After months of planning and getting excited about your holiday, the last thing you want is to be ill on your trip. Unfortunately, a change in water or questionable water source can quickly render you unwell and knock out days or even weeks of your long-planned trip. While boiling water is the most common way by far for sterilising water, it is not always convenient. We have compiled a list of the best water purification products and options for you to consider ahead of your trip.

There are many different water purification products available, depending on your budget. From water treatment drops and water filter straws to pump filters and gravity filter systems there is a solution for every type of trip and budget.

Factors to consider

• How does the water purification device work?
• How effective is the water purification?
• What is the water purification product effective against?
• Is the water purification solution suitable for your trip?
• How heavy is the water purification product?
• What quantity of water is it suitable for?
• How long is required before you can start to drink from the water purification device?
• How easy is the water purification device to clean?

Aquatabs®

Aquatabs are considered the World’s most trusted water purification tablet. They kill most harmful organisms when added to water, dissolving quickly and disinfecting the water making it safe to drink in just 30 minutes. They come in a range of various strengths suitable for various quantities of water, ranging from 1  litre to 2500 litres.

They come in a range of various strengths suitable for various quantities of water, ranging from 1  litre to 2500 litres. They have a 5-year shelf life in strip packets, 3 years in bottles. They last for 7 days in sealed containers and 24 hours in an open container.

Aquatabs do not have strong unpalatable tastes like some water purification tablets, and they are safe for long-term use. It is a well-known brand which is relied on by aid agencies, NGOs, NATO and many other military organisations. They are safe to handle unlike some other brands of water disinfectant tablets, so you do not need to use gloves. Aquatabs are a great addition to your hiking or camping gear at any time in case of emergency.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Easy to pack.
• Quick and easy to use.
• Long shelf life.
• Suitable for both emergency situations and long-term use.
• Can be used when pregnant.
• The solution is suitable for washing fruit and veg in.

Cons:

• Do not remove chemicals or sediment particles.
• Water must be filtered to clear first.
• Aquatabs have not been proven against Cryptosporidium.
• Dosages are specific to volumes of water.

Water Purification Devices

Ideapro water purifier

The Ideapro water purifier is a portable water filter straw connects to most hydration reservoirs included standard threaded bottles. It can also be used straight into a body of water, so there is no need for a vessel to contain the water. It comprises a double water filtration system – a hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane and an antibacterial carbon filter.

At only 15.875cm long, it was designed for travellers, being compact and lightweight. However, it can be bundled with an extension tube to increase the reach. This water filter straw can easily be clipped into your travel pack for easy access on the go. Water is safe to drink straight away.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Small and easy to pack.
• Quick and easy to use.
• Instant drinking water.
• Pack includes an extension tube, water pouch, pre-filter and backwash device.

Cons

• You will need to pre-filter water that is not already clear before using the IdeaPro Water Purifier.

LifeStraw

The LifeStraw is a portable water filter straw which enables you to drink straight from a water source such as streams or lakes. The Lifestraw removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoa. It has a high flow rate and contains no chemicals. It doesn’t require batteries and has no parts which wear out.

It meets EPA standards for water filtration and has been used worldwide for humanitarian relief. The basic Lifestraw filter only filters out bacteria and viruses, but upgraded versions also reduce chemicals, heavy metals, pest/herbicides and tastes. The Lifestraw Family 1.0 removes viruses.

It uses hollow fibre membrane technology, meaning it does not require chemicals, therefore the filter can be cleaned by back flushing. To use all you need to do is insert the LifeStraw into a water source and suck through the mouthpiece. Afterwards, just blow through the straw to flush out the water filter membranes.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Small and easy to pack.
• Quick and easy to use.
• High flow rate.
• Instant drinking water – drink straight from lakes and streams.
• Doesn’t require chemicals or batteries.
• Removes giardia, cryptosporidium, e-coli, salmonella and many more.
• No shelf life.
• Includes a lanyard and end caps.

Cons

• The basic version does not remove viruses or chemicals.
• Does not store water itself.
• If drinking straight from source, you must get up close to the water.
• Does not include an extension tube.

MSR SweetWater Purifier Water Filter

The SweetWater Purifier Water Filter is a dual action pump which in addition to filtering out bacteria and other microbiological organisms also removes viruses with a chlorine-based water purification solution. It is a great water purification solution for backpacking as it is easily cleaned and serviced on the go.

It is easy to pack, taking up little room in your backpack. The package includes the Sweetwater microfilter, a stainless-steel pre-filter, 2 silicone hoses, foam float, water bottle adapter, cleaning brush and bag.

Pros

• Many extra parts and accessories are available to purchase to tailor the water filter to your needs.
• The pump is sturdy and easy to handle
• Small filter pores
• Has a built-in indicator to let you know when you need to replace the filter.
• The activated carbon core helps reduce bad taste and smells.
• Doesn’t use iodine

Cons

• Can take a while to fill large containers – only 1.25 litres pumped per minute.

Survivor Filter PRO-LE

The Survivor Filter PRO-LE is a multi-purpose water filter which is ideal for camping, hiking, backpacking and any other type of travel. It not only removes 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa and viruses but also reduces heavy metals such as mercury and lead but up to 99.5% and 93% respectively.

It filters 500ml of water per minute and can be used in three different ways – directly from a water source, pump into a cup ora portable water storage pack. It is a great solution for single travellers or families alike.

The triple filtration system comprises the Pre0filter, Internal Carbon Filter and Internal 0.01Micron Ultra Filter. The pack includes tubing, a carry case, and attachable cup, and the three filters.

Pros

• Lifetime warranty.
• Reduces heavy metals in water as well as microorganisms.
• Lightweight and only 16cm long so easy to pack.
• All 3 filters can be removed and cleaned or replaced.
• BPA free

Cons

• Plastic casing is lightweight but may not be durable.

Water Well Travel 700ml Water Bottle

The Travel water bottle is a filter bottle which holds 700ml of water. It has a dual action filtration system which removes 99.9% or waterborne bacteria and parasites and is a great solution for hiking, travelling, camping and other outdoor activities.

The hollow fibre membrane removes pathogens while the secondary carbon filter reduces organic compounds and chemicals. It has a bite valve to reduce leakage which can be removed if you prefer to sip the water.

Pros

• After removing the filter, the bottle can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
• BPS free.
• Does not use iodine, so there is no taste added to the water.

Cons

• Does not remove viruses
• May be slow to drink through

Find the right water purification solution for you

As you can see, there are plenty of different water purification products to choose between. Whether you want to purify water quickly on the go, pump a large volume to carry or want to be prepared in case of emergency, there is a solution for every budget. These alternatives are suitable for back-backing and hiking or instead form an important part of a survival kit.