Travel Water Filters: A Buyer’s Guide To The Best Products
Contents
Water is an essential part of our everyday lives. Not just any water, but clean and safe drinking water.
On those days you're out hiking, camping or scouting, it may not be easy to find clean drinking water.
Though you may find clear water like a spring or river, you have no way of telling if it's safe to drink. The CDC says even a clear mountain stream is generally not safe to drink untreated.
Some survival guides point to fast-moving water sources when you have no gear, but that water still needs treatment. If you have no filter, bring it to a rolling boil, which kills all types of germs, including viruses, bacteria and parasites.
However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and to head out with the best equipment in your backpack.
I'm going to give you a list of the best water filters available.
They come in different forms and may use different techniques, but they all serve the same purpose of making your water safe and clean to drink.
Filters like these are designed to remove protozoa such as Giardia and, depending on pore size, bacteria when drinking water from the outdoors.
Most portable filters do not remove viruses, and no filter or boiling makes water with chemical or industrial pollution safe. Where viruses are a concern, such as many international destinations, CDC travel guidance says you can combine a filter with chemical disinfection such as chlorine, or boil water for a full minute.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
This filter comes in different colors including camouflage, pink, black, green and blue.
There's also the multi-colour gift pack. That can be a good gift to loved ones who are interested in outdoor activities.
It’s small in size, fitting in the palm of your hand. Its small size guarantees it's lightweight and thus easy to carry around.
A full Sawyer kit comes with:
• One Sawyer mini water filter with a tip cap
• One 7” drinking straw
• One 16 oz. reusable squeeze pouch
• One cleaning plunger
The filter is made to attach to the accompanying drinking pouch, any standard disposable water bottle, and hydration pack.
You can use the straw to drink directly from the water source. This makes it also easier to use irrespective of the water source.
Sawyer says this filter removes 99.99999% of bacteria, such as the germs behind cholera, and 99.9999% of protozoa, such as Giardia. It does not remove viruses.
Survivor Filter
Just like the first filter, you'll still be able to get that gift pack for the fun-loving, outdoorsy person.
The maker advertises a lifetime warranty and BPA-free plastic. Check the current listing for warranty terms.
The survivor travel water purifier system is made up of three distinct parts.
Each part handles a different job.
-
The first part is the cotton filter that removes all particles from your water.
-
The second part is the internal ultrafilter, which the maker says removes bacteria, protozoa and fine particles. It's easy to clean after every trip.
-
The third part is a carbon filter that improves taste and odor. The maker rates it for about 1,000 liters, and it's simple to replace.
Travel Berkey Water Filter
This is the best travel water filter for a large group of people out hiking or camping.
It works well in emergencies where people need access to clean drinkable water, and also in conditions where fresh, clean water is generally preferred.
The Travel Berkey holds 1.5 gallons of water and comes with two Black Berkey filter elements. The maker rates the pair for about 6,000 gallons, with a flow of roughly 2 gallons an hour.
It's a gravity system, so it's best for a campsite or home base rather than a hike. The included parts can change, so check the current listing.
Its size makes it handy when camping with friends and family.
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
As the name suggests, this travel water filter was made for all outdoor activities, but especially for hikers.
It's a hand-pump filter with a secure grip, so it isn't cumbersome to use or carry.
It's suitable for everyone from the camping beginner to the serious backpacker.
Its travel water purifier system is made up of a 0.2-micron glass fiber filter media and has activated carbon in the core.
The glass fiber filter gives good output with modest effort, and the activated carbon reduces some chemicals and improves the taste. Like most filters, it does not remove viruses.
Survival Water Filter Straw
This water filter has come in green and blue. Check the current listing for warranty terms.
At around 3 ounces, you can take it anywhere.
It's easy to carry as it comes with a cord that you can use to hang it around your neck or on your backpack.
The maker says it removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites.
It does not remove viruses or chemical pollution, so it won't make water from any source safe. The maker rates it for up to 1,000 liters.
Conclusion
A great hike or camp is one on which you can all have access to clean and safe water to drink. Contaminated water can be an issue for everyone from casual campers to serious hikers.
Any of the filters listed can make clear outdoor water much safer to drink by removing parasites and most bacteria. Pick water that looks clean, and pre-filter cloudy water through a cloth first.
For viruses, or when you're unsure, boil or disinfect as well. Never drink water you suspect is contaminated with chemicals, fuel or runoff.
Stay healthy on your next outdoor adventure!
