If you’re planning a visit or outside journey to a vacation spot the place the native water may not be secure for consuming, you may be contemplating packing a water filter. This may be a backcountry tenting journey, a mountain climbing journey, or a visit abroad the place you aren’t certain if the faucet water is secure to drink.
Regardless of the purpose that you’re occupied with packing a water filter, this put up will assist. We’re going to cowl all the things you have to know on the subject of selecting a water filter for journey, and likewise counsel one of the best water filters in your journey.
We’ll go over what a water filter is and why you would possibly want one. We’ll take a look at what water filters really take away from the water, and the totally different strategies they use for doing so. We’ll cowl a variety of options {that a} water filter may need, and which of them you must think about necessary in your journey.
We’ve used a lot of totally different water filters on our travels, each on tenting journeys within the again nation and on journeys to international locations the place the water wasn’t secure to drink.
We’ve put this information collectively based mostly on our private expertise in addition to intensive analysis utilizing data from trusted sources like authorities businesses.
By the tip of this put up, you must know if you happen to want a water filter in your subsequent journey, and if that’s the case, which one goes to satisfy your wants and finances!
Why You May Must Filter Your Water
Earlier than we get into particular water filters, let’s take a look at why and the place you would possibly have to deal with the water you might be consuming.
As people, we’d like water to outlive. Normal tips are to drink 6 to eight 8oz glasses of water per day. The precise quantity required varies relying on a variety of things, together with ambient temperature and our stage of bodily exercise. A scarcity of water can rapidly change into deadly, with most consultants agreeing that the human physique can solely survive a number of days with out water.
So, we positively want water. Sadly, water usually incorporates issues that aren’t good for us. These can embrace micro organism, viruses, and parasites in addition to chemical substances and metals.
A few of these might trigger delicate to average sicknesses like travellers’ diarrhoea (or vacationers’ diarrhea). That is really the most typical ailment vacationers are prone to endure from. Others can result in very critical sickness and even loss of life. As such, you will need to be sure that the water you might be uncovered to is clear and freed from any dangerous contaminants.
This consists of consuming water, and likewise the water you utilize for brushing your enamel, as ice in drinks, for cleansing fruit and veggies, amongst different issues. It solely takes a small quantity of contaminated water to trigger a critical challenge.
The principle causes individuals use water filtration gadgets are to filter doubtlessly unsafe water for consuming, cooking, and private hygiene. Widespread conditions the place you would possibly have to filter water are as follows:
- When mountain climbing, tenting, fishing, boating, and backcountry journey the place it’s possible you’ll be consuming untreated water
- Worldwide journey to locations with unsafe consuming water
- Conditions, resembling flooding or water therapy points, that make dwelling water provide unsafe
- As an environmentally-friendly various to purchasing and consuming bottled water
- To filter secure however dangerous tasting water
Now, there are a selection of various methods you could deal with water, as outlined by the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention right here. These embrace boiling water, utilizing chemical therapies, filtration strategies, and the usage of UV mild. So that you do have to just remember to are utilizing one of the best methodology based mostly on the kind of contaminant, the vacation spot, and your travels.
We focus on all these strategies in additional element in our information to accessing secure consuming water when touring. That information additionally covers issues like tips on how to know if you have to filter water, and the place faucet water is secure to drink. We’d suggest studying that information as effectively for a fuller understanding of the subject.
This information will focus particularly on water filtration as a way for treating water. On this information we might be primarily water filters from a journey perspective, that means gadgets which are designed to give you drinkable water on journeys overseas, mountain climbing, again nation tenting journeys, and so on.
What’s Water Filtration?
Water filtration is a technique of purifying water for consuming. Within the case of water filtration for journey, the purpose is to make it secure to drink. There are different water filters in the marketplace, usually marketed for in-home use, that are primarily designed to take away style and odor from water, however these are usually not inside the scope of this information.
Water filtration gadgets are a well-liked choice for making water secure to drink when touring, with a lot of choices out there in the marketplace at various value factors. Water filtration works by passing the water to be handled by way of a effective filter. The filter pores are so effective that they take away many contaminants from the water, leading to clear, drinkable water.
Usually, the dimensions of the filter pores will decide which contaminants the filter is able to eradicating. Filter pores of round 0.1 – 0.2 microns (100 or 200 nanometres) will filter protozoa and micro organism, however not viruses. To filter out viruses, the CDC recommends filtration pores smaller than 0.03 microns (30 nanometers).
There are different applied sciences that can be utilized as a part of a water filter resembling ion trade know-how which may additionally purify water of varied contaminants. These normally work together with pore-based know-how.
A very good water filter will clearly listing what it’s able to cleansing, and also needs to reference the certification requirements it has met that enable it to make these claims. Extra on these requirements in a while within the put up.
Some water filters additionally embrace a carbon filtration stage which is designed to take away dangerous tastes from the water.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Water Filters for Journey
A water filter could be a good choice for journey, however it’s not the one choice.
A few of the benefits of water filtration over different water therapy strategies embrace:
- They will filter a number of contaminants, together with micro organism and protozoa. Some also can filter viruses.
- They will filter water in a shorter period of time than most different strategies – nearly immediately in sure kinds of filters such because the straw ones
- They can take away cloudiness brought on by filth/silt/sand, producing clear consuming water
- They will improve the style of water with carbon filtration
- The filtration system additionally usually acts as a consuming vessel and for water storage, that means you’ll be able to carry some water with you
- They don’t require any form of power supply to work, that means they’re efficient even when off-grid
- They’re a light-weight choice in comparison with one thing like a camp range
- Some filtration techniques, notably gravity-based filtration, are perfect for cleansing giant quantities of water which is nice for a bunch state of affairs
A few of the disadvantages of water filtration over different water therapy strategies embrace:
- The upfront prices could be larger than another strategies, though over time this value evens out
- Most techniques have filters which want substitute, including to the general value
- They’re extra cumbersome than some choices resembling chemical filtration tablets or drops
- Some effort/pressure is required on some strategies of filtration, together with pump-based and straw-based filtration strategies
- They aren’t as efficient on sure kinds of contaminants as boiling
Total, a water filter could be a nice choice, however it’s not the one one. See extra choices in our information to secure consuming water for journey.
What to Search for in a Journey Water Filter or Air purifier
Earlier than we undergo a few of our really useful water filters, we needed to cowl what you need to be searching for in a water filtration system.
What can a Water Filter Take away?
In all probability an important query you have to ask when looking for a water filter or air purifier is what it’s able to eradicating out of your water.
The principle contaminants you might be prone to wish to take away from water are:
- Viruses
- Micro organism
- Protozoa
- Parasites
- Chemical substances
- Metals
- Filth / silt / sand
- Microplastics
Whereas water filtration and water purification techniques are capable of take away the above kinds of contaminants, not all filtration techniques are able to eradicating all these contaminants from water. To decide on one of the best water therapy methodology, you’ll want to think about the place you might be touring and the types of water sources you might be prone to have entry to.
Most water filtrations techniques can take away most filth, sand, microplastics, micro organism, protozoa, and parasites from the water. Nonetheless, solely these with finer filters will have the ability to deal with viruses as effectively. And solely these with carbon filters will usually have the ability to take away chemical substances affecting the style or scent of the water.
For backcountry journey within the US for instance, the extra urgent issues are protozoa and micro organism, which most water filters ought to have the ability to deal with. Viruses are mostly transmitted through human waste, and this transmission is way much less frequent within the US as a consequence of good waste administration practices and low inhabitants densities within the areas the place vacationers would possibly have to filter water sources.
Vacationers to growing components of the world can also wish to think about a water purification system that may additionally take away viruses. After all, these of you desirous to err on the aspect of warning (not a nasty factor), would possibly need a full purification system no matter vacation spot.
What can’t a Water Filter Take away?
Water filters and water purifiers can’t take away each potential sort of dangerous contaminant from water. You’ll want to rigorously learn the specs of a selected water filtration product to make sure it removes the contaminants of concern for you.
It is very important be aware that water filters are usually NOT able to eradicating issues like:
- Gasoline oil
- Poisonous chemical substances
- Radioactive supplies
In eventualities like this, which usually are catastrophe associated, the CDC recommends utilizing bottled water.
Water filters for journey are additionally not designed to desalinate or filter seawater or ocean water.
Water Filter vs Water Air purifier
It’s possible you’ll come throughout the time period water filter and the time period water air purifier, and marvel what the distinction is. The distinction is generally all the way down to what it removes from the water.
A water filter is generally able to filtering out protozoa and micro organism, and has bigger pore sizes within the filter mesh. A water air purifier also can filter out protozoa and micro organism, however is moreover able to filtering out viruses that are a lot smaller.
Travellers in the US will usually be extra involved with micro organism and protozoa resembling Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which could be filtered out with a water filter. Vacationers to much less developed nations might want to think about viral dangers like hepatitis A, which require a air purifier.
These two kinds of filtration merchandise are usually grouped collectively and we might be protecting each of those merchandise in our information.
What Filter Mechanism Does It Use?
Water filtration gadgets, because the identify suggests, use a filter to wash the water. These filters are very effective, and the water usually wants some stress so as to cross by way of the filter itself.
Totally different filter techniques have adopted totally different approaches to this. Three frequent techniques are straw-based, pump-based, and gravity-based.
A straw-based system works like a consuming straw. The filter is discovered inside a big consuming straw like system. You place one finish of the straw within the water to be filtered, and suck on the opposite finish. The motion of sucking by way of the straw creates unfavorable stress which leads to the water passing by way of the filter and into your mouth. It is a good choice the place you may have common entry to water, however is finest fitted to single individual use. It may well additionally require various effort to suck the water by way of the straw.
Examples of really useful straw-based filtration techniques are the LifeStraw Go and Sawyer Bottle.
A pump-based system works utilizing some form of pump to exert stress on the water and pressure it by way of the filter. It is a good choice for filtering water for later use, and you may filter as a lot or as little water as required within the second. The drawback is that it could actually require various handbook effort to filter the water.
Examples of standard pump-based filtration techniques are the Survivor Filter Professional and Grayl UltraPress.
A gravity-based system makes use of gravity to pressure the water by way of the filter. You add the water to be filtered to a bag, hold it up someplace with the filter on the backside, and gravity causes the water to cross by way of the filter. This will take a while, and is extra standard for bigger quantities of water. It is a good choice for a bunch camp or for RV use the place you wish to filter bigger quantities of water for a number of individuals.
An instance of a well-liked gravity-based filtration system is the LifeStraw Mission.
How Lengthy Does It Take to Filter Water?
When evaluating a water filtration or purification system, you must examine how lengthy it takes to filter the water. Normally, producers ought to present an estimate for the way lengthy it takes to filter a specific amount of water, say one litre or one gallon.
For instance, a gravity or pump-based system may be able to filtering 10 litres in a single hour.
For a straw-based system, the velocity will rely on how onerous you suck on the straw. However filtration is pretty instantaneous.
How Straightforward is it to Use, Preserve, Clear and Retailer?
Relating to a product that’s designed to create secure consuming water, you ideally need it to be as simple to make use of as potential. We suggest trying on the instruction handbook for any product to get a really feel for what number of steps are concerned in producing clear water.
If a product has an advanced, multi-stage course of, there’s a larger chance that you’re going to get one thing mistaken, doubtlessly resulting in consuming contaminated water. Ideally, the method must be easy and simple to recollect.
In addition to ease of use, additionally, you will wish to think about how simple the product you select is to keep up, clear, and retailer. It must be simple to take aside for any cleansing, and there must be tips on how finest to retailer it between makes use of.
A water filter isn’t one thing you might be prone to be utilizing day by day, so between journeys you wish to ensure it’s one thing you’ll be able to pack away for subsequent time with out fear.
How A lot Water Can it Filter?
Most techniques for water filtration and purification have a restrict on how a lot water they will filter. Bigger pore filters, resembling these designed to take away micro organism and protozoa, are inclined to have an extended lifespan than these with smaller pores that are designed for viruses.
So for instance, a purification filter that may filter out viruses would possibly have the ability to do 100 – 400 litres earlier than the filter wants changing. A system for micro organism would possibly have the ability to do 1000L+ earlier than it wants changing.
It’s because the best way the filters work is that they really get blocked up by the stuff they’re filtering out of the water. Over time, all of the pores might be blocked and the filter will cease permitting water by way of. Smaller pores get blocked faster than bigger pores.
Some filter techniques help you prolong the lifetime of the filter by “back-washing” them. This entails forcing purified water by way of the filter in reverse to wash it out. This will considerably prolong the lifespan of the filter.
Some water filter techniques have totally different filter levels as effectively. For instance, there may be a pore-based filter for filtering out nasties, and a carbon-based filter for enhancing the style. Typically, the carbon-based filter could have a extra restricted lifespan. The excellent news is {that a} worn-out carbon filter doesn’t make the water much less secure to drink, though the style of the water may be degraded when it’s worn out.
The principle factor is to determine how a lot water you might be prone to have to filter in your journey, based mostly on length and variety of individuals. Then you’ll be able to see if the system you might be selecting might be sufficient, and if you happen to would possibly have to spend money on extra filters.
How Sturdy Is It?
Relying on the place you propose to make use of it, a water filtration system is prone to be a critically necessary a part of your equipment. Getting access to clear water is admittedly necessary, and also you want to have the ability to depend on the product you might be shopping for.
Ideally the product could have been examined to resist a specific amount of affect, each empty and full. If it shops water, you wish to ensure it’s not going to leak. Out on the path, you need one thing that’s going to have the ability to deal with being dropped or bashed round a bit with out failing.
Positively be cautious of something that has small fiddly bits of plastic that may simply break, as this might trigger a major problem. We’d usually suggest having a fall-back system, resembling chemical purification tablets if you’ll be off-grid for some time, simply in case.
How A lot Does It Weigh?
Weight is a crucial consideration for any traveler. If you’re planning a again nation mountain climbing journey the place you might be carrying all the things in your again, then you’ll positively be occupied with weight a fantastic deal.
Nonetheless, even vacationers with checked baggage don’t have infinite baggage allowances! So you might be unlikely to wish to pack a giant cumbersome water filtration system, or carry it with you if you find yourself out sightseeing.
The excellent news is that lots of the choices in the marketplace are light-weight and designed to be transportable, usually being not a lot bigger or heavier than a standard water bottle.
Does it Have Replaceable Elements?
Totally different filter designs will probably have totally different components which are replaceable, and it’s price understanding what these components are and what the substitute prices are.
Most filter techniques could have replaceable filters, however some might have extra parts like hoses or seals that you’ll be able to substitute.
When evaluating costs of various techniques, it’s price checking the totally different costs of those substitute components and their estimated lifespan so you may have an thought of a complete lifetime value.
Certification of Efficacy
For one thing as necessary as secure consuming water, it’s not sufficient to imagine a producer’s claims of efficacy. Any producer of a water filtration or purification system that believes of their product must be prepared to have it independently examined to an agreed customary. Ideally these exams might be supplied in full so that you can take a look at.
There are two primary requirements which are used for water purification / filtration testing. The primary is the EPA customary. This was developed by the US-based Environmental Safety Company within the Nineteen Eighties, and supplied a framework for testing micro organic water purifiers so as to reveal in the event that they produced water that was secure to drink.
A more moderen testing framework, NSF P231, was launched by the worldwide organisation NSF (this used to face for Nationwide Sanitation Basis, however in the present day it’s simply known as NSF). The NSF framework was developed based mostly on the EPA doc, however is usually revised and up to date.
NSF P231 is the usual you need to be searching for at least for filtration testing. It’s a robust 10-day take a look at in a number of components, and a good producer ought to have the ability to present proof that their system handed the take a look at in full.
It’s price noting that there’s additionally an much more strict customary, NSF P248, which some manufacturers additionally take a look at to for further peace of thoughts. That is just like P231, however was developed for testing US navy water purification techniques to be used on navy operations. This one is much less frequent for consumer-focused filters, however if you’d like the final word in peace of thoughts, think about investing in a product which has met P248 testing necessities.
Word that there are different NSF testing requirements, together with NSF 42 and 53. These are primarily designed to check dwelling water filters for style enhancements, relatively than to render them secure.
We’d positively suggest investing in a filter that meets EPA and NSF P231 testing requirements, and which offers proof of the identical.
Price Per Litre / Gallon
If you end up evaluating totally different water filters and purifiers, it may be onerous to get an thought of how they examine from a price standpoint.
One good solution to examine is to see how a lot it might value you to filter one litre or one gallon of water utilizing the system. To do that, you simply want the price of the system and the quantity of water it could actually filter over its lifetime.
For instance, you would possibly spend 100 {dollars} on a tool that may filter 1,000 litres of water. 100 divided by 1,000 is 0.10. So this system would value you 10 cents per litre.
After all, if the system has a replaceable filter which prices 25 {dollars}, your future value will drop. So over the entire lifetime of the product your total value may be decrease. Nonetheless, calculating the preliminary value per litre or per gallon is an efficient place to begin for comparability functions.
What Water Sources Does It Help?
Relying on the kind of journey you might be doing, you would possibly want a special type of water filtration system. For instance, in case you are primarily travelling in a rustic the place you simply wish to filter the faucet water for security, then most gadgets will work effective as you’ll be able to simply maintain them beneath the faucet.
Nonetheless, in case you are planning a again nation journey that may require you to supply water from a stream or river, then you have to a tool that lets you seize that water, particularly if the supply is shallow. This would possibly contain tubing and a pump, or another mechanism for capturing the water to be filtered.
The principle factor is to select a tool that’s able to working within the numerous eventualities you have to to make use of it in.
What Temperatures Does It Work In?
It’s actually necessary to verify what temperatures the system you propose to purchase is able to working in. That is particularly the case in case you are planning on touring to a chilly climate vacation spot.
When the temperature dips under freezing, clearly this could trigger any water inside your filtration system to freeze. Some filters might be completely broken if this occurs, and so are usually not rated to be used in freezing climate circumstances.
Most gadgets will work effective in heat climate, though do at all times verify what temperature vary the system is rated for and examine it with the temperatures you count on to come across when utilizing it.
The Finest Water Filters for Journey
We are going to now undergo our choose of one of the best water filters for journey. We listing merchandise throughout a lot of water capability sizes and value factors that may go well with a wide range of vacationers’ wants. We embrace water filters and water purifiers that use every of the three main filtration strategies.
Earlier than we do although, a fast be aware. We aren’t certified water purification consultants or medical professionals, and you must search skilled steerage as to one of the best water filter in your wants and particular scenario. This text is for data functions based mostly on our experiences, and doesn’t represent well being recommendation.
We’d stress that water purification is a posh matter, and consuming water that’s not correctly handled could be life threatening. So please make sure you analysis the subject totally, perceive the dangers in your wants and vacation spot, and get certified recommendation in case you are not sure.
These merchandise are grouped by filter sort (straw, gravity and pump), after which roughly by value, though costs range so do examine earlier than making a choice.
LifeStraw Go
LifeStraw are a well known model on the earth of water filtration. They make a variety of merchandise, some designed for giant scale water filtration in growing international locations, others which are centered on the wants of vacationers particularly.
Our favorite LifeStraw product for basic journey is the LifeStraw Go. We’ve used this on again nation hikes within the USA the place there hasn’t been filtered faucet water out there, together with on a multi-day hike to Havasu Falls in Arizona. We’ve additionally taken it on worldwide journeys to filter faucet water.
The LifeStraw Go is a mixed water bottle and water filter. It makes use of a straw-based filter system. To make use of it, you fill the bottle with the water you wish to filter. The lid has a detachable giant straw filter hooked up to it, and once you suck by way of the spout within the lid the motion of sucking attracts the water by way of the filter.
There’s are numerous sizes out there, together with a 650ml (22 fl oz) model and a 1 litre (34 fl oz) model, and it may be bought in both a chrome steel of BPA free plastic model. You can even purchase a straw standalone if you happen to don’t need the bottle.
The product makes use of a 0.2 micron filter which is able to filtering out micro organism and parasites, however not viruses. It may well deal with as much as 4,000 litres (1,000 gallons) earlier than the filter must be changed. It additionally has a carbon filter to enhance the style, nonetheless that is solely good for 100 litres (26 gallons) earlier than it must be changed.
LifeStraw take a look at all their merchandise and publish their outcomes on their web site. The LifeStraw Go meets US EPA and NSF P231 consuming water requirements for the removing of micro organism and parasites.
The principle drawback of the LifeStraw is that it’s actually designed for single individual use. The filtration occurs as you drink, so you’ll be able to’t filter water after which distribute it to others. So everybody would want their very own LifeStraw. It additionally isn’t good for filtering water for makes use of aside from consuming, for a similar purpose.
Nonetheless, as a consuming water filter it really works very effectively so long as you don’t have to take away viruses, and the value can be very cheap. We nonetheless use ours usually after we journey.
Different related choices in the marketplace embrace the Sawyer Bottle and the Katadyn BeFree. These work in an analogous method, so that you would possibly wish to examine stats and costs to see which inserts your wants finest.
Capability: 650ml / 22fl oz
Weight: 221g / 7.84oz
Filter sort: Straw based mostly
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites
Lifespan: 4000 litre / 1000 gallon
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 1 cent per litre
Worth: Examine on-line at Amazon right here, REI right here
Sawyer Bottle
Sawyer are one other well-known model who make a wide range of water filtration merchandise. The Sawyer Bottle is just like the LifeStraw Go in that it really works with an inline straw. To make use of it, you merely refill the water bottle, then drink by way of the inline straw.
The bottle makes use of Sawyers 0.1 micron filter know-how, which suggests it filters out micro organism and parasites, however received’t take away viruses. Because it’s a straw, you have to suck fairly onerous to get the water by way of.
One main benefit of the Sawyer Bottle in comparison with the LifeStraw Go is that it comes with a backwashing equipment. That is principally a syringe that you should use to pressure clear water by way of the filter in reverse, a course of referred to as backwashing.
This considerably extends the lifetime of the filter as a result of it unblocks the pores. Sawyer state that with common backwashing (after each journey ideally), the filter ought to final for not less than 100,000 gallons. That’s principally a lifetime of use for most individuals, and it makes the Sawyer Bottle one of the vital cost-effective water filters in our spherical up on a price per litre foundation.
The bottle itself can be comparatively light-weight, at 5.5oz (155g), and may maintain 34oz (1 litre) of water.
It has related downsides to the LifeStraw Go, in that it’s primarily designed for offering clear consuming water for one individual, relatively than water for a number of individuals or for different functions like cooking.
It’s also lacking a charcoal filter, so doesn’t take away the style that filters with a charcoal filter do. Merchandise are examined to EPA requirements, with take a look at stories out there on their web site right here.
Capability: 1 litre / 34oz
Weight: 155g / 5.5 oz
Filter sort: Straw
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites
Lifespan: 454,609 litres / 100,000 gallon
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 0.01 cents per litre
Worth: Examine on-line on Amazon right here
LifeStraw Mission
If you’re searching for a product that may filter water for a lot of individuals in addition to for a number of makes use of, then think about the LifeStraw Mission. It is a gravity bag with a built-in filter.
To make use of it, you fill the bag up with water to be filtered, hold it up, after which gravity forces water by way of the filter and out of the faucet.
This makes the LifeStraw Mission ultimate for tenting in teams, in addition to basic actions the place you want water for a number of individuals or makes use of.
LifeStraw really make a variety of gravity type filters. The Mission is the model designed to purify water, and it’ll take away micro organism, viruses and parasites. This larger stage of filtration makes it a costlier choice.
It meets NSF customary P231, and LifeStraw publishes lab report knowledge on their web site for his or her merchandise.
LifeStraw additionally produce other gravity merchandise, such because the LifeStraw Peak and Flex, that are decrease value choices that take away micro organism and parasites however not viruses. So which is finest for you’ll rely in your vacation spot and necessities.
If you’d like purification that may deal with viruses as effectively, then the Mission is an efficient choice. It is available in two variations, one with a 12 litre (3.1 gallon) bag and one with a 5 litre (1.3 gallon) bag. They each have the identical filter, which has a formidable lifetime filtration capability of 18,000 litres (4,755 gallons).
It’s additionally comparatively mild at 530g (18.7 oz) for the 12-litre model, which makes this a very good choice for journey. Given the lengthy lifetime of the filter, it additionally presents a superb value per litre.
Capability: 12 litres / 3.1 gallons
Weight: 530g / 18.7 oz
Filter sort: Gravity based mostly filter
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites, viruses
Lifespan: 18,000 litres / 4,755 gallon
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 0.7 cents per litre
Worth: Examine on-line on Amazon right here and REI right here
Grayl UltraPress
We got here throughout the Grayl vary of merchandise when researching a visit to Africa. We didn’t wish to should be continually shopping for bottled water, however knew that the chance of water borne viruses was an actual concern. As such, we needed a filtration system we may depend on to completely purify water for consuming.
In our case this was primarily going to be water sourced from faucets, so while it was usually clear to the attention, we had no thought what it may be carrying. To be on the secure aspect, we figured a system that filtered out all the things together with viruses was a good suggestion, which meant our LifeStraw Go wasn’t going to chop it.
We discovered the Grayl UltraPress met our wants. This seems to be like a water bottle, however has a intelligent constructed in-filter system which has you urgent the filter by way of the water form of like a French Press, with the clear water ending up in a chamber you’ll be able to drink from.
There are a number of benefits of the Grayl UltraPress. First, it’s able to filtering out all waterborne pathogens together with viruses. It does this with a mixture of small pore holes and electroadsorption / ion trade. There’s additionally a carbon factor within the filter to take away style and odor.
Second, the press system signifies that the purified water goes right into a chamber from the place it may be decanted into different containers. So you should use this for a number of individuals, for cooking, private hygiene and so forth. This makes it far more versatile in comparison with a straw-based system.
There are some downsides. The double-walled design and comparatively giant filter unit signifies that the system is somewhat heavy. It may well additionally solely maintain 500 ml / 16.90z, though the bigger GeoPress mannequin holds 740 ml / 24oz
As well as, a filter which may filter out viruses usually has a shorter lifecycle.
The Grayl Ultrapress filter is rated at 150 litres (40 gallons), so the fee per litre is kind of excessive. In some locations, it’d even be larger than shopping for bottled water. Nonetheless, substitute filters are usually not too costly, so over the lifetime of the product the value per litre will come down somewhat.
The bigger GeoPress is simply marginally costlier and may do as much as 250 litres (65 gallons) per filter, in order that does work out less expensive total. Nonetheless it’s also bulkier and heavier.
Urgent the water additionally takes a little bit of effort. I discovered it best to place the entire unit on the ground after which push down, though it may be finished by hand on a desk as effectively. Grayl does suggest utilizing your physique weight to push it down, and the floor of the highest of the bottle that you just push on is designed to be snug to do that and to resist the stress.
It’s simply fairly a bit of labor, and in my expertise took somewhat longer than the ten seconds Grayl suggests, even with clear water and a brand new filter.
It’s also price noting that an electroadsorption / ion trade based mostly filtration course of is somewhat totally different to plain filtration which depends on pore measurement. A pore-based system principally blocks the dangerous issues. An ion based mostly system works a bit like glue – the dangerous issues within the water like viruses keep on with the ions whereas the water passes by way of.
Sadly, over time, the ions can lose their cost and the filter can lose its effectiveness. Not like a pore-based system, which blocks up and turns into un-usable when exhausted, there’s no simple solution to inform when an ion-exchange system has misplaced its cost.
Grayl state that 300 presses is the lifetime of the system, and that is when the bigger pores will change into blocked, leading to diminished circulation. Principally, when it takes twice so long as regular to press by way of, it’s time to vary the filter. We’d suggest making an attempt to maintain observe of how a lot you may have used it as effectively, and erring on the secure aspect on the subject of changing the filter.
Lastly, while the Grayl web site states that the product has been independently examined to satisfy or exceed NSF protocols 42 and 53, there isn’t a point out of NSF protocol P231, which is the usual that must be examined to. I additionally wasn’t capable of finding the take a look at outcomes on their web site.
I did attain out to Grayl about this, they usually did ship by way of unbiased laboratory take a look at stories that present that the product works as marketed to take away viruses, micro organism and protozoa. So if in case you have issues, I’d counsel reaching out to them straight, their customer support may be very responsive.
As well as, unbiased exams like this have proven that Grayl does purify water because it claims. I wish to see this form of factor printed on the Grayl web site for transparency.
Total we now have preferred our Grayl UltraPress for journey.
Capability: 500 ml / 16.9 fl oz
Weight: 354 g / 12.5 oz
Filter sort: Electroadsorptive ion trade / charcoal
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites, viruses
Lifespan: 150 litres / 40 gallons
Stream Price: 3 litres / minute
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 60 cents per litre
Worth: Examine on-line at Amazon right here, REI right here and Grayl right here
LifeSaver Bottle
LifeSaver was developed by a UK based mostly inventor, and their merchandise have been utilized by the British Military for water filtration within the discipline.
The LifeSaver Bottle is designed to filter out micro organism, viruses, and parasites. It really works utilizing an built-in pump and filter system. So that you refill the chamber, then use the built-in pump to pressurize the bottle.
This forces water by way of the filter, which makes use of 0.015 micron (15 nanometer) pores to purify the water. Clear water is then out there within the clear water space, which can be utilized for consuming in addition to different makes use of like private hygiene and cooking.
The LifeSaver bottle has a comparatively excessive up-front value; nonetheless the 4,000 mannequin is able to filtering 4,000 litres of water earlier than the filter must be changed. It is a lot for a pump-based filter that removes viruses, and it signifies that the general value per litre is comparatively low.
As a result of the LifeSaver is filter based mostly, the pores will block over time, and when it’s not filtering correctly it should not enable water by way of.
There’s additionally a carbon filter for eradicating style from the water, and this has a lifespan of 250 litres.
When it comes to specs, the system has been examined to satisfy the NSF P231 customary in addition to the extra strict NSF P248 customary. The LifeSaver web site lists take a look at outcomes for his or her merchandise on their web site right here, with the latest report we may discover from 2020 displaying the bottle met NSF P248 necessities.
You can even see an older take a look at report carried out by the London College of Hygiene & Tropical Drugs right here. It’s good to see these take a look at outcomes shared publicly.
There are some disadvantages to the LifeSaver which are price mentioning. As it is a pressurised system it’s actually necessary to comply with the directions rigorously in order to keep away from over-pressurising it, which can lead to failure.
Moreover, the system must be primed, and to have an inch of water in it always, even when it’s saved. With out the water, the pores shut up and the filter stops working. It’s potential to fly with the LifeSaver, and take away the water for a brief time frame, however you have to bear in mind so as to add water after the flight.
That is additionally a reasonably heavy total resolution in comparison with different choices on our listing. LifeSaver do have a more moderen product known as the LifeSaver Liberty, which weighs 425g (15oz), and which may filter as much as 2,000 litres (440 gallons). Being smaller, it could actually solely retailer and course of 400ml (13.5 fl oz) at a time. Nonetheless, if weight is a main concern, then that will be our suggestion.
When you want extra water storage and processing capability, then think about the LifeSaver Expedition Jerrycan. That is additionally rated to NSF P248, and may retailer and filter as much as 18.5 litres (4 gallons) of water at a time. It’s out there in two variations, one with a filter that may deal with 10,000 litres (2,650 gallons), and one with a formidable lifespan of 20,000 litres (5,300 gallons).
The Jerrycan would make for a superb choice for these of you searching for a tenting or RV resolution the place you may have a automobile and weight is much less of a difficulty. It’s additionally a fantastic choice for catastrophe planning for at dwelling use.
Total although, the LifeSaver Bottle is a very good choice if you need filters with a protracted lifespan, virus removing with a comparatively low value per litre, and a product that has been examined to the very best requirements. Simply remember that it’s a little heavier than another choices, and you have to comply with the directions rigorously.
Capability: 750ml / 26.4 fl oz
Weight: 635g / 22oz
Filter sort: Pump based mostly filter
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites, viruses
Lifespan: 4,000 litre / 1,056 gallon
Stream Price: 2.5 litres / minute
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 4.5 cents per litre
Worth: Examine on-line on Amazon right here, REI right here
Survivor Filter Professional
Survivor is one other well-known model for water filtration. The Survivor Filter Professional is standard with again nation campers, nevertheless it’s a very good journey choice normally as a consequence of its mild weight.
The Survivor Filter Professional is principally a hand powered pump filter. Not like a lot of the different gadgets in our round-up, it doesn’t have built-in water storage. Just like the SteriPen, it’s designed to work together with your current water storage system.
The pump is kind of easy. It has an inlet hose and an outlet hose, in addition to three filter levels. You place the inlet hose into the water you wish to purify, and the outlet hose into your container. Whenever you pump, the water passes by way of the three-stage filter course of.
These three levels work as follows. First, there’s a 0.1 micron (100 nanometer) pre-filter which removes micro organism and parasites. The water then goes by way of the carbon filter, which improves style and may take away sure heavy metals and chemical substances.
Lastly, the water passes by way of the 0.01 micron (10 nanometer) ultra-filter. 10 nanometers meets the CDC tips for optimum ultrafiltration of viruses.
You would possibly suppose that having such effective pores would consequence within the Survivor Filter Professional having a brief lifespan. Nonetheless, Survivor provides you with a syringe that can be utilized to pressure clear water by way of the pump in reverse. This flushes out the filters, unblocking the pores, and significantly extending the lifespan.
With common again washing, Survivor states that their filters will last as long as 100,000 litres (26,417 gallons) earlier than needing to get replaced. Substitute filters are additionally comparatively low value. The carbon filter is rated as much as 2,000 litres (528 gallons).
When it comes to testing, all Survivor Filters are examined by unbiased third-party labs to make sure they carry out as claimed as much as NSF requirements. You possibly can see the stories on their web site right here.
When it comes to value per litre and total unit value, the Survivor Filter Professional presents glorious worth for cash. The one primary draw back is the circulation charge. It takes a minute to pump half a litre of water. That is actually to be anticipated, given the very tiny pore measurement in use, however it’s positively one of many slower choices on our listing.
When you don’t wish to spend your time pumping, think about as an alternative the battery powered electrical model. That can filter as much as 360 litres (95 gallons) from two AA batteries, however may also be powered by USB. After all, counting on an electrical resolution is not going to be for everybody.
Total, as a light-weight long-lasting choice it is a excellent alternative. It’s notably good for backcountry tenting the place weight is vital, and the place turgid water sources would possibly stump a UV based mostly system just like the SteriPen. You additionally clearly have to pack and convey your individual water bottle.
Capability: N/A
Weight: 362g / 12.8 oz
Filter sort: Pump based mostly filter
What it could actually filter: micro organism, parasites, viruses
Lifespan: 100,000 litre / 26,417 gallon
Stream Price: 0.5 litres / minute
Price per litre in USD at MSRP: 0.07 cents per litre
Worth: Examine on-line on Amazon right here
Additional Studying
And that’s it to our information to one of the best water filters for journey. We hope you discovered it helpful! Earlier than you head on, we additionally needed to share another content material we’ve put collectively that you just would possibly discover helpful, in addition to related third occasion sources.
And that’s it! As at all times, we’d love to listen to your ideas, feedback and questions on this information if in case you have any. Simply pop them within the feedback part under and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.
