Who it is for
Good fit
- Water that varies from clear to cloudy, switching between LONGER LIFE and FASTER FLOW
- You want to mount the filter straight onto a Nalgene wide-mouth bottle to refill
- Clear water where you want a faster flow, up to about 2 L per minute
- A hand-pump filter with a brushable ceramic prefilter disc and replaceable activated carbon
Key specifications
| Article no. | 8014932 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 425 g |
| Dimensions | 10 x 19 (diameter x height) cm |
| Filter elements | 1.0 micron ceramic prefilter disc, 0.2 micron glass fiber membrane, replaceable activated carbon granules |
| Filter modes | LONGER LIFE: water passes the ceramic prefilter disc first; FASTER FLOW: straight to the glass fiber |
| Output | Approx. 2 in FASTER FLOW; approx. 1 in LONGER LIFE L/min |
| Pump strokes | About 38 strokes per minute for 1 liter in FASTER FLOW mode |
| Cartridge capacity | Up to about 2,000, depending on water quality; LONGER LIFE mode gives the longest life L |
| Carbon replacement | About 200 liters; replace when taste or odor changes or after 6 months of constant use, whichever comes first |
| Effective against | Bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores and sediment; reduces chemicals and improves taste and odor |
| Reduction rates (manual) | Bacteria 99.9999% (Klebsiella terrigena); protozoan cysts 99.9% (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) |
| Prefilter | 130 micron prefilter keeps large particles out of the pump |
| Bottles and bladders | Integrated bottle thread fits Nalgene wide-mouth bottles; the bottom-cap outlet fits hydration bladder drink tubes |
| Material | Plastics, ceramic, glass fiber, activated carbon granules, silicone |
| Accessories | Prefilter, bottle clip and carry bag |
| Group size and water | 2-5 people; clear and cloudy water (maker product page spec list) |
FAQ
What is the difference between the Vario's two filtering modes?
LONGER LIFE passes water through a 1.0 micron ceramic prefilter disc before the glass fiber to extend cartridge life, at about 1 L per minute; FASTER FLOW goes straight through the glass fiber, at up to about 2 L per minute.
Which Vario mode should I use for cloudy water?
The product description recommends LONGER LIFE mode for cloudier water sources. The water first passes through the 1.0 micron ceramic prefilter disc, which extends the life of the glass fiber cartridge.
How long does the Vario cartridge last?
Cartridge life is about 2,000 liters, depending on source water quality; replacing the activated carbon every 200 liters is recommended. LONGER LIFE mode extends the life of the glass fiber cartridge.
Can the Vario filter viruses?
The product description does not list viruses. The listed targets are bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores and sediment, with a 0.2 micron cartridge pore size. It should not be relied on for virus protection; if there is any risk of viruses in the water, treat it separately or use a reliable drinking water source.
What does the Vario filter out?
It is three-stage: a 1.0 micron ceramic prefilter disc, a 0.2 micron glass fiber membrane (stated to remove 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa) and activated carbon. The product description also lists cysts, algae, spores and sediment.
Can the Vario mount directly on a bottle, and how much does it weigh?
It mounts directly on a Nalgene wide-mouth bottle and uses dual-piston operation. It weighs about 425 g, measures about 10 x 19 cm (barrel diameter), and includes a bottle clip, prefilter and storage bag.
How do I clean the Vario's ceramic prefilter disc?
The product description says the 1.0 micron ceramic prefilter disc can be scrubbed and regenerated, and is used to filter out large particles and silt. For detailed steps, see the manufacturer's user manual and video on the product page.
Can the Vario filter seawater?
Not recommended. The product description lists bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores and sediment as removal targets. Salt is not listed, so do not use it for seawater desalination.
When should I use the Vario's FASTER FLOW mode, and how do I switch modes?
The manufacturer's manual recommends using FASTER FLOW only when the water is clear, to extend cartridge life; for the longest cartridge life, always use LONGER LIFE. To switch, turn and lift the handle to detach the pump head, hold the housing, turn the ceramic prefilter unit until the white arrow points to the mode you want, then reattach the pump head and close it tight.
What should I do before first use and before long-term storage of the Vario?
Before first use, pump about 1 liter of water through the unit to flush out harmless carbon dust. Before long-term storage, brush the ceramic prefilter disc with the supplied cleaning pad and air-dry it completely, remove the cartridge to dry, rinse the black housing and lubricate the o-rings with silicone lubricant; see the manufacturer's user manual for the full steps. Do not use alcoholic detergents, which can damage the filter surface.














