Last Updated on November 12, 2021 by TODD FRANZEN
A travel water filter isn’t just for traveling but is a great tool to have with you for any occasion. With water being one of the most important resources we need to live and survive, accessibility is of great significance.
Some would argue that we have the cleanest water in our modern world. And in this modern world of instant information and access to public records, we can actually see current water reports from the towns and counties that we live in.
After a search of the municipal water reports from my town(#1), my thoughts were reinforced on how water is treated. Generally speaking.
This is even more relevant when you are traveling. Both nationally and overseas.
One example is the Algae blooms(#2) that happen when there are too many nutrients in a body of water. These can cause serious illness and even death if they get into your drinking supply.
Another reason to carry a filter is for chemical contaminants(#3), heavy metals(#4), or pharmaceuticals(#5). Usually from wastewater systems or dumpsites which make their way back into our water supply.
We all know the effects of lead poisoning(#6), but do you even know what’s in your tap? Also, fluoridation has many known side effects that are not good for your health.
Be a problem solver!
Carrying a filter is also useful for conservation purposes by reducing plastic waste and protecting wildlife that may be under siege from our single use of plastic bottles and water cups.
Even if you live in a developed country, it might be time to think about taking control of your drinking supply by investing in a good filter system for the home or even as part-time protection when traveling abroad.
There are many different types available so we will go through some examples of how to choose the best water filter for your specific need.
What do I need?
Water filters come in many shapes and sizes, including gravity feed systems that are typically used by campers or hikers who may not have access to power but still want a reliable system.
The most popular portable system is similar to what you might use at home although they take up much less space.
If you are only going away for a short trip, then the best system might be something that is lightweight and easy to carry with enough filters for your time abroad.
For longer trips where power isn’t readily available, having an alternative way of filtering water, such as through Activated Charcoal or Ceramic Filtration can be useful.
There are many choices
If you are traveling in a third-world country, then it might be wise to invest in larger filters that can handle more contaminants, or have the ability to produce safe drinking water for an entire village with just one filter unit.
Gravity systems are great because they allow you to carry less weight while still having clean water on demand.
If you want more control over your drinking supply, then this is something worth looking at because they tend to be less expensive and more widely available.
The downside is that they usually require a larger quantity of water which can be hard to carry depending on your location, as well as the weight of all those extra bottles if you are going hiking or camping for an extended period of time.
A gravity system might also not work in very cold weather because it depends on the ambient temperature to get the water out of your holding tank.
If you are going camping or hiking, it might be best to look at a smaller personal gravity system that is lightweight and easy to carry without sacrificing too much on capacity.
A small countertop version will give you around two gallons per hour while larger ones can deliver up to ten gallons an hour.
These are great if you want something that is small and easy to use without having to lug around bottles or bulky holding tanks, but still allows for good capacity levels while traveling abroad.
The downside is that they can be quite expensive compared to other types of filters so it really depends on your budget as well as how much you need to carry.
Water filters for travel are very popular because they allow people to have clean drinking water on demand while also being lightweight and easy to pack away when not in use.
The best option is a personal water bottle that has an integrated filter, although there are some larger models available as well depending on your preferences or level of activity.
GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
The GrayL GEOPRESS is an example of a great water bottle filter. Its generous 24-ounce size and ease of use make this a great go-to for any traveling anywhere in the world. With its filter capacity being about 65 gallons, and consuming on average of 80 ounces per day, this filter should last a little over 100 days.
There are other filters that may work better depending on where you are traveling to. The simplicity of this filter makes it a great companion on your adventures away from home.
A benefit is you can carry it easily and use it on demand. Like if you go hiking or camping for a few days. But don’t have the space to pack in a bigger capacity filter system.
Even when traveling abroad, this type of product would be ideal. You will always have a water bottle available for use. And you don’t have to worry about carrying around a lot of extra weight.
A good, reliable travel filter will help put your mind at ease knowing your water situation is taken care of. An emergency can happen at any time. Think about natural disasters and extended power outages(#7). These are a couple of ways to be prepared for whatever life throws at you!
Travel Water Filter Features to Consider
Weight
Portable water filters come in many shapes and sizes, but the difference between them is weight. Those who want to go lightest should consider a straw or squeeze filter. They are made from BPA-free plastic with lightweight hollow fiber filtering systems that don’t add much bulk when full.
However, you can only drink directly out of these sources so it doesn’t make sense for heavy carrying capacity. Like those filtered by gravity or submersible pumps which will feel significantly heavier after packing away all their supplies before heading out into nature again this season!
Physical Size
If you’re looking to save weight, keep your backpack free of clutter, and compact for storage then size matters. Bottle filters with a hand pump take up more room because they are made from multiple components. Compared to other types like water bottle filters which only contain one component without any added pieces.
Size matters when it comes to the amount of space your travel water filter can take up. One bottle filter or a hand pump filter will naturally use more room than a straw or a squeeze filter. Keep in mind these types may not fit in some backpacks without folding them first!
Ease Of Use
When you’re out hiking and camping, it’s natural to want the most peace of mind possible. That means taking care of every small detail before setting off on your adventure. Not only to feel prepared but also to enjoy yourself even more!
With this mindset, many people carry water filters with them so they can be ready at any moment! Hand pumps and squeeze filters take a little longer to set up, and straws are about speed and simplicity.
Capacity
Travel water filter are a great way to make sure that you always have clean drinking water on hand. The filter capacity will vary depending on the size of your needs. Most can range from 3 months up until 5 years with proper care and maintenance in between replacements
The Waterdrop Water Filter Straw has an expected lifespan of 100,000 gallons, not bad considering it’s small enough for camping trips! You might need something this durable if going out into remote regions or across long distances. So be mindful before making purchase decisions based on this alone.
Flow Rate
If you want to make sure that everyone in your group has access to clean drinking water, then the flow rate should be above average.
The flow rate is an important factor in determining how much water passes through the filter. For example, if a gravity filter doesn’t have enough pressure, then it will take longer for that water to filter.
Flow rate is an issue for many people. The solution depends on what type of filter you have, gravity or pump. Either backwashing your current one or purchasing a replacement filter should do the job!
FAQ
What does “potable water” mean?
A potable (pot-a-bol) water source is a water supply that meets the health-based, quality standards rules of a public health authority for consumption.
What is the Best feature of a Travel Water Filter?
Your water will be the best tasting in town. The filtering media itself is what makes a filter really great. It’s made of tiny pores too small for any contaminant to pass through!
Although the smallest pores on a filter are only 0.1 microns in size, they still work to trap impurities and chemicals.
What kind of standards are manufacturers heald to?
There are none. The industry is quite unregulated. Manufacturers have gone through the process of getting accredited and are guided by multiple organizations. The EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency)Guide Standard Protocol, NSF certified(National Sanitation Foundation), WQA (Water Quality Association), and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
What should I be aware of when Traveling?
- Water found in its natural environment
- Don’t trust the tap water
- Some street vendors cut corners during food prep
A little common sense will go a long way in determining your water source.