and the results are good.

Although it doesn't eliminate the odor and taste completely, one can still have complete confidence that the water that goes through the Ceradyn will be pure and drinkable.

Click to order the Katadyn Ceradyn Water Filter from Amazon.com

Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter

Read reviews of the Base Camp at Amazon

Get the most out of any readily available water source with another excellent Katadyn water filter. With this quality water system, there is no more hand pumping, which also means there is no more wasted time.

This product comes in handy when a large volume of water is needed. It effortlessly provides up to two gallons of treated water in just 15 minutes.

It uses the same filtration technology as other high performance Katadyn water filter products, and can filter over 200 gallons of water before requiring maintenance, thanks to the easy-to-clean unique filter protector, which extends the life of the product's replaceable filter cartridge.

Katadyn Base Camp: How It Works

This handy Katadyn water filter gets the job done in a very simple way and offers many benefits. Just fill the bag with over a gallon of untreated water from any nearby source. Clip the top of the bag around a branch of a tree, a tent pole or any other raised item, and allow the gravity do the rest of the work for you. It has a fast flow rate, so that it only takes minutes for you to fill up a large water bottle.

There is no need to go back and forth to the water source to pump water. You can just leave the filled bag hanging near your campsite. Simply unclamp the hose and get your desired amount of fresh and treated water.

Take note of the instruction to flush about two liters of water through the carbon filter. The first flow is expected to be discolored, however it quickly clears after. It is also important to run clean water through it with small amount of chlorine before putting it away for storage.

Click to order the Katadyn Base Camp Water Filtration System from Amazon.com

Katadyn Base Camp: Pros and Cons

Ease of Use and easy to operate with very straightforward instruction manual. Set it up and you can just leave it

Convenient, light and very portable. The Base Camp folds up easily into your backpack. When empty, the unit is very compact

Simplistic design with no moving and complicated parts, aside from the piece that screws on the filter and the plastic stopper at the end of the tube. Perhaps the best part of this filtration system design is that the water goes directly from the filter to your cup, which means there is no opportunity for any contamination in-between

Filtration takes much longer than advertised. Katadyn claims to filter two gallons in just 15 minutes, when some users complain that it takes more time that that. The process gets even slower towards the end, as the effect of gravity slows. Compressing the bag to squeeze the water through can speed things up though

Durability issues mention the area around the pleated surface of the filter cartridge. This could easily get damaged, so extra caution should be taken when handling the parts, especially during travelling

Katadyn Base Camp: Conclusion

The Katadyn Base Camp water filter, as the name suggests, works best for static camp sites during family and group camping.

While it does what it is supposed to, this Katadyn water filter is only ideal for short term water purification, and not for everyday use, given its 200+ gallon life.

For camping enthusiasts, it is practically one of the easiest ways to have fresh and safe drinking water always available.

The few frustrations are probably worth living with to have such a convenient and fuss-free way to access clean, fresh drinking water, no matter where you have set up the tent.

Click to order the Katadyn Base Camp Camping Water Filter and Personal Hydration System from Amazon.com

Katadyn Water Filter Combi Microfilter

Read reviews of the Combi Microfilter at Amazon

Check out the best-selling emergency preparedness Katadyn water filter in America. Perhaps what makes the Katadyn Combi Microfilter the choice of so many loyal consumers is the fact that it is the only outdoor water filter that can easily be converted for use in recreational vehicles, boat, and in your home.

This Katadyn water filter uses the combination of Katadyn's cleanable ceramic element, and a refillable activated charcoal cartridge. In combination, these dual filter systems are effective against bacteria and protozoa, and also reduce bad chemicals, odor, and unpleasant tastes as well.

The product includes a prefilter, bottle adaptor, and a carry bag. It's a complete safe, portable water filter system.

Katadyn Combi Microfilter: How It Works

The Combi Katadyn water filter is so easy to use. Simply connect the output hose to your water container, place the prefilter into the untreated water source and start pumping for clean, drinkable water.

What makes the Combi unique is its replaceable carbon core, which reduces the need for chemicals and keeps the water tasting fresh. The measuring gauge is an added plus. It indicates when the filter element should be changed.

The Combi's two-stage filter function (carbon and ceramic) effectively removes harmful microbes and chemicals. Simply shift to one-stage operation by using only the ceramic element to reduce the use of the active carbon granules and ensure maximum use of capacity.

An optional faucet mount adaptor kit offers simple connection to a tap in home, camper, or boat. This add-on makes the Combi the only water filter suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

HOT TIP: the ceramic filter lasts longer if you use a coffee filter on the hose to reduce the sediment enterting the ceramic water filter.

Click to order the Katadyn Combi Microfilter from Amazon.com

Katadyn Combi Microfilter: Pros and Cons

Long lasting and extremely reliable. The Combi's ceramic filter provides up to 13,000 gallons of fresh drinking water. Most competing filter cartridges last only around 200 gallons. The filter can be easily cleaned to restore flow rate

Versatile. The Combi easily fits on to a wide variety of drinking water bottles; the optional add-on kit makes this water filter perfect for both outdoor and indoor use

Convenient. It is easy to clean and works quickly. You can even pump directly into your Camelbak. Also the pump handle is big and comfortable. Enjoy consistently clean, good-tasting water whenever you need it

Good pump rate. The Combi filters untreated water at a rate of about 1L/min

Silver ceramic element issues. You have to be extra careful when taking this water filter to cold climates. The wet ceramic element may crack if allowed to freeze

A little heavy for its size. The Combi is not the lightest, although carrying it along is certainly lighter than bringing prepared water

Katadyn Combi Microfilter: Conclusion

If you are looking for a durable Katadyn water filter that does exactly what it is designed to do, then you can't go wrong with the Combi. Not only does it provide safe drinking water, but it makes the water good tasting as well.

True, it is not made of metal, but it is just as sturdy and is built to last.

While the Combi is a great way to enjoy great-tasting and safe drinking water, you will need more than just this for your primary source during times of survival. You have to wash the filter frequently in-between, and so you might spend valuable time in taking it apart and assembling it again every time you travel.

Click to order the Katadyn Combi Microfilter from Amazon.com

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