Katadyn · Explorer series · upgrade kit · virus stage 0.01 µm
Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit
virus filter stage including housing
Travelling to a region with virus risk but only an Explorer in the cupboard? This kit adds the virus stage – turning it into a full Explorer Pro.
Buy the Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit – retrofit virus protection instead of rebuying
The Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit extends an existing Katadyn Explorer Filter with the Explorer Pro virus filter stage – including the housing required for it. The two-stage system of ceramic and activated carbon becomes a modular three-stage system that additionally retains viruses: the 0.01 µm hollow fibre membrane achieves a 99.99 % reduction in testing with the MS2 model virus and filters up to 10'000 litres. If you already own the Explorer, the upgrade saves buying a complete second filter.
Virus stage incl. housing · tool-free · modular
Why an upgrade beats a second filter
If you own an Explorer and later need virus protection, there are two routes: a complete Explorer Pro as a second device, or upgrading the base you already have. The kit makes the second route possible, because Explorer and Explorer Pro share the same filter base, the same pump piston and the same ceramic and activated carbon elements. After the upgrade your spares stay identical – no second kind of cartridge needed. And because the virus stage remains a module, you can take it back out for Alpine tours and save weight instead of carrying it permanently.
What the kit delivers – and what changes afterwards
After installation the filter works in three stages: the 0.2 µm ceramic still retains bacteria, protozoa and microplastics, the activated carbon handles chlorine and taste, and the new 0.01 µm hollow fibre membrane filters viruses. The overall system then achieves 99.9999 % for bacteria, 99.99 % for protozoa and 99.99 % for viruses. One noticeable change is slightly higher pumping resistance, because an additional stage is being flowed through – which is precisely why the stage can be removed again for unproblematic water sources.
When the upgrade is worth it
For tours in the Alps, Scandinavia or North America virus protection is usually dispensable – bacteria and protozoa are the relevant pathogens there. The kit becomes worthwhile as soon as travel to South-East Asia, Africa, South America or India is planned, when surface water in densely populated catchments has to be treated, or when sewage inputs are likely after heavy rain and flooding. The virus stage is also an argument for household preparedness, because during a longer water supply failure the quality of available sources becomes unpredictable.
Installation and later maintenance
Installation is tool-free: the supplied housing is inserted into the filter train and the membrane fitted inside it. Then flush a few decilitres through and discard them. For ongoing maintenance: the virus membrane is a wear part good for up to 10'000 litres and – unlike the ceramic – cannot be brushed clean. Replacements are available separately as the Explorer virus filter replacement element. Frost protection matters: if water freezes inside the hollow fibres they tear invisibly and the protective effect is gone.
Key features – Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit
- 🔺 Upgrades the Katadyn Explorer to an Explorer Pro
- 🧬 0.01 µm virus filter stage including housing
- 🎯 99.99 % virus reduction (MS2 model virus)
- ♾️ Membrane capacity up to 10'000 litres
- 🛡️ Third filter stage after ceramic and activated carbon
- 🧩 Modular – virus stage can be removed again at any time
- 🔄 Tool-free installation
- ♻️ Existing ceramic and carbon elements stay usable
- ❄️ Membrane not frost resistant – replace after freezing
- 🇨🇭 Katadyn · Swiss water treatment since 1928
Upgrade kit or the Explorer Pro straight away?
If you do not own a filter yet, the Katadyn Explorer Pro Filter is the direct route – the virus stage is already built in. The upgrade kit is for those already using a Katadyn Explorer who want to retrofit virus protection rather than buy a second device. Both routes lead to identical capability and use the same replacement elements: ceramic up to 20'000 litres, activated carbon up to 500 litres, virus membrane up to 10'000 litres. Buy the Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit at Swiss-Sale.ch – your Swiss specialist shop for outdoor gear with fast shipping.
Who is the Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit for?
The kit is for owners of a Katadyn Explorer Filter whose area of use is changing: long-haul travel, expeditions, deployments in crisis and flood areas – or emergency preparedness that should also cover unclear water sources.
Technical Specifications – Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit
| Model | Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit |
|---|---|
| Brand | Katadyn |
| Product type | Retrofit kit (virus filter stage) |
| Function | |
| Purpose | Upgrades the Katadyn Explorer to an Explorer Pro |
| Stage added | Virus filter stage including housing |
| Filter material | Hollow fibre membrane |
| Pore size | 0.01 µm |
| Membrane capacity | up to 10'000 L, depending on water quality |
| Virus reduction | 99.99 % (MS2 model virus) |
| System after the upgrade | |
| Filter stages | Ceramic 0.2 µm · activated carbon · virus membrane 0.01 µm |
| Bacteria | 99.9999 % (E. coli) |
| Protozoa | 99.99 % (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) |
| Handling & identification | |
| Installation | Tool-free |
| Design | Modular – virus stage removable again |
| Frost resistance | Membrane not frost resistant |
| Fits | Katadyn Explorer Filter |
| Manufacturer part no. | 8021423 |
| EAN | 0604375214231 |
| Warranty | 2 years Swiss statutory warranty |
Package Contents – Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit
- 🧬 Virus filter stage hollow fibre membrane 0.01 µm
- 📦 Housing for the virus stage
- 📄 Installation instructions
Frequently Asked Questions – Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit
Answers around the Katadyn Explorer Pro Upgrade Kit – from installation and effect to compatibility, maintenance and Swiss shipping.
