The Best Water Filters for Travel, Survival & More

Are you into emergency preparedness or backpacking? Do you always want clean and safe water anywhere you are? If so, you might be looking for the best water filter for travel. It is what you need for survival, hiking, and camping. This filter for a trip can get rid of the contaminants in the water. These include bacteria and other harmful substances that would otherwise endanger health.

To help you select the right one for your needs, you can refer to the following for the top suggestions from our team. Before we proceed further, let me highlight the essential factors to look for when shopping around for a water filter for travel.

• Filtration Technology: Travel water filters vary in filtration or purification technology. Some only improve the water’s aesthetics, while others eliminate chemicals, microorganisms, and other impurities. Still, a few travel water filters use ultraviolet technology to kill microorganisms without removing chemicals. Others release chemical disinfectants into the water to make it safe to drink.

• Filtration Capacity: Although travel water filters have a smaller capacity than other filter types, buyers must still choose one with a high capacity. For instance, a 1,000-gallon filter lasts 25x longer than a 40-gallon unit, making it a cost-effective solution for on-the-go drinks. It is worth noting that filter capacity is inversely proportional to filter replacement frequency.

• Certification: Trustworthy travel water filter brands have a reputation to protect, prompting them to seek rigorous testing, validation, and certification for their product offerings. Meanwhile, some companies only put “NSF-certified” or the “WQA Gold Seal” on labels without providing verifiable proof. You will feel more secure and confident with a WQA, NSF, or IAPMO-certified water filter.

If you’re ready, get started in the following to help you compare and select a water filter for camping, trekking, and outdoor activities.

Top-Quality Water Filter for Travel Reviews

1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The personal water filter is another not to miss when choosing an emergency preparedness filtration system. No one knows when we’re going to a remote place where there is no clean source. It is why we need a personal filter like this one from LifeStraw. You can fit it into your emergency backpack, and use it when needed. Besides emergencies, it is also useful for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.

The LifeStraw water purification travel is also one of the top choices for its high capacity. You can check it out if you are looking for a filter like it. It can provide you with up to 792 gallons of water. You can rely on it to drink safe water. It does not require any iodine or chemicals.

In many places, we cannot be sure of clean water. That is why using a filter like this one is essential. It can get rid of up to 99.9 percent of bacteria, including E. coli and cholera in the water. It can also eliminate up to 99.95 of harmful protozoa, including beaver fever and entamoeba histolytica.

Also, the travel water filter is without any shelf life. You can store it after use without worrying about any expiration date. You can also rely on it for camping, backpacking and hiking. You can also use it for emergency kits in the office, home, or car.

2. Sawyer Products Water Filtration System

To ensure you can always drink clean tap water, you might want a portable water filter for travel to Africa. One of the most excellent choices around is this Sawyer product. It has an efficient filtration system. The filtration system is ideal for personal use and the outdoors. It suits those that love hiking, scouting, or camping. It is also for those who are into international or domestic travel. Plus, this mini-filtration system is perfect for survival and emergency preparedness.

The water filter is also efficient. It has an inline filter that can filter out even tiny substances. It is also a small filter that can fit your hand’s palm. Plus, the filter weighs only two ounces. Each filter is also tested thrice to ensure quality.

The Sawyer water filter can also attach to standard disposable bottles and in the included pouch. It can also connect to hydration packs. Finally, you can use it for drinking directly from the source. I also liked its efficiency in that it can remove up to 99.9% of bacteria, including cholera. Not only that, but it can also get rid of 99% of protozoa, including cryptosporidium. In terms of microplastics, it can remove all of them.

The filter is also rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. It is money-saving and does not need frequent replacement. This model also comes with a reusable squeeze pouch and a mini-filter. It also comes with a cleaning plunger and a drinking straw.

3. Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter

If you’re looking for a travel water purification system, you should not miss this filtration system. It is one of the top-quality choices for its reliability and portability. Many people choose it for its fast flow rate. It will help you drink clean and safe drinking water on the go. It is what you need for water when you need it. 0

I also liked its EZ clean membrane. As the name suggests, it is easy and quick to clean. You only need to swish or shake the filter to remove the debris. It does not require any back flushing. You also don’t have to use additional tools.

Also, I liked that it can filter up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water. You don’t need to use any chemicals or another device to clean contaminated water. You can clean the filter in seconds, giving you added convenience.

I would also like to note that it has a nozzle that stays clean. With it, you can be confident that you’re drinking fresh and sanitized water all the time. The mouthpiece is also sanitary and clean. You can replace it easily with standard bottle caps.

4. CrazyCap Insulated Bottle with NSF Certified UV Water Purifier

It is a tight race to the pinnacle of water filtration for travel purposes. As if LifeStraw and Brita are not formidable enough, CrazyCap offers its excellent portable water purifier.

I mean it when I say this product is a water bottle that purifies water in a way neither LifeStraw nor Brita can match. While these units use different technology to remove impurities, this bottle emits UV-C technology to kill 99.9996% of nonpathogenic contaminants. More importantly, it has an NSF/ANSI 55 certification to prove its claim.

Interestingly, I cannot help but make a Crazy Cap vs LARQ PureVis comparison because both products use UV-C technology. They are nearly identical, except LARQ removes 99.8% E. coli and self-cleans every two hours. Crazy Cap performs automatic self-cleaning every four hours.

Four hours is a long wait for some. Thankfully, this UV water bottle has an override mechanism. Two taps on the button disinfect the water bottle for 60 seconds. Clicking it five times will extend the cleaning program to two minutes.

Plus, this water bottle’s USB interface makes for efficient operation. Travelers can have this USB water steriliser ready to deliver purified water within minutes.

Enjoying my favorite coffee is a cinch because this double-walled, vacuum-insulated travel bottle can keep my drink hot for a dozen hours. And if I fancy an iced tea or lemonade, I have 24 hours to enjoy the refreshingly cool drink.

Some folks complain about the hefty price tag of this UV water purifier. I think it is a steal.

6. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

If you’re looking for the most trusted water purifier for travel, you should consider this bottle. It can keep you hydrated anywhere you are! Especially if you love the outdoors, you don’t have to think twice but bring a bottle like it. There is so much to love about it. I liked that it can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants.

That alone makes this bottle a top choice for someone like me that loves the outdoors. Like now, many diseases are around, and it will pay off to keep yourself and your loved ones protected from the harmful health effects of pollutants. Camping in outdoors and merely trekking or hiking makes it hard to find clean drinking water. However, we should not drink just from about any source without filtering the water.

If you like to ensure safe water on the go, you should use this bottle. It is with a two-stage activated carbon filter that can reduce the chlorine, odor, and other compounds in the water. Overall, this bottle can improve the overall quality of the water.

The LifeStraw water bottle comes with a reusable and BPA-free straw. It can filter the water while you’re drinking. This product is an excellent match for backpacking and travel. You might want to consider it if you are looking for a filter bottle for an emergency kit.

This product can remove protozoan parasites, bacteria, and e. coli, among others. Thanks that it is also built with an activated carbon capsule that can reduce the chlorine taste. It has a filter that can filter up to 264 gallons of water for its filtration lifetime hollow fiber membrane. The lifetime activated carbon capsule can filter 100 liters of water. It is replaceable, too.

6. Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle

The bottle for drinking is another solution to help you enjoy pure water all the time. If you love hiking, cycling, and going outdoors, you will also appreciate the benefits to get from this water bottle.

One of the things I liked about the water bottle is that it has 26 ounces of size. It is a premium water bottle that has enough capacity for a personal bottle. It is a durable bottle made of safe and BPA-free plastic. When you buy this one, you can get a replaceable filter. It works by reducing chlorine and bad taste.

I would also like to recommend the bottle for its design. It comes with an easy-sip straw, which is enclosed to prevent the entry of harmful contaminants. It is also easy to carry because it has a carrying loop, allowing for more portability. So, even if you’re always on-the-go, you can look forward to using a portable water bottle. It is excellent because it has been designed with convenience in mind.

Also, this water bottle comes with a cup holder-friendly design, which allows for secure storage and portability. The one-handed push button lid also adds to the comfort of the use of this water bottle. With it, you can have a hassle-free way of carrying a container that works to provide you with clean and safe drinking water anytime.

It is also eco-friendly and it can eliminate the need to buy plastic bottles. This model can replace up to 300 single-use bottles. So, it does not just save money but also conserves the environment. It can reduce plastic wastes, which is one of the issues in this modern world.

I would also like to note that it has a leakproof design, helping avoid any drips while enjoying your life outdoors. Plus, this water bottle is also versatile, that you can take it anywhere. You can bring it on a trip abroad or a sporting event.

7. Miniwell Gravity Water Filter Straw

Straws like water purification bottles for third world countries are meant to be shared with the whole family or friends as far as Miniwell is concerned. Yes, this mini gravity water filtration system can very much what you and your group would need when you are our conquering your outdoor adventures. It is not designed to be a single user sucking up straw, but instead, it is the filtration straw of the whole team.

You will be amazed at how useful and straightforward, not to mention practical this system works. The whole package can be easily be transported and doesn’t take much space or weight on your backpack. It includes a tree strap, your pocket-sized water filter, the hose, and the hose clip, a clean water collapsible bottle, and your unfiltered water reservoir. All this in a smart carry bag so you can have everything you need.

All you need is a tree to hang this up, your water source, and the Miniwell gravity water filter. You can enjoy the outdoors and thrive in emergencies without having the extra worry of access to clean, safe, and potable drinking water. The system impressively can filter up to 2000 liters of water at 0.1 microns. The fast rate is also acceptable at 600 ml per minute. You can have fresh water into safe and potable water in a matter of minutes.

It also doesn’t require a complicated setup as it uses gravity to process and make filtration possible. With its 3 liters water reservoir, you can have enough safe water for the entire group. This is very ideal for camping, hiking, and fishing and highly recommended to be part of your gear when you pack your survival supplies. It is very useful during emergencies and even for folks who spend time in remote locations.

8. Survivor Filter PRO

Small but undoubtedly one with the biggest responsibility for providing clean water for your entire family is the Survivor Filter Pro. It has gone through several testing laboratories in the United States, and the outcome is all the same. With this, you’d have water that is safe for drinking and one that meets the EPA drinking water standards.

If its certification is not enough for you, you’d soon appreciate that this ready to use the right of the box system is what’s missing when you travel or go outdoors. With such a small system, a three-stage filtration happens with the first stage involving the ultra-filter pre-filter, where ultra-filters of 0.1 microns become the main barrier to sift and remove Giardia, algae, E. Coli and others. This filter can be used to filter up to 100,000 liters of water from varying sources. Stage 2 is where the carbon filter comes into play.

This is located inside the Survival Filter Pro device and is tasked with blocking pollutants, chemicals, and heavy metals. It is suitable for 2,000 liters of water. Lastly, the final stage involves an internal ultra-filter to ensure that your water is 99.99% free of bacteria and viruses.

Another thing that you’d like here is its impressive flow rate of 500 ml per minute. You can use it directly from your fresh water source and pumped into your cup or it can also be pumped into any movable hydration pack, whatever is more convenient to you.

You can use it just for you or have it become the dedicated filtration system of your group. It should supply you with more than sufficient, safe, and drinkable water. With its lightweight and compact design, you can easily attach it to your knapsack and start your journey. You won’t notice it is even there because it doesn’t take up space and is not heavy at all.

9. Epic Nalgene OG Water Filtration Bottle

Say goodbye to single-use plastic bottles and do more for the environment without compromising your water quality. Getting the Nalgene OG water Bottle Filter System would allow you to achieve both. The “Original Gangster” water filtration bottle is a brainchild of the company’s president upon knowing that his son’s Boy scout troop is using Nalgene’s containers.

Aiming to improve further and make it more effective until it became what it is today—the 32-ounce full mouth water bottle container from Nalgene with Epic’s urban filter system. Two brands entirely made in the US that was able to produce a water filtration system that can produce 75 gallons of water that is safe, healthy, and ideal for drinking. Tests and studies show that it lasts three times longer than the other bottles making it very cost-efficient for you.

One bottle for all your daily needs and it is suitable for all members of your household too. If you are a parent, you can stop worrying about the quality of water your child drinks when not at home. For peace of mind, the filters incorporated here are tested to remove 200 and more known water contaminants and impurities efficiently. The filter is also duly certified by the NSF/ANSI to meet the required water filtration standards. It uses a multi-stage process for its filtration system to ensure that nothing gets missed.

Stop contributing 550 and more plastic bottles every year and better get your own Epic Nalgene OG water filtration bottle.

10. GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier

For sure, you can’t go wrong with an eye-catching orange water bottle. The Grayl Geopress water purifier bottle is the top-rated recommendation for travelers, backpackers, and those who enjoy outdoor adventures, as it can make any of the sketchiest water supplies safe for drinking.

This product is the first of its kind when it comes to speed, ease in usage, and convenience. In just a blink of eight seconds, you already have 710 ml of safe water that can be consumed. Impressive and highly effective, in that very little time, it has removed all waterborne pathogens like protozoan cysts, bacteria, and viruses. It has removed components of Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, E. Coli, Cholera, and Dysentery, just to name a few. Dirt, pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals are all filtered out again in a matter of eight seconds.

Geopress is the next top-quality thing when it comes to portable and convenient water purifiers. It is jam-packed with so many reasonable premiums to improve its overall functionality and form. There is no delay as there is no setup time, and its SimpleVent drinking cup performs three different functions of venting air while it is purifying. It is sheltered against cross-infection while allowing single-handed hydration via its fast-flow drinking spout.

Additionally, it follows a user-friendly approach of fill, press, and drink. Fill it up with water, press it to commence the filtration process, and drink it. It is so simple that you simply can’t go wrong. You don’t need additional accessories to make it work—no pump, straw, or gravity bag. You can just effortlessly have water purified at your convenience. The water treatment is working at a speed that is incomparable to the market’s filters today that you’d want to have this.

With its ergonomic design and BPA-free materials, you will never bother to have a plastic water bottle again.

11. FS-TFC Personal Water Filter Straw

Having clean water is one of the most important things you need to survive. Whether you are at home or outdoors, but accessing it, especially outdoors, is not always possible. FS-TFC Personal Water Straw Mini Water Purifier allows you to have accessible clean drinking water wherever you are. This handy and straightforward water purifier is advisable for camping or hiking, and traveling, and is an excellent addition to your emergency kit.

It is made of a triple filtration system. It has a sediment prefilter, a micron membrane for its straw, and activated carbon fiber that remove visible and invisible sediments from the water, killing germs and bacteria and making it potable for you to drink. FS-TFC Personal Water Filter Straw Mini Water Purifier has been tested in the most unsafe and worst environments and proven to eliminate 99.99% of harmful elements that make the water dangerous to drink. Its filtration system also improves the taste and odor of the water.

A unit can filter 4000 liters or 1,000 gallons of water. It uses an FS-TFC filter straw tested and proven safe by several international labs like SGS international. The materials are also guaranteed safe by EPA, FDA, and WHO.

The kit comes with a purifier straw, a PET bottle adapter that is compatible with any water source, a 16-ounce pouch, and a food-grade silicone pipe that can extend up to 2 feet. The bag that comes with the kit is BPA free and reusable, making it environmentally friendly.

12. SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle

Whether you are an athlete who always needs to be hydrated, or a hiker who drinks from streams and rivers, or a simple person who wants to be sure of water safety before drinking it, this SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle is suited for you.

SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle takes hydration to an advanced level. It has four high-performance purifying systems including a medical-grade hollow fiber membrane, a coconut shell for environment-friendly activated carbon, beads, and a medical-grade PP cotton that filters the water before it becomes potable.

The bottle itself is made from Tritan Copolyester, durable and heat-resistant material. It is a food-grade and BPA-free plastic that keeps out a bad smell. This eco-friendly water filter cartridge is replaceable. If you have maximized its long lifespan, you can easily purchase a replacement while keeping the bottle. The ergonomic design of SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle is also one of its beneficial features. You can put a clip on it or a carabiner and hang it on your bag or belt.

This product is your ultimate survival buddy when you’re hiking, camping, or traveling to places without access to clean water. What you need to do is fill in the bottle and let the filtration do the job as you drink. Another fantastic feature of this product is the built-in compass on its top, helping you to find direction whenever you are lost. Talk about wilderness assistance, huh? You can have your fresh water instantly. There is no need to install pumps, a hose, or batteries.

13. LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System

If you are camping with the family or merely prepping for an emergency, you would need as much water as you can store. But carrying gallons of water is not practical as you still need other supplies. LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System allows you to filter enough water for the family or yourself in days.

This emergency preparedness or outdoor filtration system is powered by gravity to purify water. It eliminates 99.9999% of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, making water clean and ready for drinking. You can fill the bag from any lake, river, or pond around. It is easier to fill in, and you don’t have to hold the bag while waiting for it to get filled. The drawstring attached to it can be mounted or suspended on a tree or pole for better support.

Gravity filtration allows the water to move down the hose, filtering it using the ultrafiltration system. The water is cleaned and exits through pores measuring only 0.02 microns, trapping any contaminants that may be present in the water. The BPA-free compact and roll handy bag can hold a 5- or 12-liter water capacity. It has the capacity to produce 9 to 12 liters or 2.4 to 3.2 gallons of water each hour and can purify 18,000 liters of water. It comes in two variations, a 5-liter and 12-liter capacity.

LifeStraw is also committed to making a difference in the life of less fortunate communities. For every purchased item from LifeStraw, you got to sponsor a child from a chosen developing community to have safe and clean water for a school year.

What Is A Water Filter For Travel/ Who Is This For

A water filter for travel is a portable device that allows you to drink purified water from virtually anywhere. These devices can take many forms. Some are designed to look like ordinary water bottles or personal water jugs. Others come in the form of a bag that you hang up high and let gravity do the rest. There are also travel water filters that look like large straws with built-in filter chambers.

Regardless of the type of travel water filter system that you have, they all work in the same way. These products allow the passage of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. Simultaneously, the layer prevents the passage of other molecules that are bigger than water molecules. These can include chemicals, toxins, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and certain viruses.

Travel water filtration systems are ideal for anyone going to a place where the safety and quality of drinking water are uncertain. For example, hiking, camping, and backpacking through the wilderness will offer you very few resources for safe drinking water. Your only sources are streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The problem is that you can never be too sure whether the water you are drinking is safe.

The same is true when traveling to a country or city where the water sanitation standards are questionable. You do not want to experience traveler’s diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems because of unsafe drinking water.

Having a portable water filtration system lets you have that peace of mind whenever you travel to a place where you are not sure about the safety of the water. You can avoid gastrointestinal and other health issues while also addressing your inherent need to drink. You get to ensure your health and safety this way.

How Does It Work

A water filter for travel works like any other water filtration system. The only difference is that they are portable and often come with smaller filter elements. The main function of a filter element is the separation of molecules by virtue of their size. Filters are porous. They have very small holes like a sieve. The size of the holes has an impact on the effectiveness of the filter in separating different molecules.

Any molecule that has a larger diameter than the diameter of the filter hole will not be able to pass through this hole. As such, it will remain in that section of the device. Only molecules with a smaller diameter than that of the hole will be able to pass through. Since water molecules are tiny, they can easily pass through these holes. More significant compounds and specific biological agents will not pass through the filter.

Unfortunately, filters cannot prevent the passage of certain viruses through the membrane. Viruses can be as small as 20 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. Most devices on the market can only filter particles larger than 500 nanometers. High-end ones can filter particles as little as 100 nanometers. You still have viruses that are smaller than 100 nanometers that can get into the filtered water.

To address this issue, there are travel water filters that also serve as purifiers. These devices inactivate the viruses and other small microorganisms that may not be removed by the filter. Purifiers can make your drinking water a lot safer.

What Are The Different Types Of Travel Water Filters

We can categorize travel water filters into at least five different types. These include bottle, pump, gravity, UV, and straw water filter systems.

Bottle Filters

These look like any ordinary drinking bottle or water jug. The difference is that the lid features an integrated filter or purification system to help eliminate or reduce harmful water contaminants. These bottles are straightforward to use. Fill them up with water, and the built-in filter does the rest. It needs frequent cleaning, however. The filter cartridge needs regular replacement, too.

Pump Filters

A pump filter is almost the same as a hand pump that we use for transferring liquids from one container to another. This device comes with a hose that you dip into a source. The pump draws the water through the tube and empties it into a container. The water passes through a filter connected to the pump, allowing you to enjoy clean and safe tap water to drink. Pump filter water systems require a bit of elbow grease. However, they do provide an easy way to ensure safe drinking water wherever you are.

Gravity Filters

It is perfect for campers and hikers. This system consists of a bag, a hose, a filter, and a water collection container. You fill the bag with water and hang it high enough to let gravity do its work. Water flows through the hose, through the filter, and into the container, where you can later collect it for drinking. The issue here is the stability of the bag as it hangs. You do not want it to fall to the ground.

UV Purifiers

Purifiers are not filtering, although they do help in the inactivation of harmful microorganisms in water. UV purifiers are pen-like devices that emit ultraviolet radiation to kill microbes. You fill a glass with water, turn on the UV purifier, and dip it in the water. Wait about a minute or so, and you already have purified water. Keep in mind that UV purifiers run on batteries. It is always essential to keep them charged.

Straw Filters

These are the most straightforward yet most advanced travel water filtration systems available. They look like ordinary straws. You dip the straw in a glass of water and sip like you would any normal straw. The water passes through a built-in filter in the straw to remove contaminants or impurities.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Water Filter For Travel

Like any other product, water filters for travel can have distinct advantages that people love. Such products can also have downsides to them that one must weigh before making any decision to buy. The following are the most important advantages of a water filter for travel.

Good for the Environment

Ordinary water bottles are very convenient. You buy them, drink the water, and discard them any time you wish. Unfortunately, millions of tons of plastic water bottles end up polluting water systems and even the land. Using a portable water filter can help reduce the impact of plastics on the environment.

Very Practical

Portable water filters allow you to drink from virtually any source. You will never have to worry about upsetting your tummy because of the pathogens that may be present in the water. It is especially true for devices that have built-in purification systems. All you need is a source, such as a river or a puddle. Fill your device with water and let the filter do its thing.

Very Convenient

One of the most suitable ways to ensure safe drinking water is by boiling it. Unfortunately, it takes time to boil water in the wilderness. You need to boil the water for at least 15 minutes and then cool it down so you can drink it. In other words, boiling water is a hassle. Using portable water filtration systems eliminates such hassles and gives you safe and clean tap drinking water right away.

More Economical

Water filters for travel are indeed expensive. However, if you think about how many bottles of water you must drink every time you head outdoors, you will know that this is a worthy investment.

Not everything is rosy about water filters for travel. They do have downsides, too. These are as follows.

Limited Water Quantity

Some products can give you a minimal amount of filtered water at any given time. It can be an issue if you are very thirsty. You will have to improvise by storing the filtered water in separate containers. It will give you a backup in case you run out of water.

Slow Filtration

The filter of these units is smaller than what you can find in the home. As such, you cannot expect the screen to provide you with water at the same rate as a household water filtration system.

Buying Guide

Portable water filtration systems can be real lifesavers whenever you go to a place where the quality of drinking water is unknown or questionable. Unfortunately, picking the right water purifier to bring with you on your adventures can be challenging. Here is a straightforward guide on how you can choose the top-tier travel water purifier filter for you.

Consider the Filtration Technology

Most water filtration systems feature activated carbon filters as one of the filtering agents. It is ideal for the removal of bad taste and nasty odors from water. It makes the water more pleasant to drink. Carbon can also adsorb impurities such as heavy metals. There are also products that include other filtration technologies. An example is electro-adsorption. Electro-adsorption works like little magnets that attract particles in the water to keep it safe.

Check the Filter Pore Size

The effectiveness of a filter depends on the diameter of its individual ‘holes.’ If the holes are large, then you cannot expect the screen to remove small particles. Good quality filters typically have a pore size of at least 1 micron. However, a 5-micron pore size would be adequate in most instances.

Does it have a Built-in Water Purification System?

The pore size of standard filters does not prevent the passage of many viruses. These microorganisms can be as small as 0.02 microns. That is why it is essential to check the water filter for travel if it comes with a built-in water purification system. Some products use chemical tablets to inactivate viruses. Others use a device that emits ultraviolet radiation to kill viral species. Some machines incorporate silver compounds in their design. Silver can help neutralize viruses and other microorganisms that may pass through the filter.

Check the Water Capacity

Always consider the capacity of the water purifier for travel. It is especially true if you are going to pick a bottle filter type. It is often rare to find a bottle of water filter that can hold 24 ounces of water. You can get one that has a 15- or 16-ounce capacity. Straw filters are high because there are no limits to how much water you can drink.

Consider Filter Maintenance

As with any other product, water filters have a service life span. Some filters may last only several uses or a few gallons of water before requiring replacement. There are also water filters that are washable. Such products are perfect for people who want to economize. Unfortunately, the service life of the filter is based on the water condition and frequency of usage of the product. It would be most suitable to pick a product with a long-lasting filtration mechanism.

Consider Ease of Use

Some products are quite tricky to use. They can come with hoses and other parts that you will have to connect to before you can start using the device. Others may not come with an owner’s manual, too. Pick a system that you can use straight from the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

LifeStraw vs Brita water filter – which is better?

Most adventurers will say that LifeStraw is better than Brita. However, Brita loyalists will say otherwise, adding that it is more affordable than its competitor. Let us examine these handheld water filtration devices to determine which is better for traveling abroad or locally.

Although Brita is popular for its water filter pitchers, its premium insulated filtered water bottle is also making waves among travelers. It can keep beverages cold for 24 hours and remove chlorine, odor, taste, and particulates. According to its official website, this Brita product can only filter potable water, making it a travel tap water filter.

Meanwhile, the LifeStraw Go water filter bottle features an advanced membrane microfilter that removes the smallest microorganisms imaginable. It can reduce bacteria by 99.999999% and parasites by 99.999%. Although it is not the cheapest, the LifeStraw Go can also reduce silt, sand, microplastics, and turbidity by 99.999%.

Whether you travel to Mexico or any other country, you will feel more confident about LifeStraw Go’s EPA, NSF P231, and NSF 42 certifications. It also has activated carbon for neutralizing chlorine, chemicals, and odors. The filter can screen 1,000 gallons of water, while Brita can only accommodate 40 gallons.

What to do with Brita filter on vacation?

Before you head to the fanciest hotels and resorts for a much-needed vacation, we recommend removing the Brita filter from the pitcher or bottle and letting it dry.

Slip the dried-out filter into an airtight budget container or the bag Brita provides and store it in a cool and dry place.

Going on an exotic India or Laos adventure is more hassle-free with the Brita filter safely tucked in your luggage. Get as many keepsakes for your Instagram as possible to make this effort worthwhile.

What is the easiest method to purify the water for campers?

Boiling is arguably the easiest method to purify water when camping, traveling, or hiking. Most folks heat their water on a portable stove, while others prefer the convenience of water purification tablets. You only need the correct number of tablets, and you can drink worry-free.

Alternatively, campers can use a travel water purifier bottle or any water jug with a built-in filtration system. The CDC recommends an NSF53-certified filter to remove cysts in the camp water.

However, if you want to kill pathogenic microorganisms, your best action is to boil the water for a minute (if you camp at lower than 6,500 feet) or three minutes (if camping at 6,500 feet or more).

You can also drink water heated to 131 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It might not kill ALL microorganisms, but it should alleviate your worries about water-borne diseases.

Interestingly, an Arizona State University and Montana Technological University excellent sustainable water filters study finds that refreshing kombucha tea can be a suitable biological water filter when mixed with the correct culture. The implications are immense if this biofiltration technology picks up.

What is the most trusted travel water filter brands?

A few of the most popular products are LifeStraw, Sawyer Products, and SurviMate, among the rest of the filters featured in today’s guide. They are known for high-quality and durable items that last long and offer clean drinking water all the time. Check them out, but make sure to choose the type, including a filter straw, filter bottle, and so on, to buy what’s right for you.

What is the top-rated water filter bottle for travel?

It can be a subjective answer. There is no one size fits in terms of requirements and needs. But then, it will help you figure out by checking features, including filtration capacity, speed, and convenience. A few of the top-quality products in the category are those reviewed earlier.

How do you filter water when traveling?

You can filter water while traveling using one of the filter systems featured earlier. These are mini filters designed to help you stay hydrated wherever you go. Some are available in filter bottles that let you have a handy container to bring anywhere and drink safe water anytime.

If you don’t have a commercial filter, you can use a DIY one. For example, you can use a cloth or a shirt to filter water and remove debris or dirt on it. However, it is only for filtering these things and nothing more. You still need to purify or boil the water later. A container is also useful if there is no other choice. Just fill it with water and set aside for 12 hours so that the sediment will settle at the bottom. However, it does not remove harmful pathogens in the water.

In this case, it will still be useful to buy a mini or personal filtration system ideal for traveling and camping. Choose among one of those featured earlier.

How to use it?

It depends on the model or type of travel filter that you have chosen. For example, some of the best water filter for travel like the Sawyer Mini are versatile. It can be used in different ways. You must attach its filter to the squeeze pouch/bladder through the screw threading. You can drink directly from the spout. Alternatively, you can dispense the water into another container. To clean it, you need a plunger for backflushing the filter.

Others are filter straws, like a LifeStraw filter. It is simple to operate, not requiring any hard pumping or physical effort on your end. Just remove the caps, and then immerse the straw’s end into the lake or source where you’re drinking.

How to care & clean?

At first use, you must clean it with warm and soapy water. You also must run the filter under the faucet for a minute or more. But for specific directions, you can also check the user manual for manufacturer instructions. For maintenance, you need to replace the filter regularly to keep it in optimal condition. Depending on the water condition, you might have to replace it more often.

Where to buy?

A few of the most trusted places to buy a filter for travel include Amazon, Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot. These personal filters are also in survivalist shops and stores. They are also in online marketplaces and manufacturer websites. Regardless of where you’re buying, you should compare your choices well. Start with the reviews earlier to know more about these filtration systems.

Conclusion

Enjoying the outdoors while staying hydrated and safe, must be one of our top priorities. For that, we need the best water filter for travel. It is a handy filtration system integrated with a useful screen to filter out contaminants and improve the overall odor and taste of water. Regardless you’re in the woods, a remote place, or anywhere on earth, access to clean drinking water is more straightforward with one of these water filters for travel. Check them out today!

Ronald Brown

Hi, I am Ronald, founder of Saveourh2o. With this website, we aim to solve all the problems related to your water filters, softeners, and heaters. I have five years working in water equipment sales & service. I hope to bring the knowledge gathered from my daily work to help you to achieve comfort and safety in your home!