Portable water filters and purifiers make water from a stream or lake safe to drink. You fill your bottle, filter and drink. So you always have clean water at the campsite, on a trip or on a long trek, even far from towns and villages.
Portable water filters and purifiers: what is the difference?
A filter removes bacteria, protozoa and dirt from the water. With it, you can drink water from a river or lake. A purifier goes one step further. It also takes out viruses and chemicals. So do you want to be quite sure? Then choose a purifier, for example the Wayfarer from Lifesaver.
Size counts too. You can easily take a straw or a bottle with a filter in your backpack. A jerrycan or a bag with a filter, however, suits a group or works at home as an emergency supply. In addition, many models let you replace the filter on its own, so your system lasts a long time.
What should you look for?
First, think about how much water you need. For yourself, a bottle or a straw is enough. For a family, choose a larger bag or a jerrycan. Not sure about the source? Then pick a purifier, because it also deals with viruses. Finally, brands such as Lifesaver, Care Plus and Membrane Solutions have a name for reliable filters.
