If you’re traveling internationally or to remote places, a reliable water purifier can be a lifesaver. Look for one that eliminates bacteria, protozoa (cysts) and viruses.
You’ll also want something light, robust and reasonably priced. Many of the camping tech-heads out there have worked hard to come up with solutions that meet these requirements.
1. Boiling
Boiling is a simple way to clean water and, with a pot, stove, and some energy, it’s a cheap method. It kills bacteria, protozoa, and cysts in water, as well as removes unpleasant odors. However, boiling cannot remove chemicals (such as heavy metals and solvents), nitrates, or salt. It also doesn’t disinfect more resistant germs, such as cryptosporidium and giardia.
A better option is a pump filter, like the tried-and-true MSR Guardian. It expunges odors, kills bacteria and protozoa, and removes viruses. The only downside is that it’s bulky and requires a lot of energy to use.
Other portable water purifiers include pocket-sized filters that look like a straw, such as LifeStraw’s Peak and Katadyn’s Steripen Adventurer, that you simply stick into your bottle of untreated water. These products, which typically require batteries, work in a similar manner by stirring the water and, at the touch of a button, emitting a light to indicate that the water is ready for drinking.
The downside is that they aren’t as efficient at purifying the water and they can take a while to set up. They also don’t eliminate all contaminates, such as silt, from the water.
2. Filtration
A water filter will not only make your drinking water safe but also better tasting. This is because filtration removes all kinds of impurities, which improves the taste and clarity. It will also prevent you from getting dehydrated, which is a major problem while traveling and doing outdoor activities.
The filtration process uses fine physical barriers or chemical processes to rid your water of compounds like chlorine, sediment, and chemicals. It also eliminates bacteria, protozoa and other microorganisms that cause illnesses. Most filters will not, however, eliminate viruses, which are too small to be caught by a filter’s pores. Some purifiers use iodine or ultraviolet light to kill these viruses.
Another great thing about filtration is that it leaves behind important minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, in your drinking water. This is important because these are essential for your health and wellbeing.
There are a lot of different types of portable water filtration systems available. Some will have a pump that you have to manually operate, while others will rely on gravity or UV treatment and just sit in your water bottle. Choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget. When deciding on a system, you should consider its storage capacity, water output and filtering capabilities. The Steripen Adventurer, for example, is a compact, lightweight device that works in the blink of an eye and can fit into any wide-mouthed water bottle.
3. UV Light
UV water purification exposes bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cysts (like Giardia or Cryptosporidium) to a germicidal ultraviolet wavelength. This causes damage to the DNA of these organisms, thereby disabling them and stopping them from reproducing. It is a very effective way to disinfect your drinking water.
UV light does not affect the taste or odor of your water, so it is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods. It also does not remove dissolved minerals, heavy metals, and VOC’s from water, so it is important to use a complete water filtration system as part of your RV water purification plan.
One thing to keep in mind with UV water purifiers is that there are usually no integrated storage tanks, so you will need to carry extra containers for your water. Moreover, since UV light is invisible to the naked eye, it’s impossible to check if the device is still functioning. If you notice the light has gone out, it’s important to replace the UV bulb immediately.
The Steripen Adventurer is a great option for travelers who want a simple, compact and efficient UV water purifier. This small device looks a bit like a pen that you dip into your bottle of untreated water and it will disinfect the water in a flash. It is one of the most lightweight options on this list and can be carried with ease in your RV.
4. In-Line Purification
If you are planning on traveling in places where the water isn’t safe to drink, a portable travel water purifier can help ensure you have enough clean drinking water for your entire trip. Besides reducing the risk of disease-causing bacteria and protozoan cysts, a portable water filter can also improve the taste and quality of your drinking water.
The best travel water filters are lightweight, compact and easy to use. They can remove a wide range of contaminants from your drinking water, including bacteria, protozoan cysts and heavy metals. Additionally, some water filters can also filter out viruses.
While there are many different types of portable water filters, the best travel water purifier for international travel will depend on your needs. For example, if you’re backpacking, it’s important to choose a travel water filter that can deal with the turbidity of most backpacking water sources. This includes a system like the MSR Guardian Purifier, which has an auto backflush for turbid water and can be used with a wide variety of backpacking bottles.
Moreover, a portable water filtration system can reduce the amount of plastic that you consume when traveling. This is especially helpful if you are looking to cut down on the number of single-use plastic bottles that you buy and throw away. In addition to reducing your environmental footprint, this type of device can also save you money in the long run.