Description:
The Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Water Filter combines the two best technologies – ceramic and pleated microfiltration. It is designed so that a simple turn engages a ceramic prefilter for longer life in dirty water or a pleated glassfiber filter in normal conditions. It has  dual piston technology which provides maximum output with minimum effort. It features an Ultra fast flow (2 liters/minute), carbon core with replaceable carbon so water always tastes fresh. Adaptor base attaches directly to water bottles or output hose can be used to fill hydration systems or larger containers. -sc

• Cartridge capacity: Up to 530 gal. (106 gal. for carbon)
• Size: 7.5″ x 4″
• Weight: 15 oz.

Review:
Arizona is known for its silty water and this filter handles the worst that the Southwest has to offer. I have this filter and have used it through quite a few side canyons in the Grand Canyon. It has two settings, fast flow and longer life. It recommends using the longer life setting in Arizona. Even on the longer life setting it works great. It does get plugged – which you will be warned of when water starts coming out the sides. When this happens you just open the filter, get your green scrubby pad (included) and scrub off the porcelain prefilter – and it’ll work great again.

It also has a removable bottom cap that can be rotated to accommodate the mouth piece of a Camelback hose or removed and screwed right onto the top of a Nalgene bottle.